Gov. Gregoire names Kari Burrell as new executive policy director

For Immediate Release: June 8, 2010

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced the appointment of Kari Burrell as the new director of the Governor�s Executive Policy Office. Burrell is currently the governor�s executive policy advisor for human services.

�While we have all suffered from the national recession, there�s no question the economic downturn has hurt our most vulnerable citizens especially hard,� Gregoire said. �Kari deeply cares about and has spent more than a decade advocating for vulnerable children and adults. As we continue to develop policies that lead our state to recovery, I know Kari will ensure they reflect our state�s deep commitment to protecting those who need our services the most.�

As policy director, Burrell will serve as a member of the governor�s senior staff and supervise the policy advisors to the governor. The Executive Policy Office is responsible for developing the governor�s policy agenda, which involves working closely with state agencies, legislators, local governments and stakeholders, among others.

�I am honored to have this opportunity to serve the governor and the people of Washington in an expanded role,� Burrell said. �I know the services the state provides are very important to many families and to our communities. I look forward to further assisting Governor Gregoire as she works to better position our state for a healthy and strong future.�

Burrell started her work in the Governor�s Office as policy advisor under Gov. Gary Locke in 2001. Prior to joining the Governor�s Office, Burrell served as a program manager for the King County Mental Health Court in Seattle, manager for Deloitte & Touche Consulting Group and consultant for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where she coauthored a study that assessed the states� management of a $70 million federal child welfare program.

Burrell earned a master�s degree in public policy from Harvard University�s John F. Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor�s degree in political science and history from the University of Oregon. She replaces Robin Arnold-Williams, who left state service this spring to pursue other career opportunities. Burrell�s appointment is effective immediately. She will earn an annual salary of $124,800.