PRESS RELEASE: Department of Corrections Names Jacque Coe as Communications Director

Released March 1, 2021

Contact Susan Biller (email)

DOC Communications

TUMWATER – Secretary Stephen Sinclair has named Jacque Coe as Communications Director for the Washington Department of Corrections, effective March 1, 2021. Coe joins the Department of Corrections from a communications role in the private sector.

Coe brings more than 20 years of strategic communications experience in the public and private sectors. Coe previously led communications for state agencies such as Washington’s Lottery and the Washington Dairy Products Commission, as well as several of the largest school districts in the state; the Seattle Public Schools and the Bellevue School District. She served as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the non-profit Alliance for Education. Prior to her career in communications, Coe was a television news journalist at TV stations across the Northwest including KING-TV in Seattle and KREM-TV in Spokane.

“I’m pleased to welcome someone of Jacque’s deep experience in strategic communications and public agencies to Corrections,” said Secretary Sinclair. “She brings a wealth of experience in the public sector and an understanding of how to maximize resources effectively to achieve goals, so I think she will be a great addition to the headquarters’ communications team.”

Coe’s journalism career specialized in law enforcement and courts in several states, and includes collaborating with law enforcement on special projects related to public safety. She is a graduate of the Boise Police Department Citizen Police Academy, nationally Accredited in Public Relations (APR) from the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), and certificated in community engagement from the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2).

“I’m excited to join the outstanding team at Corrections to share important stories of the department focus on improving public safety by positively changing lives,” said Coe. “I am passionate about public service and the importance of elevating the efforts of colleagues and professionals committed to building public trust and confidence with outstanding work and a focus on positive outcomes.”

Coe replaces Susan Biller, who served as interim communications director since October 2020. After a transition period, Biller will resume her role as the public information officer for the Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC).

“Because of Susan’s professionalism, experience, and reputation across the Department as a highly respected leader, I asked her to step into this important interim role,” said Sinclair. “She has served the communications team tirelessly during a unique period of the pandemic, and I am grateful for her contributions and that she will continue to serve the department at Monroe.”