(OLYMPIA) - The Washington State Liquor Control Board has announced the appointment of Pat McLaughlin, who currently serves as the agency’s Purchasing Director, as Business Enterprise Director in charge of all agency supply chain operations.

McLaughlin, who joined the agency a year ago, has more than 22 years of experience in supply chain management. In his new position, Pat will serve as a member of the agency’s executive management team and provide strategic leadership and direction for the agency’s Purchasing and Retail Services Divisions and its Distribution Center.

With more than 900 employees, these three divisions comprise the core of the agency’s non-regulatory activity, and are responsible for generating more than $700 million annually in product sales.

McLaughlin brings more than 10 years of executive management experience to this position, as well as specific skill sets in technology and data analysis. He was selected from a strong group of highly experienced candidates. During his first year with the Board he completed an extensive organizational review of the Distribution, Purchasing and Retail divisions, implemented a supplier scorecard process to improve supplier efficiency and initiated work process improvements in the Purchasing Division that have saved time and money.

Prior to joining the Liquor Control Board, McLaughlin served in management positions with Leupold & Stevens Inc., in Beaverton, Oregon, Rosen Products, LLC in Eugene, Oregon, and Fujitsu-ICL Systems, Inc, in Foothill Ranch, California. People describe Pat as likeable, action oriented, smart and very driven. He is considered to be a strong and effective manager with inside and outside supply chain management experience.

Steve Burnell, currently Marketing Manager in the Purchasing Services Division, will serve as Acting Director of the division until a search for a new Purchasing Director is completed.

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