State Treasurer Robert J. Kleine has appointed Valdemar Washington Deputy Treasurer for Local Government Services, effective December 3, 2007. Mr. Washington, an attorney and retired Circuit Court Judge, has most recently operated a firm specializing in Mediation and Conflict Resolution.

"Valdemar will be a welcome addition to the Executive Office," said State Treasurer Robert J. Kleine. "I look forward to working closely with him on the many initiatives and programs administered by the Bureau of Local Government Services."

Washington has spent nearly two decades practicing law and also served as Special Assistant State Attorney General before taking the bench in Genesee County in 1986.

Washington, who earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University and holds a Law Degree from the University of Michigan, replaces Gregory Pitoniak, who resigned his post in June. Deputy Treasurer Tom Saxton has been overseeing Local Government operations in the interim. Saxton will continue in his role of Deputy Treasurer for the Bond Finance and Student Finance Bureaus.