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Vikki Smith: Innovation and Education Champion
An interview with Vikki Smith, former Deputy Director of the Washington State Department of Revenue.
Vikki Smith is the former Director of the Washington State Department of Revenue. Known for her leadership in tax administration, she has championed technological innovation and customer service improvements throughout her career.
Vikki Smith served at the Washington State Department of Revenue for 51 years, holding various leadership positions such as Assistant Director for Taxpayer Services, Chief Information Officer, and Deputy Director. Appointed as Director in 2015, Vikki led significant transitions, including integrating 40 legacy systems into a unified tax and licensing system. She advocated for the “voice of the customer” approach, establishing the Business Advisory Council and the Tribal Tax Advisory Group. Her tenure focused on enhancing taxpayer education, promoting voluntary compliance, and leveraging technology to improve service delivery. Vikki’s efforts earned her the prestigious Harley Duncan Award for Leadership and Service in 2012.
Vikki’s career highlights include creating the first Taxpayer Rights Advocate division, spearheading the Plain Talk initiative to simplify tax communications, and promoting continuous improvement within the agency. Her leadership in technological projects ensured secure, user-friendly online services and robust fraud mitigation strategies. Vikki’s dedication to public service and innovative approach has left a lasting impact on Washington’s tax administration.