Statement from Governor Gregoire on Appointment of Labor and Industries Acting Director

For Immediate Release: October 13, 2006

OLYMPIA � Governor Gregoire today announced that she has appointed Judy Schurke, Deputy Director of the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), as the Acting Director of L&I. The appointment is effective October 18.

�Judy Schurke has ably assisted Gary Weeks in leading the Department of Labor and Industries and she is devoted to the citizens of Washington,� said Governor Gregoire. �I am very confident in her ability to lead the agency during this period of transition.�

Gary Weeks, Director of L&I, on September 14 announced he will be resigning to become executive director of the Washington Health Care Association.

�Gary has served the people of Washington well and I am grateful to him for all his work to help Washington businesses become more competitive in this global economy,� said Governor Gregoire. �I am sorry to see him leave and wish him all the best as he moves into this exciting new chapter in his life.�

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