Juli Wilkerson, director of the Washington state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED), yesterday announced her retirement effective Jan. 9. 0
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, http://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.
Wilkersons 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.
