Other LanguagesOLYMPIA - Sharon Nelson, Director of the Shidler Center for Law, Commerce and Technology of the University of Washington School of Law, has been named the new Chief of the Consumer Protection Division, according to Attorney General Christine Gregoire.
The Division enforces the state's consumer protection laws, manages six Consumer Resource Centers statewide, administers the Lemon Law program, and educates the public on consumer protection issues.
"Sharon is a perfect fit for this position," Gregoire said. "Consumers and businesses in Washington will benefit from her leadership."
Nelson brings to the Attorney General's Office more than 25 years of experience and leadership in public policy development and public and private law. She has served as Chairwoman of the Utilities and Transportation Commission, Staff Coordinator of the Joint Select Committee on Telecommunications for the State Legislature, Legislative Counsel for the Consumers Union of the United States, Inc. and Staff Counsel for the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation for the U.S. Senate.
Telecommunications and Internet issues have become top priorities for the division because of the large number of consumer complaints. "Sharon has an expertise in both areas, and that will be a tremendous advantage," Gregoire said.
Nelson is a 1968 graduate of Carleton College, Phi Beta Kappa, cum laude and a 1976 graduate of the University of Washington School of Law.
Nelson will join the Consumer Protection Division on April 16. She replaces Paul Silver who was named recently by Gregoire as the lead legal counsel for the State Investment Board.