For Immediate Release:

Tuesday, April 17, 2001

(PASCO) - Senator Patty Murray today announced the hiring of USDA Rural Development State Director, Mary McBride, as her new Central Washington Regional Representative.

"I am very pleased to announce that Mary McBride is joining my state staff at the end of April. Mary will be a tremendous resource for the people and communities of Central Washington. She brings to this position more than 20 years of experience working in and with small and rural communities to strengthen their economies," Murray said.

For the past six years Mary McBride has served as the state director of USDA Rural Development. Prior to that McBride worked as the USDA's State Rural Development Coordinator and as the Executive Director of the Palouse Economic Development Council.

McBride expressed her excitement about this new opportunity, "I'm looking forward to being a part of Senator Murray's staff here in the state. It's a great opportunity for me to put my background and experience in economic development to work for Central Washington. I am also excited by the chance to work with Senator Murray on rural initiatives that will benefit communities across the state."

Mary McBride will be based out of Senator Murray's Yakima office.