WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY, TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

 

 

 

Date:                December 8, 2008

Contact:           Wendy Pugnetti, Communications Director, 360.725.4019

 

 

OLYMPIA – Juli Wilkerson, director of the Washington state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED), today announced her retirement effective January 9.  

 

“Governor Gregoire is a great leader and I have been honored and privileged to serve her,” Wilkerson said. “I am proud of what we have achieved. However, I am unable to commit for an additional four years and it is time for me to retire and be with my family.”

 

“Juli has been an exceptional advocate and innovative leader for the interests of citizens, communities and businesses throughout the state,” Gov. Chris Gregoire said. “During her tenure, Washington has gained national and international recognition as an outstanding place to live, work and visit. She leaves the agency in excellent shape and prepared to address the current economic challenges and capture new opportunities in the emerging green economy.”

 

First appointed by Governor Gary Locke and reappointed in 2005 by Governor Gregoire after a national search, Wilkerson has served in the post for five years.  During her time, the agency has played a key role in carrying out the Governor’s Next Washington plan to advance the state’s global competitiveness and strengthen local economic development. Among the department’s achievements was the launch of a new business recruitment and expansion resource, www.choosewashington.com.

 

Wilkerson also promoted Washington abroad, accompanying two Governors on trade missions to China, Japan, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. For the past two years, Wilkerson has co-chaired the Governor’s Climate Action Team which is positioning Washington as a leader in creating a clean, green economy. CTED advocated and established a public-private partnership to promote and fund tourism and introduced new approaches and technology for handling infrastructure contracts, grants and loans to improve customer service.

 

Wilkerson’s retirement caps a long public service career in state and local government. She held key positions with the City of Tacoma from 1991 to 2004, including assistant city manager, director of the planning and development services department and director of the city's Economic Development Department. She was assistant director of the Washington State Department of Revenue from 1989 to 1991 and legislative counsel and executive assistant to the Washington State Attorney General from 1984 to 1987. She is a graduate of Gonzaga University School of Law.

 

CTED delivers a wide array of services, ranging from economic development to affordable housing, infrastructure funding, energy, tourism and international trade.

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