Veteran state worker Baker named new Nevada employment director

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Friday, Jan. 21, 2000 | 10:23 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Birgit Baker, a 20-year state worker, was named today as director of the state Employment Security Division. She succeeds Stan Jones, who suddenly retired after 17 years on the job.

Baker, who now works for the Legislative Counsel Bureau, will take over the $76,501 a year job Monday. The appointment was announced by Carol Jackson, director of the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.

Baker was the department's chief financial officer for several years before switching back to the fiscal analysis division in the Legislative Counsel Bureau.

The department collects tax premiums from employers and pays out benefits to the jobless; conducts job training programs and helps in finding employment.

Baker, 46, a 1987 graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, said she was looking forward to working with the staff, business, unions and others to "continue developing the state's labor force."

Jones, 76, had been state labor commissioner from 1967 until 1979.

His retirement came suddenly Dec. 17 amid reports he was given two hours to clear out his desk by Jackson. She denied that and said Jones had decided to retire effective Jan. 21. She declined further comment.