Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 19, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke names Helen Howell as director of intergovernmental affairs

OLYMPIA — Gov. Gary Locke announced today the appointment of

Helen P. Howell as his director of intergovernmental affairs.

In this senior staff position, Howell will work with Marty Brown, whom Locke recently named deputy chief of staff, on legislative issues and other duties.

Howell, an attorney, is a former member of the White House staff and the staff of U.S. Sen. Patty Murray.

"Helen is a superb addition to our senior staff team," Locke said. "She has worked on legislation and policy at the federal level and brings a strong commitment to the ideals of our administration."

"I'm very honored and excited to be joining Governor Locke's team," Howell said.

Howell, 36, is a native of Seattle. After receiving her bachelor's degree from Vassar College, she studied at Oxford University where she earned a diploma in legal studies. Howell then attended Columbia University Law School, where she earned a law degree.

After working with a private law firm in San Francisco, Howell taught classes in media and law at Sonoma State University. She then moved into public interest work with advocacy groups in the San Francisco area. In 1992 she moved to Washington, D.C. where she served as staff attorney for the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL), focusing on legal research and analysis, technical assistance and public speaking. She then joined the staff of Sen. Patty Murray as legislative assistant and counsel on civil rights, women's rights, women's health and social welfare issues.

In December 1995, Howell joined the staff of the White House as special assistant to the President and deputy staff secretary, coordinating briefing materials for the President's review. In June 1997, Howell began working for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, managing the public policy division. Since April 1998, Howell has been serving as a consultant on public policy and advocacy projects in the Seattle area.

Howell will begin her new job Feb. 1, and the position carries an annual salary of $82,000.

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