Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Mary Verner

A candidate for Commissioner of Public Lands, State of Washington in the 2016 Washington Primary, Aug. 2

Party: Democratic

Age: 67

City: Spokane, WA

Education: Graduated from Houston Academy in Dothan, Alabama, in 1973. Earned bachelor's degree in medical anthropology from Davidson College in 1988, master's degree in environmental studies from Yale University in 1992 and law degree from Gonzaga University in 1992.

Political experience: Appointed Deputy for Wildfire & Administration at Washington Department of Natural Resources in 2013 and continues in that role. Served as the mayor of Spokane from 2007-2011 and Spokane city councilwoman from 2004 to 2007. Member and past chairwoman of City of DuPont Tree Board and the DuPont Heirloom Orchard Committee. Member of the Board of National Institute of Building Sciences.

Work experience: Interim CEO, Spokane Tribe Enterprises from 2012 until 2013. Executive Director of the Upper Columbia United Tribes from 2002-2007. Served as director of natural resources for the Spokane Tribe of Indians for about 10 years. Adjunct professor at Whitworth University

Family: Single. Grown daughter and 18-year-old son. Two grandchildren.

Contact information

More about Mary Verner

Related Coverage

Former Spokane Mayor Mary Verner recovering from ‘terrible’ bicycle accident that landed her in ICU

Former Mayor Mary Verner spent 11 days in the ICU following a bicycle accident three weeks ago.

It’ll be Jay Inslee vs. Bill Bryant in Washington governor race

It’s Inslee vs. Bryant for governor and likely Habib vs. McClendon for lieutenant governor as voters whittle down long lists of candidates seeking statewide office.

Verner, Upthegrove top lands commissioner field

Community outreach and internal communication were not Goldmark’s strengths. DNR has been beat up over the recent wildfire seasons, and morale is low. Fresh leadership is on the way, but shoring up the agency won’t be easy.

Crowded lands commissioner field wants to take on wildfire preparedness

Seven candidates are vying for the position of Washington’s public lands commissioner. It’s the top job at the state Department of Natural Resources, which manages 5.6 million acres of state lands.

Mary Verner announces bid for Lands Commissioner

Former Spokane Mayor Mary Verner is venturing back into elective politics as a candidate for Commissioner of Public Lands.

Spokane law erasing some marijuana convictions to go into effect without mayor’s signature

New rules allowing people to erase previous marijuana possession convictions will go into effect at the end of the month, without Spokane Mayor David Condon’s signature or his support.

Most recent Playfair sale compounds city’s losses

The legacy of Playfair Race Course is on display at the commercial park that took its place, as blue steel silhouettes of horse and jockey appear to race across the park’s entryway. Another legacy of the racetrack remains at Spokane City Hall, this one in red ink.

Damage unclear as wildfires sweep region

Much of the devastation from numerous out-of-control Northwest wildfires fanned by high winds was unclear Saturday as officials scrambled to pull in more firefighting resources and douse the flames. There were certainly dozens of homes lost, and hundreds of evacuations remained in place Saturday. A woman died while evacuating the Lawyer Complex in Idaho, according to the Lewiston Tribune.

Fire roundup: More than 100 structures lost in Chelan; dozens of homes lost in central Idaho

The gusting wind overnight may have brought lower temperatures and cleared out the smoky shroud that clung to the Spokane area, but it fanned the flames of several regional fires, forcing new evacuations as flames jumped roads and rivers.