Aircraft manufacturing hard at work on the 737.
An interview with Washington State Department of Commerce Interim Director, Sarah Clifthorne
By Joanna Boatwright— International Trade Specialist, Washington State Dept of Commerce
SARAH CLIFTHORNE IS THE WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE’ S INTERIM DIRECTOR. SHE WAS FIRST APPOINTED AS THE AGENCY’ S DEPUTY DIRECTOR, AND HER CAREER INCLUDES MORE THAN TWO DECADES OF PUBLIC POLICY EXPERIENCE BRINGING TOGETHER GOVERNMENT, INDUSTRY AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS. At Commerce, Sarah oversees a broad portfolio spanning housing, energy, economic development, local government, community services and government relations. She works closely with Commerce’ s executive leadership team to align agency operations and ensure effective delivery of programs and services across Washington.
Joanna Boatwright International Trade Specialist | Office of Economic Development, Washington State Department of Commerce( OEDC / COM)
Washington State Department of Commerce
Since Sarah’ s initial appointment to Commerce in early 2025, I’ ve collaborated with her at aerospace industry events and the National Lieutenant Governor’ s Association( NLGA) Aerospace Committee. I sat down with her recently to discuss Commerce’ s strategic vision to support economic development and the aerospace industry.
JB: What do you think of Washington’ s aerospace community?
SC: This industry is incredible! At every event, I see people, businesses and organizations collaborating to show off Washington’ s aerospace ecosystem. That partnership is foundational to the strength of Washington’ s aerospace ecosystem.
JB: You have a personal interest in aerospace. Can you share a little more about that?
46 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS