Locke Names Flynn Press Secretary

Gov. Gary Locke on Wednesday appointed Marylou Flynn, a corporate spokeswoman and former state official, as his communications director.

Flynn, 34, has worked for Nordstrom and Cinnabon as a public affairs specialist. Before that, she worked in then-Gov. Booth Gardner’s legislative liaison office and for the Department of Labor and Industries.

“I’m used to wearing a fire hat,” she said with a laugh.

Locke called her “a skilled communicator who brings a valuable mix of private and public sector experience to my administration.” He said she will serve as his chief press secretary and help “articulate my policies to the public.”

Flynn said she had been assured of direct access to the governor. Locke told reporters he will hold regular weekly news conferences during the legislative session and that his staff will be “very approachable.”

Flynn will make $78,000 a year.