News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 5, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Names New Office Directors

Gov. Gary Locke has appointed Mary Meinig as the director of the Office of Family and Children’s Ombudsman (OFCO) and Kyle Taylor Lucas as the director of the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs (GOIA).

Meinig has served as acting director of the OFCO since July 2002. She joined the office in 1997, investigating and assisting with the resolution of complaints received by the OFCO relating to family and children’s services.

“Mary has done an outstanding job as acting director,” Locke said. “I am pleased that she will continue to lead the OFCO team and serve the families and children of our state.”

“I look forward to the challenges ahead and relish the opportunity to continue to inform the public about OFCO’s role and mission, identify concerns within the child welfare system, and recommend changes to improve services to protect children and preserve families,” Meinig said.

Meinig received her undergraduate degree in sociology from Central Washington University and a master of social work degree from the University of Washington.

Meinig’s appointment is effective Aug. 5.

Lucas most recently served in the Governmental Affairs Office of the Tulalip Tribes. She previously worked as the tribal relations manager for the Washington Department of Natural Resources and as a program associate for the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board.

“Kyle’s experience working in state government and with tribes in Washington makes her the ideal person to lead the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs,” Locke said. “Her expertise in state-tribal relations and intergovernmental affairs will be a tremendous asset to this office.”

“I'm honored by the opportunity to serve Governor Locke's administration, and I look forward to working closely with tribal leadership in addressing the critical issues of mutual concern facing the state and Indian tribes," Lucas said.

Lucas earned her undergraduate degree in pre-law and political science at Evergreen State College in Olympia. She also received a certificate in conflict resolution and mediation training from the Thurston County Dispute Resolution Center.

Lucas begins her appointment Aug. 18.

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