Governor Bentley Appoints Fitzgerald Washington Department of Labor Commissioner

MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley on Wednesday announced Fitzgerald Washington has been appointed to serve in the Bentley Administration as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Labor.

“Fitzgerald Washington has a strong business background with a wealth of knowledge and experience, and is uniquely qualified to serve as Labor Commissioner,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “I am honored he is joining us to lead this important state agency. Fitzgerald will play a fundamental role as we work to provide employment opportunities for Alabamians looking for a job. I appreciate his willingness to serve in my administration, and I know he will be an honest and dedicated Labor Commissioner.”

For fifteen years, Fitzgerald Washington has worked for The Buffalo Rock Company where he served as Corporate Marketing and Sales Director handling the company’s multicultural marketing initiatives before being promoted to General Sales Manager in 2002. As General Sales Manager, Washington was responsible for maximizing brand portfolio for the company’s retail sector. He also developed a hiring and retention process for the company’s Tuscaloosa distribution center. Washington’s experience also includes work in human resource management, marketing strategies, operations management and strategic development.

“I am honored that Governor Bentley has entrusted me to serve as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Labor,” Fitzgerald Washington said. “My mission as director is to continue the department’s efforts to help unemployed Alabamians find a job and ensure certain unemployment compensation benefits are available to them. The Governor’s overall mission is job creation, and the Department of Labor will work hand-in-hand to help the Governor with that mission.”

In 2013, Washington served as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, where he helped create the Minority Business Council to foster growth and competitiveness of minority-owned businesses in West Alabama. Other community involvement includes the Druid City Business League, Black Warrior Council Board, BB&T Bank Advisory Board, Board of Visitors for the University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies and DCH Health Systems Foundation Board of Directors.

Governor Bentley also appointed Washington to the Alabama Workforce Council.

Washington’s appointment is effective August 4, 2014.

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The Governor’s Press Office can be reached at 334-242-7150.