By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Wednesday, July 9, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) announced that he has appointed Fitzgerald Washington to serve in the Bentley Administration as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Labor.
Governor Bentley said, “Fitzgerald Washington has a strong business background with a wealth of knowledge and experience, and is uniquely qualified to serve as Labor Commissioner. 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.”
Fitzgerald Washington said, “I am honored that Governor Bentley has entrusted me to serve as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Labor. 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.”
Fitzgerald Washington worked for fifteen years at 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. Washington also developed a hiring and retention process for the company’s Tuscaloosa distribution center.
Washington has experience in human resource management, marketing strategies, operations management and strategic development.
In 2013, Washington was the 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.
Fitzgerald Washington has also been involved with: the Druid City Business League, the Black Warrior Council Board, BB&T Bank Advisory Board, Board of Visitors for the University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies and served on the DCH Health Systems Foundation Board of Directors.
Governor Bentley also appointed Washington to the Alabama Workforce Council. Last week Governor Bentley announced appointments to the Alabama Workforce Council which includes: Zeke Smith from Alabama Power; Blaine Galliher with the Office of Governor Robert Bentley; Dr. Joseph B. Morton, the Alabama Business Education Alliance; state Representative Mac Buttram (R); Raymond W. Perez, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama LLC; Jerry Mays, the former Mayor of Phil Campbell; Dale Greer with the Cullman Economic Development Agency; Fitzgerald Washington, Buffalo Rock Company; Mike Kitchens, American Cast Iron Pipe Company; Tim McCartney, McCartney Construction Company Inc. Keith I. Weil, Golden Dragon Copper Tubing; Charles (Chuck) DiLaura, Neptune Technology Group Inc.; Allen Harris, Bailey – Harris Construction; Kelvin J. Hill, Georgia Pacific; Jed Downs from Qualico Steel; Michael D. Davis, Toray Carbon Fibers America Inc.; Arthur J. Tipton, Ph. D. with the Southern Research Institute; David A. King, Dynetics Inc.; Norman A. Crow, D.T. & Freight Company; Philip C. Johnston Mercedez Benz U.S International; Bill Caton, Associated General Contractors; Jennifer Himburg, ALFA; Kasey Myers, GKN Aerospace Alabama Fuel Systems; Sandra Koblas, Austal Ship Building; Tom Bates, Evonik Industries; Michelle Hurdle, Airbus Americas Inc.; Cleveland Poole, Pioneer Electric Cooperative Inc.; George Clark, Manufacture Alabama; Mike Bruner, International Paper; Philip C. “Chap” Jackson, Coosa Composites; and Terry Waters with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development.
Washington’s appointment is effective August 4, 2014.
