May 24, 2011

Licensing director retires from state government

OLYMPIA — Department of Licensing Director Liz Luce announced today that she will retire from state service on June 30.

Luce, who has been with Gov. Chris Gregoire’s administration since March 2005, told her staff she wants to spend more time with her family and at home in Vancouver, Wash.

“I am proud of the agency’s many accomplishments over the last six years and so happy to have served alongside such dedicated and hard working employees who helped me tackle big issues and accomplish great things,” said Luce.

Highlights of her tenure include:

• Creating the nation’s first enhanced driver license, which can be used as an alternative to a U.S. passport when traveling through all U.S. land and sea border crossing stations.
• Expanding online services on the department’s website, reducing or eliminating the need for many customers to visit driver licensing offices.
• Reducing costs in tough economic times by creating email vehicle renewal reminders and encouraging citizens to sign up.

“All of us in Washington state should thank Liz for her service,’ Gregoire said. “She played a critical role in establishing the Enhanced Drivers License, which has become a model for the rest of the nation. She has also tackled costs, streamlined agency functions and has been a strong member of my cabinet. I wish Liz only the best in her retirement, and know it will be spent well with family and friends.”

Gregoire said she will begin searching for Luce’s successor immediately.