Avakian will replace departing state labor commissioner

Bethany-area state senator must run for election in November to keep the job

LocalNewsDaily.com, Mar 13, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

State Sen. Brad Avakian of Bethany was named Thursday to replace Labor Commissioner Dan Gardner. Avakian has represented parts of Washington County in the Legislature since 2002.

file photo / Beaverton Valley Times

State Sen. Brad Avakian of Bethany was named Thursday afternoon to replace state Labor Commissioner Dan Gardner.

Avakian, who represents Senate District 17 in Washington County, will take over the position at the state Bureau of Labor and Industries April 7 when Gardner leaves to take a policy job with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Washington, D.C.

“Brad shares my vision that we must invest in our citizens, that we must give all Oregonians a chance at success at a time where our economy is facing global competition and that our approach must be driven by innovation,” said Gov. Ted Kulongoski.

Avakian was first elected to the Oregon House in 2002 and was re-elected in 2004. He was elected to the state Senate in 2006.

He earned a law degree from Lewis and Clark College and started a labor and civil rights law practice in 1990, working on cases involving discrimination claims in employment and housing. Avakian also leads the Oregon Business Leadership Network, which helps people with disabilities find employment.

Avakian will be required to run for election to the post on the November general election ballot.

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