Governor Kay Ivey announced the retirement of Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington on Friday.
Ivey said she was appointing her former cabinet member, Marty Redden, to lead the department as it transitions to the Department of Workforce. The legislature passed a law in the previous session making changes to the Department of Labor and renaming the department.
"Alabama has achieved all-time low unemployment rates, and we have more people working today than at any other point in our state's history. I am grateful for the role Secretary Washington has played in that success over the last decade, and I thank him for his dedicated service," said Ivey. "After pivoting our focus to increasing the state's labor force participation, with Secretary Washington, the Legislature and many others, we proudly passed the 'Working for Alabama' bill package, which includes transforming the Department of Labor into the Department of Workforce. I am proud to bring back Marty Redden to help us oversee that transition."
As the Department of Labor's longest-serving secretary, Washington helped Alabama connect more job seekers with employers. During his tenure, he was also elected to serve as chair of two national workforce associations.
"It's been an honor to serve the state in this capacity and to work with Governor Ivey for the people who call Alabama home," said Washington. "I'm so very proud of all that the Alabama Department of Labor has been able to accomplish in this past decade. Making sure that all Alabamians who want a job can have a job has been an important goal not only for the agency, but for me personally. Watching people thrive after finding gainful employment, and then continuing to be successful by expanding their families and purchasing homes is one of the most rewarding experiences I've had in my life. I'd also like to acknowledge the amazing staff at ADOL, who work tirelessly and selflessly to enrich the lives of the citizens we serve."
After 16 years in state government, Redden will now work with Ivey to transition the Department of Labor to the Department of Workforce.
Redden assumed the duties of Office of Information Technology Secretary after being appointed by Ivey in July 2019. Before his appointment, Redden spent three decades in various information technology positions in the public and private sectors, 20 of which were in management.
"Governor Ivey has dedicated much of her life to serving the people of Alabama and their needs, and this opportunity allows me to, once again, follow her example of service," said Redden. "I appreciate the confidence she has placed in me and look forward to leading the Alabama Department of Labor. When Governor Ivey asks you to step up, you step up."
Redden's appointment as secretary of the Department of Labor suspends his retirement and is effective Tuesday.
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