FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Feb. 5, 1996

Lowry names deputy staff directors

OLYMPIA - Gov. Mike Lowry today named Gary Moore and Bill Wegeleben as his new deputy staff directors. The two will replace Cynthia Curreri, who left the office earlier this month to take a job at the University of Washington.

Moore, 46, has served as Lowry's director of legislative relations since last year. In addition to new duties, Moore will continue to represent the governor in dealings with legislators and lobbyists. Wegeleben, 49, has been Lowry's director of government operations, where he oversaw the appointment process for state boards and commissions. Besides his new assignments, he will continue to work with the governor's Small Agency Cabinet.

Prior to joining the governor's office, University of Washington graduate Moore spent 20 years with the Washington Federation of State Employees (AFSCME, AFL-CIO), including 10 years as executive director. Moore also has served on the Washington State Investment Board, the Washington State Health Care Reform Commission and the Washington State Public Employee Benefits Board.

Wegeleben was executive policy coordinator for Gov. Booth Gardner from 1987 to 1993 and worked for the House Democratic caucus for four years before that. A graduate of Central Washington State College (now Central Washington University), Wegeleben was district representative for 5th district Congressman Mike McCormack from 1972 to 1981. He has been a board member of the Institute for Science and Society, Yakima County Community Services and the Washington Association for Retarded Citizens, and was appointed to the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council by Governors Dixy Lee Ray and John Spellman.

Moore and Wegeleben will each earn $80,000 annually.

For more information, contact the Governor's Communications Office at (360)753-6790.