Allyson Brooks

Dr. Allyson Brooks is the currently the Director of the WA Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and the State Historic Preservation Officer. She has served in this role under three Governors. Previously, Dr. Brooks was an archaeologist for the Minnesota Department of Transportation where she balanced protecting historic properties with the delivery of transportation projects. Prior to going to Minnesota she was the staff archaeologist for the South Dakota Historic Preservation Office. Dr. Brooks has been part of archaeological investigations across the United States from Alaska to South Dakota, Wyoming, Nevada, Maine and Connecticut. She holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from University of Nevada, a MPA from the University of Washington, a Certificate in environmental regulation from the University of Washington, an M Sc. in industrial and historical archaeology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, a BA from McGill University in Montreal Canada, and a 2nd degree Black Belt in Taekwondo.

Dr. Brooks has been President of the League of Women Voters of Thurston County, on the board of the Thurston County Dispute Resolution Center and is currently President of the Board of Temple Beth Hatfiloh. She has taught historic and environmental law for the National Preservation Institute around the United States to federal employees, tribal staff and environmental consultants.

She likes to go running, hiking, take walks with her three geriatric rescue dogs, ride horses in Wyoming, and hang out with her two adult daughters (when they have the time).