One-quarter of all members will be women starting November 1, 2012
State Labor and Industries Commissioner Brad Avakian, who leads Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) and appoints the members of the Prevailing Wage Advisory Committee (PWAC), is announcing a slate of new appointments and re-appointments to take effect soon. The biggest news: PWAC is transitioning from zero female members to three when the last of the new appointments becomes effective on November 1.
“I am always impressed by the caliber of individuals willing and able to serve on the Prevailing Wage Advisory Committee,” Avakian said. “The addition of three highly qualified women brings a wider diversity of experience and reflects my desire to see more women taking on policy-setting roles at the state level.”
PWAC was created by legislative action in 2003, directing the BOLI Commissioner to appoint representatives of management and labor to provide advice to the Commissioner and agency on issues relating to Oregon’s prevailing wage rate law.
“I’m ready to get to work,” said new appointee Jodi Guetzloe Parker, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbia-Pacific Building Trades Council. “Being part of a group that brings together so much experience and expertise in one place, to recommend good solutions to tricky problems, is an exciting opportunity.”
The newly appointed members of PWAC are:
Jodi Guetzloe Parker – In 19-plus years with Laborers International of North America, Guetzloe Parker has worked on many of the region’s major projects, such as the Zoo Overpass, Portland Streetcar and Interstate MAX. From the staff of Laborers Local 320, she won election to head the Columbia Pacific Building Trades Council earlier this year.
Val Solorzano – Solorzano founded Chick of All Trades in 2005 as a small construction business with a distinctly “green” attitude toward its work. That company is prospering while she also operates C.O.A.T. Flagging, which offers traffic control services on a range of public works projects.
Nelda Wilson – Business Manager and 30-plus-year member of Local 701 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Wilson brings years of experience with the prevailing wage survey process to the committee. She also serves on the Oregon State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
Visit www.oregon.gov/BOLI for more information about all of BOLI’s work to support employers, the workforce and a stronger economy.
