Enterprise Services seeks innovations to lower cost of government services

The Department of Enterprise Services, one of the newest agencies in Washington state government, began operation Oct. 1.

Created by the Legislature in 2011, the department is charged with the responsibilities of supporting state government and helping to reduce the overall costs of delivering its services. Enterprise Services represents a consolidation of varied programs from five agencies.

Leading the new agency is Director Joyce Turner. She is the former director of the Department of General Administration and longtime deputy chief of staff for Gov. Chris Gregoire.

"We have the opportunity to use our combined talents to deliver smart business solutions for all those we serve,” Turner said. “We will look at new ways of delivering our services so that those we serve get what they need when they need it and how they need it."

Enterprise Services combines complete services from the departments of General Administration and Printing. Some programs from the former departments of Personnel and Information Services were also consolidated into Enterprise Services. Sections of the Office of Financial Management are also part of the new agency.

The headquarters for Enterprise Services is the 1500 Jefferson Street Building in Olympia. The agency also provides services in a number of locations throughout the state.