Victor Moore, the governor's budget director, is leaving next month to take a job as chief operating officer with the Washington State Investment Board.

Moore has headed the Office of Financial Management since Gov. Chris Gregoire's first term started in January 2005.

He'll be replaced by Gregoire's current legislative director, Marty Brown. Brown has served a bunch of different roles in state government, including a long stint as former Gov. Gary Locke's budget director.

Moore said he gets along well with Gregoire and is leaving on good terms. But being the governor's budget director takes its toll, even in good economic times. "It was time to try something different," Moore said.

See the governor's press release below.

For Release: Immediate Media Contact: Governor's Communications Office

Date: March 2, 2010 Phone: 360-902-4136

OLYMPIA - Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced that Victor Moore, the director of the Office of Financial Management, has accepted an appointment as chief operating officer with the Washington State Investment Board. Moore has been the head of the state budget office since Gregoire began her first term in January 2005.

"Victor has served me and the people of the state of Washington with uncommon dedication, keen intelligence and quiet strength," Gregoire said. "His steady hand and calm head have prevailed over a number of rough patches. I will truly miss his counsel and good humor as he embarks on the next phase of his career, and wish him every success."

"The WSIB and the beneficiaries of the funds we manage are extremely fortunate to have someone with Victor's deep knowledge, credibility and experience to help us manage the functions that are critical to maintaining the transparency, accountability and integrity of this organization," said WSIB Executive Director Theresa Whitmarsh.

The State Investment Board is responsible for managing investments of more than $70 billion in public assets for Washington's pension plans for public employees, teachers, school employees, law enforcement officers, firefighters and judges. The WSIB also manages investments for several other public funds that support or benefit the state's industrial insurance programs, colleges and universities, developmental disabilities and wildlife protection.

As the WSIB's chief operating officer, Moore will oversee investment accounting, risk management, compliance, trade settlement and cash management. In addition, the COO supervises human resources, information technology, budget, finance and other administrative services.

"It's been my privilege and honor to work for Governor Gregoire for the past five years," Moore said. "Together with other members of her administration, we are building a record that we can be proud of. I am grateful for her support and that of the outstanding employees at the Office of Financial Management. I look forward to new challenges at the State Investment Board and to joining another top-notch organization."

Moore began his public service career with the budget office at The Evergreen State College in 1980. In 1983, he began work for the Legislature as a budget analyst for the Senate Ways & Means Committee. He then worked at the Commission for Vocational Education in 1984 and OFM in 1986, when he served as the senior budget assistant to the governor in the areas of transportation and capital construction. In 1991, Moore was named staff coordinator for the House Appropriations Committee. He served in this position through the end of 2004, except for a brief period when he served as director of administration and government relations for the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Moore's appointment is effective mid-April, when his work associated with the legislative session, including the review of bills for the governor's action, is expected to be concluded. His annual salary will be $198,500.

Gregoire also announced today that Moore will be replaced at OFM by her legislative director, Marty Brown. Prior to joining the Governor's office, Brown served as OFM director from 1999-05. He was legislative director and deputy chief of staff for Gov. Gary Locke, and legal counsel, leadership counsel, staff director and secretary of the Washington State Senate.

"Since I took office, Marty has been one of my most trusted advisers," Gregoire said. "With his experience running the agency, and his deep understanding of the Legislature, we will continue the tradition of excellence at OFM."

"I'm excited to serve the governor and the state in this role," Brown said. "We have a great team, and I know together we can address the many budget challenges we face."