Since taking office in 2000, Sam Reed has led the State of Washington into the 21st Century and secured its legacy. In 2004, he launched the nation's first state government digital archives to rescue disappearing electronic history. Reed fought and won the battle to save the Washington State Library, the State's oldest cultural institution. The State Library is now a division of his office. Throughout Reed's past two terms in office, the Secretary has worked diligently to make Washington a more business-friendly state by allowing corporations to file electronically. Thanks to Reed's efforts, new laws are in place to strengthen transparency, accountability, and trust in charitable organizations.

Prior to his service as Secretary of State, Reed was elected Thurston County Auditor five times and served as the Assistant Secretary of State under Lud Kramer and Bruce Chapman. Governor Dan Evans appointed Reed Director of the Urban Affairs Commission and the Constitutional Reform Commission. Secretary Reed is past President of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS). Reed also served as an advisor to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission from 2005 to 2007. Secretary Reed is currently a member of the Olympia Kiwanis Club and sits on the Washington State Historical Society Board of Trustees, TVW's Board of Directors, the YMCA Youth and Government Board, and the State Capitol Committee.

Secretary Reed attended Washington State University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Studies and Master's Degree in Political Science. Reed and his wife Margie make their home in Olympia. They have two adult children, David and Kristen, and two grandchildren.