The Pierce County Executive is the head of the executive branch of Pierce County, Washington.
The position is subject to four-year terms (with a term limit of 2) and is a partisan office.
[1] County voters approved the adoption of a home-rule charter for Pierce County on November 4, 1980, creating the position of a county executive and a seven-member county council.
[2][3] Prior to the adoption, the county government was led by three commissioners elected at-large.
[4] The new position took effect on May 1, 1981, with Booth Gardner elected as the first executive.