Published January 09, 2009
The counties' Julie Murray taking over role at state budget agency
Gov. Chris Gregoire's budget office has a new legislative director, Julie Murray. She is coming most recently from the Washington State Association of Counties, which is where her predecessor, Scott Merriman, moved late last year.Here's what Gregoire’s Office of Financial Management said this morning:
Murray has extensive experience in the governmental affairs area, having handled legislative responsibilities for several organizations, including the Washington State Association of Counties, where she has served as policy director for the past three years. She was previously employed by the Washington State Department of Revenue, Metropolitan King County Council and Washington State Farm Bureau.
"Julie’s knowledge of the legislative process will be invaluable to OFM as we commence what will be a uniquely challenging session," said OFM Director Victor Moore. "We will be in good hands with Julie, and I am confident she will begin making important contributions right out of the starting gate."
"Working at the Office of Financial Management and with the governor is a unique opportunity," Murray said. "The budget is likely to be the central issue of this session and there isn’t a better place to be fully engaged in the legislative process than at the Office of Financial Management. With my background in revenue and local government issues, I hope I can be an asset to the governor and her administration."
Murray, who has a law degree from Seattle University, starts work Jan. 26 and will earn $106,800, according to OFM spokeswoman Kate Lykins Brown.