Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 8, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke appoints Paul Isaki as Special Trade Representative

OLYMPIA — Gov. Gary Locke has appointed Paul Isaki as the Governor's Special Trade Representative. For the past six years, Isaki has been vice president for business development with the Seattle Mariners. Before that, he was director of the state Department of Trade and Economic Development.

"Paul's experience in the private sector, and his previous service to the state, make him an excellent choice for this important post in our state, the most-trade dependent state in the nation," Locke said.

The Special Trade Representative is the principal adviser to the governor on international trade, representing the governor and forging partnerships with federal, state and private sector agencies and organizations, developing and coordinating the state's international trade strategy and policy and promoting the export of Washington products and services.

The trade representative also will serve as the coordinator of state agency participation in the World Trade Organization's Ministerial Meeting in Seattle in November.

Isaki, 55, served eight years in the administration of former Gov. Booth Gardner, where he was a special assistant for international trade and economic development and later director of the Washington Department of Trade and Economic Development.

He led international export initiatives in conjunction with key Washington industries, including aerospace, software, manufactured wood products and processed foods. Isaki also played a key role in developing the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, the Everett Navy Homeport, the Washington Technology Center Program at the University of Washington and the "Clean Washington" Center, a program to promote commercial re-use of recycled materials.

In a strategic partnership with the Port of Seattle and the Port of Tacoma, Isaki also led the establishment of the state's first trade office on the European continent.

With the Mariners, Isaki helped develop plans for the new ballpark, SAFECO Field and helped secure the baseball club's first cable television agreement, which linked the Mariners to its entire five-state television market.

"I will miss the Mariners, a truly dynamic organization, but this opportunity to lead our state's trade efforts is one of the most exciting I have ever encountered," Isaki said. "The challenges are familiar to me, and I appreciate the chance to serve the public again."

John Ellis, president and CEO of the Seattle Mariners, said, "When Paul advised us of his decision to join Governor Locke's staff, my immediate reaction was disappointment as I thought of all he has accomplished for the Mariners in the past six years. However, it is quite clear that this is a wonderful opportunity for Paul to serve the governor and the people of the state of Washington. He is the perfect choice for the job.

"Paul's contributions to the Mariners have helped secure the long-term future of Major League baseball in Seattle and the Northwest. He led the efforts to develop SAFECO Field, to secure the club's first regional cable agreement and to create business opportunities in Vancouver, B.C., and in Japan.

"We thank him for his work and friendship, congratulate him on his appointment, and wish him much success and our best wishes. Paul will be missed, but he and Lucy will be with us at SAFECO Field in July, when the ballpark opens, celebrating the success that he has been such a large part of."

As Special Trade Representative, Isaki will work out of the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development office in Seattle. The position pays $90,250.

The appointment is effective April 1.

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