Rep. Gary Chandler (R-Moses Lake) has been named the Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Association of Washington Business (AWB). The announcement was made by AWB President Don Brunell, and was effective December 1.

In that post, Chandler will become the AWB’s chief lobbyist and direct its legislative to regulatory programs. In assuming the position, Chandler will resign his legislative seat in the 13th District.

“We have been talking with Gary the last couple of weeks and are very pleased he will join AWB to direct our lobbying efforts at the State Capitol,” Brunell said. “He has been a solid supporter of the business and agriculture community and is widely recognized as a leader and problem-solver. He has the reputation of working well with Democrats and Republicans.”

As a legislator, Chandler co-chaired the House Agriculture and Ecology Committee and served on the Natural Resources and Transportation committees during the last legislative session. He was first elected to the legislature in 1990 from Moses Lake and served in a legislative seat once occupied by his father, Glyn. Chandler currently serves on AWB’s Board of Directors. He owns the Mail Boxes, Etc., in Moses Lake. Chandler was a hay farmer, apple orchardist, former manager of the family’s farm implement dealership, and Grant County Commissioner.