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Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 14, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke appoints Howell as new deputy chief of staff

OLYMPIA — Gov. Gary Locke today named his director of intergovernmental affairs, Helen Howell, as his new deputy chief of staff.

Howell will replace Marty Brown, who left the Governor's Office last month to head the state Office of Financial Management.

"Helen brings a great deal of public policy experience, outstanding credentials, and a strong commitment to the ideals of this administration," Locke said. "I am extremely pleased to appoint her as my deputy chief of staff."

"I am very excited about my new responsibilities, and look forward to continuing my work to help Gov. Locke implement his vision for the state of Washington," Howell said.

As deputy chief of staff, Howell will oversee 29 small agencies in Locke's cabinet, manage the Governor's Office staffing, budget and information systems, and handle special projects.

Howell, 37, joined the Locke administration earlier this year with more than 10 years of public policy and advocacy experience, including the practice of law and public interest work in San Francisco. In Washington, D.C., she served as special assistant to the president and deputy staff secretary at the White House, as well as counsel to U.S. Sen. Patty Murray. She was also the vice president for public policy at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, heading its Washington, D.C. office.

She earned her bachelor's degree from Vassar College. She also holds a diploma in legal studies from Oxford University and a juris doctorate from Columbia University Law School.

Howell begins serving as the deputy chief of staff today, and the position carries an annual salary of $99,384.

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