Montgomery, AL – On Friday, Governor Kay Ivey announced the retirement of Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington and shared her decision to appoint Marty Redden as his successor. Redden, a former Cabinet member, will lead the Department of Labor as it transitions into the newly established Department of Workforce, a key part of Alabama’s recent workforce initiatives.
Governor Ivey praised Washington’s contributions during his decade of service, noting Alabama’s historic low unemployment rates and record-high employment. “I am grateful for the role Secretary Washington has played in that success over the last decade, and I thank him for his dedicated service,” Ivey stated. She highlighted the collaboration between Washington, the Legislature, and other stakeholders in passing the “Working for Alabama” bill package, which focuses on improving labor force participation and rebranding the Department of Labor as the Department of Workforce.
Washington, the longest-serving labor secretary in Alabama’s history, has been instrumental in connecting job seekers with employers and reaching underserved populations, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those facing employment barriers. He also served as chair of two national workforce associations during his tenure. Reflecting on his service, Washington expressed pride in the department’s accomplishments, stating, “Making sure that all Alabamians who want a job can have a job has been an important goal not only for the agency, but for me personally.”
As Washington steps down, Redden, who brings 16 years of state government experience, will take on the role of guiding the Department of Workforce through this transitional period. Redden, previously appointed by Governor Ivey as Secretary of the Office of Information Technology (OIT) in 2019, has a background in both public and private sector information technology, with 20 years in management roles.
In response to his new appointment, Redden expressed gratitude for the governor’s trust. “I appreciate the confidence she has placed in me and look forward to leading the Alabama Department of Labor. When Governor Ivey asks you to step up, you step up,” Redden said.
Redden’s appointment as Secretary of the Department of Labor is effective October 1, 2024, as he comes out of retirement to help oversee the department’s transition.
