NEWS RELEASE: Veteran district attorney takes helm of BOLI prosecution unit

[Estabrook Bob]

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Commissioner Brad Avakian
Bureau of Labor & Industries


Press Release
For Immediate Distribution
October 25, 2012
CONTACT: Bob Estabrook, 503-709-0730

Veteran district attorney takes helm of BOLI prosecution unit
Polk County's Jenn Gaddis assumes role of Chief Prosecutor


PORTLAND - Oregon Labor and Industries Commissioner Brad Avakian has announced the appointment of Jenn Gaddis as Chief Prosecutor for the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI).  BOLI's chief prosecutor, in addition to taking the lead on select agency cases, oversees the team that prosecutes charges for everything from failure to pay minimum wage or overtime to child labor violations, from unlawful employment practices to discrimination in housing and public accommodations.  Gaddis started at BOLI on October 22nd.

"Jenn brings real skill and experience prosecuting cases aggressively, which is exactly what BOLI is looking for," Avakian said.  "I've made a priority of streamlining our complaint process and expediting civil rights cases, and Jenn and the Administrative Prosecution Unit are going to be right in the thick of protecting all Oregonians' civil rights in employment, housing and public places, as well as the right to a fair workplace."

A 2006 graduate of the Willamette University School of Law, Gaddis has worked in district attorneys' offices in three Oregon counties and prosecuted a range of serious cases, including sexual abuse against children under 12.  As Chief Deputy District Attorney for Polk County, she oversaw a team of attorneys and helped to manage the staff supporting them-responsibilities right in line with her job as chief prosecutor.  And although the transition to administrative prosecutions is a change of pace for the former criminal prosecutor, even that transition seems natural for Gaddis.

"I've always rooted for the underdog and wanted to stand up for the little guy," Gaddis said. "BOLI is the agency that stands up for workers and other Oregonians who've been treated unfairly-just the kind of champion that underdogs need to be able to turn to."

Visit www.oregon.gov/BOLI<http://www.oregon.gov/BOLI> for more information about all of BOLI's work to support Oregon workers, local employers and a stronger economy.


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The mission of the Bureau of Labor and Industries is to protect employment rights, advance employment opportunities, and protect access to housing and public accommodations free from discrimination.


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