WHEREAS, Ellen O'Brien Saunders is retiring from the Work Force Training and Education Coordinating Board on June 30, 2006, as the only Director since the creation of the Board in 1991; and
     WHEREAS, Ellen O'Brien Saunders has articulately and effectively communicated the core mission and values of the Work Force Board and the importance of the work force development system to leaders across the state, including labor, business, state government, the K-12 system, and the community and technical college system; and
     WHEREAS, Ellen O'Brien Saunders has been instrumental in coordinating the goals and objectives of multiple work force development programs, including developing and updating "High Skills, High Wages," the state strategic plan for work force development; and
     WHEREAS, Ellen O'Brien Saunders has overseen the creation of a nationally renowned performance management system for work force development programs; and
     WHEREAS, Ellen O'Brien Saunders has conducted outstanding annual conferences on work force development that bring together leaders from across the state to highlight best practices and learn from national and state level experts; and
     WHEREAS, Ellen O'Brien Saunders has been a national leader on work force development, having served as the Chair of the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate hereby commend Ellen O'Brien Saunders for her tireless efforts on behalf of the work force development system in this state and her dedication to serving students, laborers, and businesses in the State of Washington since the inception of the Work Force Board; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Ellen O'Brien Saunders and the Work Force Training and Education Coordinating Board.