Citing a lack of stability and budgetary concerns, Gov. Jay Inslee’s office fired Office of Equity Director Dr. Karen Johnson last week. Inslee appointed Johnson as the first director of the newly formed state agency in March of 2021. In an emailed statement, spokesperson Mike Faulk said Johnson contributed to starting the “important” work of the office. “However, the office has experienced a lack of stability in agency operations and the work environment, including high vacancy rates, high employee turnover and budgetary concerns," Fault said. "We remain committed to the work and the success of this office moving forward. We determined this will require new leadership." Johnson said she was shocked to get the news. Johnson said she was given a choice: resign or be fired. Read the full story here: https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/office-of-equity-director-fired-gov-inslee/281-389a5bed-5ca2-4f42-9107-87bec1a84269