FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Sept. 23, 1996

Boards and Commission appointments announced

OLYMPIA -- Governor Mike Lowry announced the following appointments:

Legislative Ethics Board

Justice James A. Andersen, of Bellevue, has been appointed to the Legislative Ethics Board. Andersen, now retired, has been a successful trial lawyer and member of both the Washington State House of Representatives and Washington State Senate. He was appointed to the state Court of Appeals in 1975. In 1984 he was appointed to the state Supreme Court and served as Chief Justice from January of 1993 until his retirement. Justice Andersen replaces Thelma Jackson who resigned from the Board. His term expires in 1997.

The Legislative Ethics Board enforces state ethics legislation with respect to members of the Legislature and legislative employees.

Executive Ethics Board

Reverend Cheryl L. Rohret, of Naches, has been re-appointed to the Executive Ethics Board. Rev. Rohret is pastor of the Naches Presbyterian Church. She earned her B.A. degree from Sterling College, and her M.Div. from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. Her term expires in 2001.

The Executive Ethics Board enforces state ethics legislation with respect to state-wide elected officials and all other officers and employees in the executive branch, boards and commissions, and institutions of higher education.

Council on Aging

Florence Ray Stier, of Lacey, has been appointed to the Council on Aging. Her term expires in 1999.

Dr. Fran J. Polek, of Spokane, has been appointed to the Council on Aging. In 1995, Polek retired from Gonzaga University after 40 years of teaching. Her achievements include a 1984 Fulbright award to teach American Literature at the University of Timisoara in Romania, and the designation of Appointed Visiting Scholar at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Dr. Polek replaces Don Watanabe who resigned from the Council. Her term expires in 1997.

Eleanor F. (Kit) Thurston, of Ocean Shores, has been re-appointed to the Council on Aging. Thurston is an R.N. Educator - care giver, and is involved in numerous community activities. Her term expires in 1999.

The Council on Aging advises the Governor and Department of Social & Health Services on policies, programs and services affecting older people.

Parks & Recreation Commission

Mickey Fearn, of Seattle, has been appointed to the Parks & Recreation Commission. Fearn is the Manager of Recreation and Aquatics for King County. Previously he has worked for the City of Seattle and has been a consultant, keynote speaker, and assistant professor. In 1993, Mickey was the recipient of the Seattle Management Association's Management Excellence Award--Innovation. He replaces Glenna Hall who resigned. His term expires in 2000.

The Parks & Recreation Commission maintains and operates the state parks system; and is responsible for seashore conservation, boating, ski-lift and snowmobile safety.

Human Rights Commission

Phyllis F. Pulfer, of Walla Walla, has been re-appointed to the Human Rights Commission. Pulfer received her B.A. from Whitman College. She was Executive Director of the Blue Mountain Action Council and has been involved with numerous civic organizations and projects. She has taught in both secondary and higher education. Her term expires in 2001.

The Human Rights Commission works to eliminate and prevent discrimination in employment and business practices based on race, creed, color, nation origin, sex, age or mental or physical handicap.

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