After serving as the interim sheriff since January, the King County Council unanimously voted to confirm Patti Cole-Tindall as the new King County Sheriff on Tuesday, May 24.

Cole-Tindall is the first sheriff to be appointed since King County voters changed the position from an elected one to an appointed position, according to the county.

“As we face big challenges in providing both basic public safety and the changes demanded by our community, Patti Cole-Tindall brings a unique combination of experience and leadership as she takes on the role of Sheriff,” Council Chair Claudia Balducci said. “She has proven she can work with a wide variety of people in law enforcement and the community, and that she can lead an effective organization while driving change.”

Before being appointed to the interim sheriff, Cole-Tindall worked as the undersheriff beginning in 2020. Cole-Tindall worked as the director of the King County Office of Labor Relations for six years, according to the county.