homeWelcome, sign in or click here to subscribe.login
     


 

 

Business


print  email to a friend  reprints add to mydjc  

October 29, 2026

Employment Security Department

Gov. Bob Ferguson has presented leadership awards to two Employment Security Department staff.

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.

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.”




Email or user name:
Password:
 
Forgot password? Click here.