News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 30, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke names Bill Palmer to lead Department of Services for the Blind

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke has named Bill Palmer as executive director of the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB).

"Bill is committed to making a real difference in the lives of the blind and those with severe visual impairments," Locke said. "He has the experience to lead the organization in its mission of helping others achieve economic and social independence."

"I am truly grateful to rejoin the Department of Services for the Blind," Palmer said. "The department is fortunate to have an active constituency, eager to become involved in very helpful ways. I will focus on fostering collaborative working relationships between the department and our stakeholders."

Palmer currently is employee services director at the Department of Licensing, but had served as acting director of the DSB in early 1999. Prior to that, he served as acting executive director of the Washington State Arts Commission, and held positions at the state departments of Social and Health Services, Ecology, Health and Personnel. He earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Washington.

Washington DSB's goal is to promote the economic and social independence of people who are blind or visually impaired through employment, training and other opportunities. The department offers vocational rehabilitation for competitive employment, assistive technology services, help to employers in recruiting and hiring qualified blind individuals, residential training in adaptive skills, independent living services and training for older adults, food service enterprises in public buildings, and help to schools and families with blind children.

Palmer, 49, will assume his new role April 10. The position carries an annual salary of $67,500.

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