County Announces New Directors for Human Resources, Department of Conservation & Natural Resources

Contact: 

Kari Bray, Executive Office
[email protected]
425-382-3184

Meghan Jordan, DCNR
[email protected]
425-312-0564

EVERETT, Wash., June 15, 2026 – Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers has appointed Josh Dugan as the new Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Director and Rob Sprague as the new Human Resources Director. The Snohomish County Council confirmed Dugan’s appointment on May 13 and Sprague’s appointment on June 10. 

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Dugan will lead DCNR’s efforts to protect and enhance the county's natural resources while supporting healthy, resilient communities throughout Snohomish County. He brings more than three decades of leadership experience in public service, operations, planning, and organizational management. He joined Snohomish County in 2015 as a Division Manager in Planning and Development Services and later served in a variety of leadership roles in the Executive Office, most recently as Executive Operations Officer. In those positions, he helped lead and support many significant initiatives, including the launch of commercial air service at Paine Field, the Snohomish County Courthouse renovation and expansion project, the relocation of the Veteran’s Memorial on the county campus, integration of the Health Department into county government, expansion of Sound Transit service in Snohomish County, and efforts to expand broadband access to underserved communities. His work has consistently focused on building partnerships, delivering complex projects, and improving services for residents. Prior to Snohomish County, he spent nearly 30 years serving the U.S. Navy with his final role as Command Master Chief at Naval Station Everett.

“Josh brings his impressive experience, work ethic, and knowledge of the community to a department that is integral to why people love Snohomish County,” Somers said. “He's at the head of a great DCNR team that is committed to preserving the health of our environment and natural spaces while providing opportunities for the public to explore and enjoy them.”

Dugan will oversee a department responsible for parks and recreation, surface water management, agriculture, and energy and sustainability programs. Created in 2020, DCNR works to protect water quality, preserve farmland and open space, reduce flooding impacts, advance climate resilience efforts, and provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors throughout Snohomish County. Dugan replaces former DCNR Director Tom Teigen, who was promoted to an Executive Director role in the County earlier this year.

“I am excited to join DCNR – a department I have admired for its passionate staff and can-do attitude,” Dugan said. “I look forward to working with our dedicated staff, community partners, tribes, farmers, environmental organizations, and residents to protect Snohomish County’s natural resources while enhancing quality of life for current and future generations."

Human Resources Department

Sprague has served as Deputy Director in the Human Resources Department for more than four years. He’s been with Snohomish County for 13 years and was hired as the County’s first in-house negotiator. He was the chief labor contract negotiator for nine years in Snohomish County, and for seven years in King County. During his time as Deputy Director, Sprague was instrumental in the Health Department integration and welcoming former Health District staff to the County, moving an extensive class and compensation study forward, and improving HR processes to strengthen connections and efficiency. Sprague has built relationships and trust among the HR team and across the county. His positivity contributes to a culture of belonging where county employees can grow and thrive, and his experience as a labor contract negotiator brings an important perspective to the role of HR Director.

“Rob for years has been an integral part of the leadership in a caring and dedicated Human Resources team,” Somers said. “His expertise and his proactive and thoughtful approach will help ensure Snohomish County remains a wonderful and inclusive place to work. HR touches every facet of county government. Our people are the most important resource we have for delivering public services.”

The Human Resources Department is the county’s backbone for hiring, training, disability, civil service, compensation, employee relations, wellness, and benefits for more than 3,000 county employees. Sprague replaces Rhea Reynolds, who announced her departure earlier this spring. 

“It’s my honor to accept the appointment to the HR Director position in Snohomish County,” Sprague said. “In the nearly 13 years that I’ve been working for the County in Human Resources, I’m amazed at the professional staff we have in this department and their commitment to making the experience for employees with the County the absolute best. I look forward to continuing to lead that effort to truly make Snohomish County an employer of choice.”

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Photo of Josh Dugan: https://brandfolder.com/s/brc849nmp3r5njx8tptg3 

Photos of Rob Sprague: https://brandfolder.com/s/vzckxkx57jcgm7bgwv3bbxrz