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.

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?

SC: My oldest son, Emerson, is in the Husky Flying Club at the University of Washington. He’s a student pilot with Emerald Squadron Aviation at Paine Field in Everett. The aerospace industry isn’t abstract in our home; it’s something I personally want to help get right for the next generation.

JB: That’s great. I love hearing how young people get started in this career, from the tarmac to the cockpit. Washington State has so many programs that support those coming into the industry.

SC: Agree. Aerospace manufacturing started here, and what the industry is doing today will help it continue to grow here. Innovation is a part of Washington’s DNA. As you know, aerospace has grown into a roughly $71 billion industry and remains one of our state’s most influential economic drivers. We are rightfully proud of our legacy, and we want to stay competitive for what’s next.

JB: What is Commerce’s role in that vision?

SC: I believe our role at Commerce is to be a connector and problem solver — across state agencies, across sectors, across regions. There are three key areas where Commerce can make the biggest impact in support of our Pacific Northwest aerospace cluster: supply chain, workforce and energy.

JB: OK, tell me about supply chain!

SC: Washington’s aerospace supply chain is the biggest in the country. We’ve got more than 1,500 aerospace suppliers and vendors. That’s a mature, integrated manufacturing ecosystem that’s built on innovation, resilience and efficiency across aircraft production platforms. Our supply chain must continue to be nimble and competitive domestically and globally. We collaborate with partners like the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA), the Northwest I-90 Manufacturing Alliance (NIMA), the NLGA and others, to find resources that help businesses perfect and adapt their operations.

Within supply chain is the reality that national and international trade policies, and how they’re fluctuating, create challenges and opportunities. This year, our Export Assistance team partnered with higher education, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and others to host several conversations on supply chain and international trade. Commerce is committed to helping companies stay agile and industrious at home and in global markets.

Last autumn, with Boeing and others, we launched “Flightpath: Building the Future Together,” a three-part series to spotlight Washington’s myriad aerospace suppliers. With Boeing at the center of the state’s aerospace industry, we took off in Spokane and we’re planning future stops in Everett and Moses Lake later this year.

JB: That’s important work that bridges several aspects of aerospace. And we know we need people to handle the equipment, since it’s here in Washington!

SC: Absolutely. That’s workforce and workforce development. We are number one in STEM workforce concentration, and of that, 45% of those STEM workers are women. We’re also ranked second for AI talent density. But we know that as technology evolves, we must ensure we’re upskilling Washington’s 130,000-plus aerospace workers.

Through our work with the Washington State Manufacturing Council and others, we’re helping prepare aerospace workers for the future. We’re helping expand access to registered apprenticeships, trade education, research and more.

Washington’s brain trust is a national leader in science and engineering degrees. More than 90% of residents are high school graduates, and more than 35% have bachelor’s degrees or higher. We also know they want to stay here after graduation: Three-quarters of University of Washington alumnae, our largest university, call Washington home.

Finally, we’re paying attention to the wrap-around supports, like transportation and child care that help make these pathways possible. As a working mom, I know firsthand that these types of supports are critical. When the aerospace sector does well, so do working families across Washington.

JB: Yes, I remember juggling child care and a full-time job when my kids were little – it’s not for the weak! Finally, you mentioned energy. How is Commerce supporting the energy industry, and why does that matter for aerospace?

SC: Washington is leading the national push on sustainable aviation fuel through efforts like the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator, which brings together industry, airlines, airports, Boeing and government to speed adoption and scale across the Pacific Northwest.

At the same time, the state invested $10 million to establish a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Research Center at Paine Field for research and testing infrastructure. We already have two SAF production facilities moving forward on the other side of the state, in Walla Walla and Moses Lake.

Through the Climate Commitment Act, our Energy Division is strategically investing in grid modernization and battery materials that can drive industry growth while reducing emissions. We don’t need to choose between good jobs and a healthy climate.

JB: I love it. Commerce is helping shape the full webbing that’s needed to support the industry and private sector growth. Do you have final thoughts to share with our industry partners?

SC: Yes! Supporting and growing Washington’s aerospace ecosystem is essential to our state’s economic future. At Commerce, we want to listen, learn and figure out how we can be most useful to our industry partners.

Want to know more? For a deeper dive and to connect with us, visit ChooseWashingtonState.com