March 19, 2008

Experienced auditor and manager selected to lead King County’s Records and Licensing Services Division

Division includes oversight of Animal Care and Control

King County residents are getting a highly experienced leader to take over as head of the county’s newly created Records and Licensing Services Division.  It will be a homecoming of sorts for Director Designee Carolyn Ableman, who brings a vast, hands-on knowledge of the records and licensing industries and Washington state regulations from her previous role in Snohomish County where she served as Chief Deputy Auditor for the last nine years.  Before that, she spent 14 years with King County’s Archives and Records Management and Recorder’s Office.

Most recently, as the Chief Deputy Auditor of Snohomish County, Ableman provided leadership and management in the licensing, recording, animal control and performance auditing divisions, as well as the elections division. However, Ableman’s new duties will not include elections. The county’s 2008 budget included legislation that reorganized the Records, Elections and Licensing (REALS) Division into two separate entities:  the Elections Division and the Records and Licensing Services (RALS) Division, which includes Animal Care and Control. The creation of two separate divisions will allow directors of these agencies to focus separately on resources required for elections and records, animal and licensing services.  Ableman will manage a staff of 126, with an annual budget of over $15.7 million.

“Carolyn is uniquely qualified for this important role,” said Department of Executive Services Director Jim Buck.  “She brings a depth of knowledge about records, licensing and animal services in our state from her long career in Snohomish County and her experience will be especially relevant as we continue improvements to our Animal Care and Control agency. Carolyn is also a seasoned professional with strong management skills and the institutional knowledge about King County government to lead this division successfully.” 

“I am excited to return to King County to provide people and pets with important resources and services,” said Ableman.  “This position will be a continuation of some of the work I’ve done for years, yet it also offers new opportunities to work with a team committed to delivering a variety of critical needs. I very much look forward to being of service to our public.”

Ableman’s appointment took effect March 17.  Anne Bruskland, Acting Assistant Director for REALS for the past 12 months, will assist Ableman in the immediate transition.  Ableman will serve as the director designee until she is confirmed by the Metropolitan King County Council.

Carolyn Ableman background

Professional:

• Chief Deputy Auditor, Snohomish County, 1999 -2008
• President, Ableman Information Resources, 1997 - 1999    
• Superintendent of Records, King County Recorder’s Office, 1988 - 1997
• Archivist/Records Management Officer, King County Archives/Records Management, 1983 - 1988

Community and Professional Involvement:

• PRIA (Property Records Industry Association) current Board Member
• NACRC (National Association of County Recorders, Elections Officials and Clerks)  Board Member (2001-2006)
• Soroptimist International of Everett, WA
• United Way
• International  volunteer work:
  • Project Independence: Women Survivors of War in Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda         
  • Project Jambo, Mtito-Andei, Kenya