UW News

October 5, 1999

Dick Thompson to become UW director of government relations

News and Information

Dick Thompson, director of the state’s Office of Financial Management (OFM) since 1997, has been appointed director of government relations at the University of Washington, effective later this fall, at a date to be determined.

The Office of Government Relations is responsible for the university’s relations with state government, including representing the university’s goals and priorities to elected and appointed officials in Olympia and responding to requests for information from the executive and legislative branches.

“The University of Washington is pleased to announce the appointment of Dick Thompson to this important position,” said UW President Richard L. McCormick. “With his vast experience in state government and the virtually universal respect for him and his abilities, he will provide important insight and leadership as the university works to obtain state support to serve the citizens of Washington and maintain its excellence.”

The Office of Financial Management that Thompson led since 1997 plays a central role in state budget planning, policy development and fiscal administration. OFM prepares the governor’s budget proposals, monitors budget implementation, maintains the statewide accounting system and central books of accounts, conducts policy research and develops legislation to support the governor’s goals.

“I have known Dick for many years, since my early days in the state legislature,” said Gov. Gary Locke. “We were extremely fortunate to have him return to state government as our state budget director. He has been an integral part of my administration and played an important role in our day-to-day management of state government. It will be very difficult to replace him.”

Thompson holds the distinction of being the only person in state history ever to have served as the chief of staff to a governor, OFM director and secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services.

Thompson served as director of the state Department of Community Development (1985-87) and chief of staff for Gov. Booth Gardner (1987-89). He was secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services (1989-92). Thompson was president and chief professional officer of the United Way of King County from 1993 to 1997.

Thompson received a B.A. in political science from Western Washington University in 1965 and a J.D. from the UW School of Law in 1968. He has been a part-time faculty member in the graduate programs in public administration at the UW and The Evergreen State College.

The director of government relations will report directly to the president. Thompson’s annual salary will be $150,000.