FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 17, 1996

Lowry appoints Gary Moore to head Employment Security Department

OLYMPIA -- Gov. Mike Lowry today named Gary Moore as commissioner of the Washington State Employment Security Department.

Lowry said Moore will do an exceptional job guiding the department through continuing changes in the state's workforce development programs, as well as directing advancements in technology that will affect the agency's day-to-day operations into the next century.

"Gary has clearly proven himself a leader in state government," Lowry said. "His management skills and policy expertise make him an excellent choice to lead Employment Security through its approaching challenges."

Lowry also noted that Moore has extensive knowledge about workforce training programs which will be a high priority for the department in the upcoming years.

Moore, 46, is currently the governor's deputy staff director, coordinating legislative activities for the governor's office. He previously served as director of legislative relations for the governor's office during 1994-95.

Prior to joining the governor's office, Moore served as senior staff consultant for the state Office of Financial Management during 1994, coordinating executive branch activities for the Washington Performance Partnership, which developed strategies to improve the effectiveness of state government.

Previously, Moore spent 20 years with the Washington Federation of State Employees (AFSCME, AFL-CIO), including 10 years as executive director. As director, he led operations for the 20,000-member state employee labor union.

Moore also has served on the Washington State Investment Board, the Washington State Health Care Commission and the Washington State Public Employees' Benefits Board. He earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Washington and his master's in public administration from the University of Wisconsin.

Moore will earn $93,659 annually. He will assume his new role May 1, following a two-week transition with departing Commissioner Vernon Stoner. Stoner has accepted the position of city manager for Vancouver, Wash.

The Employment Security Department provides a variety of services for workers and employers across the state. Last year, the department paid out $837 million in unemployment insurance benefits to more than 245,000 people.

The agency also helps employers and job seekers through screenings and referrals for job openings, job skills training and relocation, disaster assistance, veterans' outreach programs and job service center programs. Employment Security staff also provide labor market information, electronic job information for 10 statewide Washington Information Network (WIN) kiosks, and assorted service programs through 29 local job service centers, 12 district tax offices, 12 satellite offices, 30 remote stations and itinerant offices, and 12 rural self-service sites.

The agency has 2,225 employees and a biennial budget of $434 million.

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