Governor Gregoire Appoints Director of Workforce Training Board

For Immediate Release: February 9, 2007

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire has appointed Eleni Papadakis as Executive Director of the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board. Ms. Papadakis will begin March 19, 2007.

�Eleni has outstanding knowledge of every aspect of workforce policy and programs, and an exceptional record of building partnerships,� said Governor Gregoire. �I look forward to working with her to bring about the Next Washington, built upon a strong, highly-skilled workforce, to make sure we keep good jobs in Washington so that our companies continue to be competitive in the global economy.�

Ms. Papadakis most recently served as the Vice-President for Planning and Advancement with the Commonwealth Corporation, an organization in Massachusetts that conducts research and program development for the Massachusetts workforce development system. She led or helped to facilitate the implementation and administration of many components of the Workforce Investment Act and Welfare to Work programs for Massachusetts and has developed programs to support economically, socially and physically disadvantaged youth and adults.

She is a founding member of the Massachusetts Council for Quality, which replicates the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program and Award at the state level. She is the co-author of two manuals: �A Hand Up: Guide to Mentoring,� and �Business Impact: Speaking the Language of Employers,� and has edited a third, �Practical Strategic Planning for Workforce Boards.�

�I'm excited about this opportunity in the state of Washington, which has consistently been at the vanguard of education and workforce development innovation and effectiveness,� said Ms. Papadakis. �Governor Gregoire is taking bold steps to revamp the state education system in a way that serves all its residents. I share the Governor�s commitment and vision and I am honored to be part of the effort to put that vision in place.�

The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board advises the Governor, Legislature and other policy-makers on training and education needs in Washington through strategic planning for workforce development, program evaluation and measuring performance results for accountability.

�Eleni has a great record of solid results and accomplishments,� said David Harrison, Chair of the Workforce Board. �She's committed to working with a diverse group of people to provide all of our residents a quality workforce system that connects education to meaningful and gainful employment.�

Ms. Papadakis has a master�s degree in counseling psychology from Assumption College and a bachelor�s degree in psychology from Clark University, both in Worcester, MA.

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