Governor Gregoire Announces Appointment to Transportation Commission

For Immediate Release: November 16, 2007

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today announced the appointment of Philip A. Parker, 61, of Vancouver to the Washington State Transportation Commission. The commission is composed of seven citizen members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The Transportation Commission works with the Washington State Department of Transportation and elected officials to define the state�s transportation plan, transportation investment plan and transportation policy.

�Transportation is one of the most important issues in Washington today � the challenges reach from safety and congestion to the environment and economics. It is important that qualified, forward thinking people, who are in tune with our community�s needs, are seated on the transportation commission,� said Governor Gregoire. �Philip Parker is one of these people.�

Parker has been a journeyman electrician for 35 years and an instructor in the electrical apprenticeship program. He serves on the Clark County Public Facilities District Board, is a member of the Washington State Electrical Board and is a longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #48, where he serves as a member of the executive board.

In addition to his work as an electrician, Parker is the chairperson of the Labor Roundtable of Southwest Washington and a member of the executive board of the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council. He is a member of the Tech Prep Advisory Committee for Clark College, the Columbia River Economic Development Council and the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce.

Parker is a coach and referee for the Minnehaha Soccer Club and is currently the club vice president for competition. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army reserves � 604th Combat Engineers and 674th Transportation Company.

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