Gov. Gregoire appoints Cindy Zehnder as chair of Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board

For Immediate Release: May 21, 2010

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced she has appointed Cindy Zehnder as chair of the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

�I�ve had the privilege of working closely with Cindy in many roles, most recently as my chief of staff,� Gregoire said. �She has certainly earned my respect and confidence. There are few people who share Cindy�s knowledge of how our state operates. Combine that with her experience and working relationships with our state�s labor force, and she is the perfect fit to lead the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.�

�I know how important the development of a well trained workforce prepared to take on the challenges of the 21st century is to the governor,� said Zehnder. �I am honored she has asked me to lead this effort.�

Zehnder is currently a vice president at Gordon Thomas Honeywell, where she manages the firm�s Washington State Governmental Affairs Division.

Prior to joining GTH, Zehnder served as Gregoire�s chief of staff. She has also served as chief clerk for the Washington State House of Representatives, as deputy commissioner of the Washington Employment Security Department and held numerous positions with the Teamsters union. In 2003, Zehnder was named president and chief operating officer of TVW, Washington�s public affairs network.

The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board is a state agency committed to the development of a highly skilled workforce that will sustain Washington's economic vitality. The board's partnership of labor, business and government monitors performance, develops strategies and seeks out promising practices for initiatives that keep youth on track with their education and careers, help working adults continue to learn and be more productive and ensuring that Washington's key industries have the trained workers they need to be competitive.

Zehnder�s appointment is effective immediately. It is a volunteer position.