Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 28, 1998
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Evelyn Yenson resigns to take new position in Atlanta

OLYMPIA — Gov. Gary Locke today reluctantly accepted the resignation of Evelyn Yenson, director of the Washington Department of Licensing.

"I regret to hear of Evelyn's decision to leave state employment," Locke said. "I've known her since the early '80s, and I'm a great fan of hers. She has been an instrumental part of my cabinet, improving the delivery of services that affect millions of Washington residents."

Yenson today announced she will leave state employment to join Scientific Games International, a private enterprise in Atlanta that provides lottery products, integrated systems and support services to legally authorized lotteries worldwide. She will manage national and international projects for the company.

Yenson joined the state in 1987 when former Gov. Booth Gardner appointed her as director of the Washington State Lottery. She continued in that capacity during the administration of former Gov. Mike Lowry. Yenson then was tapped by Locke's administration in 1997 to head the Department of Licensing, an agency with a biennial budget of nearly $200 million and approximately 1,250 employees.

Yenson also worked with a variety of other organizations, including the Expo '86 World's Fair Commission, the Washington World Affairs Fellows Program, the Seattle Arts Commission, and the Seattle Bid Committee Executive Board.

During her tenure with Licensing, Yenson was recognized twice with the Governor's Quality Award for projects aimed at reducing wait times at Licensing Service offices. She also led the Year 2000 conversion effort, working to make two of the state's largest computer systems able to move into the next century.

Yenson's last day with the state will be Dec. 18.

The Department of Licensing is responsible for licensing, setting standards and enforcing regulations for nearly 100 professions and occupations within the state. It also administers the motor vehicle laws of the state, including driver licensing and control.

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