Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 24, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

David Workman joins Washington's Year 2000 Office

OLYMPIA - David Workman, a former journalist and an experienced communications manager in state government, has been named communications coordinator for the State Year 2000 Office, Director Chris Hedrick announced today.

Workman begins his new duties March 1.

He will serve as a member of the inter-agency, interdisciplinary team that coordinates Washington's preparations on upgrading computer chips and data systems so they will function normally as the year changes.

Workman will provide a central point of coordinated information for news organizations and the public regarding Washington's progress in making the technology upgrades - and for helping Washington residents understand the steps they can take to prepare individually.

The Year 2000 (known in a technology context as "Y2K") presents a challenge for older computer data systems and for older embedded microchips in appliances, instruments and controls.

Until recent years, many systems, instruments and controls were programmed to read the digits "00" as the year 1900, rather than 2000. If not corrected, this situation could cause the misinterpretation of computerized data and interruptions in some services.

Anticipating this problem, Washington state government set in motion a coordinated program of technology conversions beginning in 1995 that is considered a leader among state governments across the country.

Agencies partnering to prepare for 2000

The state Department of Information Services is leading the initiative to upgrade older computer data systems in state government. The Department of General Administration is leading the initiative to upgrade embedded chips in state-owned facilities.

The State Year 2000 Office, part of the Governor's Office of Financial Management, coordinates communications statewide, serving as liaison to local governments, utilities and the private sector. Chris Hedrick directs the State Year 2000 Office for Gov. Gary Locke. Judy Merchant is the manager for external service issues, including partnerships with utilities, government agencies and local communities. Julie Palakovich is the program researcher.

Workman will work with communications partners in state agencies, local government and the private sector to develop a coordinated public information and public education program for the next year.
Access for news organizations

After March 1, news organizations may reach Workman at 360-586-4280.

He comes to the state Year 2000 Office from the Washington Department of Natural Resources, where he has served as director of communications since 1993. Previously, he served as the manager of public information, public education and public involvement programs at the Washington Department of Wildlife from 1989 to 1993.

He came to state service after a 20-year career in journalism, including the Everett Herald, the Spokane Spokesman-Review and the Tacoma News Tribune.

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