PDC leader is stepping down

Vicki Rippie, who has served as executive director of the state Public Disclosure Commission for the last decade, is stepping down at the end of the month.

The announcement came during a special commission meeting held this afternoon.

Assistant Director Doug Ellis has been appointed interim executive director effective April 1 while the commission conducts a search for her successor.

Here's the PDC press release issued tonight:

Olympia -- Vicki Rippie, Executive Director of the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission, will leave state service March 31, 2010. Ms. Rippie was appointed Executive Director in 2000 after serving as the acting Executive Director for a year. Prior to that, she had been the Assistant Director for Public Information and Policy Development since 1987.

I would like to thank Vicki for her service to the State of Washington and particularly to the PDC,” said Jim Clements, Chair of the Public Disclosure Commission. “Her knowledge of the legislative process and excellent working relationship with legislators, their staff, our stakeholders, and the Commission contributed to the Commission's success. I first met Vicki when I was a State Representative serving on the House State Government Committee. Her professionalism and knowledge of public disclosure issues was nothing short of impressive.”

Ms. Rippie has been a strong advocate of public access to accurate campaign finance and lobbying information. Her belief that access to campaign finance information is essential to fostering an informed electorate and building public confidence in government was critical to implementing the Commission's and the legislature's efforts to improve how quickly and easily the public can access details about the financing of political campaigns and lobbying. During Ms. Rippie's tenure, the PDC earned numerous national awards for its comprehensive laws and the information it makes available to the public. Other major accomplishments during her tenure include:

-assisting the Commission with implementing contribution limits and other voter reforms in Initiative 134,

·expanding the PDC's online search tools to increase public access to campaign and lobbyist data,

·establishing electronic filing applications that make it easier for individuals to comply with filing requirements,

·making Washington State one of the first states to require disclosure of electioneering communications, and

·shepherding the agency through several successful State Supreme Court cases and one U. S. Supreme Court case.

“Vicki has served the citizens of Washington State with distinction and integrity,” Clements commented. “She has earned the respect and admiration of the Commission members and staff. We will all miss her.”

The Commission announced today that it will begin to search for a new Executive Director. Assistant Director Doug Ellis has been appointed Interim Executive Director effective April 1, 2010. Mr. Ellis has worked for the Commission for 18 years and has a background in media relations.