In his role with Russell, Kiga will focus on business strategy related to legislative issues, relationship management and issue management involving local and national lawmakers, administrative agencies, regulatory bodies, industry associations as well as civic and community leaders and associations.

As chief of staff, Kiga acted as chief operating officer for state government, including management of the Governor's Office, supervision of cabinet agencies and leadership of state government reinvention initiatives. He was responsible for coordination of budgets, policies and operations affecting education, natural resources, transportation, human resources, economic development and public health and safety.

"Fred brings a wealth of knowledge, background and ability to this pivotal role for Russell," said Warren Thompson, chief corporate & government relations officer. "He's ideally suited to help us steer Russell through the profusion of ever changing, ever more complicated, overlapping and often conflicting government issues."

Prior to working with Gov. Locke, Kiga served as director for the state's Department of Revenue from 1997 to 2001, where he directed the development of several initiatives including the nation's first internet tax filing system and a web-based sales tax geographic information system. During his tenure with the Department, Governing magazine accorded it with its highest mark for tax administration.

Kiga will join Russell Aug. 18.

Russell, a global leader in multi-manager investment services, provides investment products and services in more than 35 countries. Russell manages more than $76 billion in assets and advises clients worldwide representing more than US$1.6 trillion. Founded in 1936, Russell is a subsidiary of Northwestern Mutual and is headquartered in Tacoma, Wash., with additional offices in New York, Toronto, London, Paris, Singapore, Sydney, Auckland and Tokyo.

Contact: Steve Claiborne, 253-594-1858