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Agriculture Director Loveland to retire
Gov. Gregoire lauds Loveland’s years of public service

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced that Valoria Loveland, director of the Washington state Department of Agriculture (WSDA), is retiring.

“Since her reappointment as agriculture director in April 2005, Valoria has been a tireless advocate for the farming community,” the governor said. “When I reappointed Valoria as director of agriculture I asked that she expand the market for our state’s agricultural goods. Today, agriculture exports from Washington state are at record highs thanks in large part to Valoria’s leadership.”

Before serving as director of agriculture under two governors, Loveland served as Franklin County Treasurer, state Senator and chair of the state’s Public Disclosure Commission.

“Valoria has been a close advisor and friend and I will miss her professionally and personally,” the governor continued. “I have called on her expertise and advice because of her wide range of knowledge from years of public service. On behalf of the people of Washington, I want to thank Valoria for her service and I wish her the best of luck in retirement.”

"I have very much loved working for Governor Gregoire,” Loveland said. “She knows how to govern, and that means surrounding herself with people who know what the citizens of Washington want and expect, and who also know how to deliver. I will miss working within the ‘can-do’ environment the governor brings to state government."

Loveland’s retirement is effective May 5, 2008.

The governor announced that Robert Gore, the current deputy director at WSDA, will serve as the agency’s interim director until a permanent director is hired. Gore, 56, has over 30 years experience working in the agriculture community as a grain inspector and commodities inspection manager.
 

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