State Representative Marcie Maxwell announced last week her resignation from elected office to accept a new position in statewide service.

Later this month, Maxwell will join Gov. Jay Inslee’s Legislative Affairs and Policy Office as the Senior Education Policy Advisor. She brings a strong background in education policy and funding plus business experience to this new leadership role focusing on K-12, early learning and higher education policy in Washington state.  Maxwell is known for her work in STEM education, arts education, improving teaching and learning, college access, and preserving the state’s safety net to ensure that at-risk kids are healthy and ready to learn.

“I’ve been honored to serve the people of the 41st District in South and East King County, and believe that my new position in the governor’s office will continue my work on their priorities for our state,” Maxwell said.

Maxwell, who lives in Renton, came by to visit at Mercer Island’s  Summer Celebration! last weekend. She said that she was a bit surprised, but pleased when Inslee asked her to join her staff.

“It makes sense,” she said. “Education has been my true passion.”

Elected to three terms in the Legislature, Maxwell was previously elected to the Renton School Board for eight years, serving one of the state’s most diverse districts. She served all of the King County School Boards as their Legislative representative to the Washington State School Directors Association. In the Legislature, Maxwell was on the House Education Committee, Appropriations Committee, Education Appropriations Subcommittee, Rules Committee, and the Technology & Economic Development Committee. She co-chaired the Quality Education Council (QEC) and was on the Joint Legislative Task Force on Education Funding. Maxwell served in House leadership as the Deputy Majority Leader for Education and Opportunity.

Of this last session, Maxwell and others had worked for more dollars for education.

Was she disappointed by the outcome  for school funding?

“My focus and that of others was to make sure there is a pathway for a 21st century education for all our kids,” she said.

“But,” she added, “there were many needs.”

Citizens of the 41st District are used to seeing Maxwell everywhere, from Rotary meetings and functions, to education forums, realtor meetings and visiting with citizens at events both large and small.

She said that public outreach will be an important part of her new role.

“It will be part of my job to vet ideas from other sources,” she said. “I will be out listening.”

Maxwell is also a realtor and small business owner. She’s been active with Rotary, chambers and various foundations. Maxwell has earned recognition from numerous organizations, including the Washington School Administrators Community Leadership Award, Association of Washington School Principals Torch of Leadership Award, Washington State PTA Friend of Children Award, Washington Education Association Friend of Education Award, Washington School Counselors Association and others.

She said won’t forget or ignore her former constituents.

“I want to tell people in the 41st District and Mercer Island that they will still see me. I will still be working for them,” she said.