
Fitzgerald Washington served as Secretary of the Alabama Department of Labor for an unprecedented decade, having been first appointed to the position in 2014. He retired in October 2024 as the longest-serving Secretary of Labor in the department's history. Throughout his tenure, Washington played a pivotal role in achieving historic milestones, including the state’s lowest-ever unemployment rate and the highest workforce participation levels in Alabama’s history. His leadership was instrumental in developing and executing key initiatives that contributed to these successes.
A cornerstone of Washington’s leadership is his unwavering commitment to training individuals and groups to enhance workforce success. He believes in the power of targeted skill development and comprehensive support to ensure individuals are well-equipped for the workforce. Nationally, Washington was recognized for his leadership in workforce development, serving as past Chairman of both the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) and the National Association of Government Labor Officials (NAGLO). In these roles, he helped shape national policies and best practices that improved workforce development programs and services across the country.
Before his distinguished career in public service, Washington spent years in private industry including 15 years at Buffalo Rock Company, where he served as Corporate Marketing and Sales Director. His passion is helping organizations in the focus areas of leadership, strategy, and team development.