OLYMPIA – Gov. Bob Ferguson on Monday presented leadership awards to two Employment Security Department staff.
Employment Security’s JR Richards and Jessica Barr earned the Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award, which recognizes managers in state government who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through performance results in the previous year.
“JR and Jessica are incredible and dedicated leaders,” Employment Security Department Interim Commissioner Martin McMurry said. “Thank you to Gov. Bob Ferguson for recognizing two of our amazing staff members who truly make a difference in the lives of Washingtonians.”
Richards is the agency’s Insurance Services Director. Under Richards’ direction, Employment Security successfully integrated service delivery across its three benefits programs: Unemployment Insurance, Paid Family & Medical Leave and WA Cares.
Her nominator said Richards exemplifies the values of Washington’s public sector, making her a standout candidate for the award.
Barr is Employment Security’s North Sound Regional Director. She oversees WorkSource offices in Snohomish, Skagit, Island, Whatcom, Kitsap, Clallam and Jefferson counties.
She has been a driving force behind statewide improvements at WorkSource offices in her region, directly resulting in better service for customers in several key areas. Her nominator said she demonstrates that leadership is not about authority, but about service, relationships and results.”
Learn more about the Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award in the governor’s news release.