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Dale Peinecke, commissioner of the Employment Security Department, resigns amidst investigation into workplace conduct

Gov. Jay Inslee today accepted the resignation of Dale Peinecke, commissioner of the state Employment Security Department who was appointed at the start of Inslee’s administration in January 2013.

“I have accepted Dale’s resignation and believe he is making the right decision to ‘pass the ESD leadership baton,'” Inslee said. “ESD has been an important part of our efforts to build a working Washington and the agency’s staff are well-positioned to continue doing exceptional work helping employers, employees and job-seekers be successful.”

Inslee is reviewing findings of an external investigation regarding workplace interactions that made some employees uncomfortable with Peinecke’s behavior.

“While good progress has been made at ESD on many fronts, we take issues related to workplace culture very seriously,” Inslee said. “This is an opportunity for all of us to reaffirm the importance of treating all of our employees with respect and fairness, and help every one of our state employees feel they are supported to do their jobs well.”

In the past five years under Peinecke’s leadership, ESD has helped lead efforts related to the governor’s career-connected learning initiatives, passage and implementation of Washington’s best-in-the-nation paid family and medical leave program, and embraced continuous improvement and lean management practices that are a model for other state agencies. The state’s unemployment rate has reached historic lows and ESD is continuously looking for ways to help reduce barriers to employment for veterans, youth and all people in search of work.

Inslee’s office is beginning a search for a new commissioner and working with ESD on a smooth transition.


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