Governor announces modification in organization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2001
Contact: Mike Foster,Acting Communications Director
406/444-3111

Today Governor Judy Martz announced several new positions and made re-assignments in her administration.

With openings in the communications office along with Shane Hedges’ resignation and the retirement of Stan Grace at the Northwest Power Planning Council (NWPPC), Martz announced that she will be reassigning several people to new positions.

"Karl and I are thrilled to announce several staff re-assignments in our administration," Martz said. "We believe that each of these appointments will continue to build on our current strengths and will contribute to the success of this administration."

Martz announced the following staff changes and additions:

• Ed Bartlett, new member of the Northwest Power Planning Council, (presently chief of staff)
• Barbara Ranf, new chief of staff (presently director, Department of Administration)
• Mike Foster, new policy director (presently commissioner, Department of Labor and Industry)
• Jeff Hindoien, new legal counsel (presently policy aide and legal)
• Mary Schwarz, new communications director
• Meta Boyer, deputy communications (presently bureau chief at Department of Agriculture)

Until new department directors are chosen, Martz announced the following:

• Wendy Keating, acting commissioner Dept of Labor & Industry (presently administrator DOLI)
• Steve Bender, will assume more responsibilities (presently deputy director Dept of Admin)

"To those people on this list who are currently serving in my administration, I extend to them my deepest gratitude for being willing to step forward to take on new responsibilities," Martz said, "and to the new member of our staff, Mary, I say 'welcome aboard'."

Martz explained that there will be a month long transition period for most of these changes to take place. New staff in her press office will be on board within three weeks.

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