Employment Security leadership
Commissioner Karen Lee
Karen Lee was appointed as the 22nd Commissioner of the Employment Security Department in March 2005. Before joining the agency, Lee was director of gas operations for Puget Sound Energy, where she had held various positions since 1997. Prior to that, she was an associate attorney with Preston, Gates & Ellis in Seattle. Lee is a graduate of the West Point military academy and the University of Washington law school.
360-902-9302
Fact sheet
Deputy Commissioner Paul Trause
Paul Trause returned to the Employment Security Department to assume his current post in March 2005. Before his return, Trause served as director of the Department of Labor & Industries. Prior to that appointment, he was deputy commissioner of Employment Security Department under two previous commissioners. He has held numerous positions in state, local and federal government. Trause holds an undergraduate degree and a law degree from Cornell University.
360-902-9328E-mail Paul
Senior Leadership
Kathy Dijulio, Assistant commissioner for WorkSource Standards & Integration, 360-438-4611 (includes oversight of rapid-response programs that respond to mass layoffs)
Sheryl Hutchison, Communications Director, 360-902-9289 (media relations, Web management)
Mike McVicker, Assistant Commissioner for Information Technology, 360-438-3232
Joel Sacks, Assistant Commissioner for Budget, Policy & Communications, 360-902-9317 (includes oversight of legislative affairs, labor-market information, facilities, procurement, contracting)
Nan Thomas, Assistant Commissioner for Unemployment Insurance, 360-902-9303
Randi Warick, Budget & Performance-Management Director, 360-902-9423
Tony Wright, Assistant Commissioner for Employment & Career Development, 360-438-4601
Peggy Zimmerman, Assistant Commissioner for Human Resources, 360-902-9601 (also oversees Washington Service Corps and Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment)
Employment Security Department organizational chart
Leadership in your area
Contact your local WorkSource office or District Tax Office with questions about Employment Security’s services
