Governor Martz Selects New Labor Commissioner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 28, 2001
Contact: Mary Schwarz
406-444-5523

(Helena) - Governor Judy Martz has named Wendy Keating to serve as the state's new Commissioner for the Department of Labor and Industry.

"Wendy is a very talented individual who brings an extensive background to the cabinet," Governor Martz said. "I know she will continue to improve the level of service provided by our Department of Labor and Industry."

Keating, 57, will replace Mike Foster, who is now Governor Martz's Policy Director.

"I look forward to serving Montana in this capacity," said Keating. "This is a great opportunity to join this administration as we work to meet the needs of Montana's citizens."

Most recently, Keating served as Acting Commissioner for the Department of Labor and Industry, and has served as the Division Administrator for the Job Service Division at the department since 1996. Prior to that, she was manager for the Billings Job Service Workforce Center (1978-1996), and within the same time period, served as Supervisor for Welfare to Work and Employment and Training Programs in Billings.

"Wendy's extensive job service and management experience will be a great asset as we work to develop good paying jobs in a quality environment," said Governor Martz.

Originally from Vancouver Washington, Keating graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1962, and received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Eastern Montana College in Billings in 1967. She has two grown children.

Keatings's salary will be $80,704. She will assume the commissioner position immediately.

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Biographical Information

Birthplace: Vancouver, WA
Birthdate: 10/05/44

Family: Single
Children: Son - Tim: Station Manager, KTVQ in Billings
Daughter - Tamara: Elementry School Teacher, Bellingham, WA

Education:

High School: Billings Senior High, 1962
Billings, MT

College: Eastern Montana College (MSU@Billings), 1967
Bachelor of Arts - Elementry Education

Professional Background:

1967-1969: Public Kindergarten School Teacher - Central Valley, WA

1969-1975 Vocational Counselor - Billings Job Service

1975-1998 Supervisor for Welfare to Work and Employment and Training Programs-DOLI (Billings Job Service)

1978-1996 Manager, Billings Job Service Workforce Center(Billings)

1996-September 2001 Administrator, Job Service Division, DOLI (Helena)

9/01 to present Acting Commissioner (Director) of Labor and Industry (Helena)

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