PDC Appoints New Executive Director

The Public Disclosure Commission has appointed Tacoma attorney Evelyn Fielding Lopez to the position of Executive Director, effective October 1, 2015.

A former assistant attorney general, Lopez served in various management roles in the Attorney General's Office, most recently as the Chief of the AGO's Labor & Industries Division from 2005 to 2014.

"Ms. Lopez brings to the Commission an ideal mix of proven strategic and visionary leadership, a history of collaboration, and integrity," stated Katrina Asay, Commission chair.

"This is a pivotal time for the PDC," said Asay. "The Legislature has given the Commission the resources it needs to replace outdated filing software, develop a better website, and make other overdue upgrades. The Commission and staff are committed to eliminating backlogs and resolving new complaints more quickly. Evelyn will provide the unifying and decisive leadership needed to keep the positive momentum going and carry out the Commission's mission of providing timely and meaningful public access to accurate information about campaign finances, lobbying expenditures, and the personal financial affairs of government officials as well as ensuring compliance with and equitable enforcement of Washington's disclosure and campaign finance laws."

A native of New Zealand, Lopez is a member of the Ngati Huri of the Ngati Raukawa (Maori), Pititu Marae. She holds a law degree from the University of Washington.

The Public Disclosure Commission was created and empowered by voter-approved Initiative 276 to provide timely and meaningful public access to accurate information about the financing of political campaigns, lobbyist expenditures, and the financial affairs of public officials and candidates and to ensure compliance with and equitable enforcement of Washington's disclosure and campaign finance laws.