Gov. Gregoire asks Dick Thompson to lead job growth effort - Thompson volunteers to help navigate state through difficult economic times

For Immediate Release: December 24, 2008

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire named Dick Thompson of Olympia to lead the state's efforts to protect existing jobs and accelerate job creation through the federal economic recovery packages.

�Dick Thompson is perfect for this spot at this crucial time. He knows how things work and he knows how to get things done,� Gregoire said. �I've asked Dick to coordinate with the Congressional delegation, state legislators, local elected officials and state, local and federal agencies. We need to ensure projects are identified and ready to go this spring that get people back to work when expected federal funding is allocated.�

Thompson previously served as the state budget director under Governor Gary Locke and is the former chief of staff to Governor Booth Gardner. He retired from executive positions at the University of Washington and has fifteen years of experience as city attorney or city manager in Snohomish, Everett, and Puyallup. He now consults on tax and budget, public policy and leadership issues.

�I am honored and excited for the opportunity to help the Governor and our state navigate through these difficult economic times,� Thompson said. �We have a back log of needed public work projects that can lead to good jobs and economic growth in the private sector in Washington.�

Born and raised in Everett, Thompson received his BS in political science from Western Washington University, and his juris doctor degree from the University of Washington School of Law. In 2001 Thompson was honored by the Seattle-King County Municipal League with its Warren G. Magnuson Award, and by the University of Washington School of Law Alumni Association with its 2001 Service Recognition Award.

Gregoire has been encouraging federal leaders to develop a job creation plan, and presented examples of ready-to-go projects to Washington�s Congressional delegation last March. In November, Gregoire announced she was proposing a state-sponsored job development plan which would direct funds to those projects that would immediately put people to work.