Gov. Christine Gregoire appoints communications director

For Immediate Release: June 2, 2005

OLYMPIA � June 2, 2005 � Gov. Christine Gregoire today named Kerry J. Coughlin as her communications director. Coughlin will oversee all communications functions, including media relations.

The appointment completes the governor�s senior staff. Coughlin will assume her new role June 20.

�I am very pleased that Kerry is joining my team,� Gregoire said. �She brings a wealth of experience and communications skills, and I look forward to her leadership in my administration.�

Coughlin has been the corporate communications manager for The Seattle Times Co. for the past eight years. Prior to that, she was associate director for community affairs at the YWCA. Coughlin also has been an independent management and communications consultant.

Coughlin worked at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer from 1977 to 1981. Previously, she worked for the Associated Press, United Press International and the Anchorage Times.

Coughlin is on the board of governors of CityClub, is on the advisory committee to the University of Washington�s alumni magazine Columns, and is a member of the Business of Hope steering committee of Global Partnerships, an international non-profit organization that works to create economic opportunity for people living in poverty.

�I admire Gov. Gregoire and her sincerity, skill and deep commitment to public service,� Coughlin said. �The accomplishments and progress she has made, and continues to make, on behalf of the people of Washington state are impressive. I look forward to working with the governor to help her communicate with and serve citizens throughout our state.�

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