Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington is retiring after a decade, Gov. Kay Ivey announced on Friday.
She is appointing Marty Redden to oversee the agency as it transitions to the Department of Workforce. Redden was previously in the Ivey cabinet as the leader of the Office of Information Technology. He retired from that post last year.
“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,” Ivey said in a written statement. “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.”
Under a new law approved in the spring, several state workforce development entities and programs will be consolidated under the Department of Labor, which will be renamed as the Department of Workforce. It’s part of an effort by state leaders to boost the state’s lower-than-average labor participation rate.
The state has had record-low unemployment in the last two years, meaning people looking for jobs find them. But the state’s labor participation rate shows that more than 40% of potential workers aren’t employed.
Ivey’s office credits Fitzgerald, the state’s longest-serving labor secretary, with connecting more employers and jobseekers, particularly in previously underserved populations, including people with disabilities and veterans.
“I’m so very proud of all that the Alabama Department of Labor has been able to accomplish in this past decade,” Washington said. “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.”
Washington oversaw the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, when unemployment claims, and cases of fraud, spiked.
Redden’s appointment begins Tuesday. Prior to leading the Office of Information Technology, Redden had 30 years of experience in information technology positions in the public and private sectors.
“Gov. 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,” Redden said.