SEATTLE, Nov. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Boeing Company appointed Fred C. Kiga to lead Boeing State and Local Government Relations, Northwest Region.

In this capacity, Kiga will be responsible for fostering and maintaining relationships with state and local government officials with respect to public policy affecting The Boeing Company in the states of Washington, Oregon, Montana and Hawaii. He will report to Bob Watt, vice president, Government Relations and Global Corporate Citizenship.

"We are honored to have Fred Kiga join our great team of State and Local Government Relations professionals. His background and experience combined with his superb relationship skills make him a wonderful leader for the company and our team," said Watt.

Kiga comes to Boeing with more than two decades of public policy advocacy, financial analysis and consulting experience. Most recently, he served as the director of Corporate and Government Relations for the Russell Investment Group. From 1997 through 2003, he was the director of the Washington state Department of Revenue and then became the chief of staff for former Washington state Gov. Gary Locke. He also has worked for Arthur Andersen LLP and Washington Mutual Bank in a variety of capacities.

Kiga holds three degrees from the University of Washington including bachelor's and master's in Business Administration, and a juris doctor.

He currently serves on a number of professional/civic boards and commissions including: the University of Washington Board of Regents, Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle, Capitol Hill Housing Improvement Program, BOLD Initiative, the Association of Washington Business, Washington Dental Service Foundation, Tacoma Pierce County Chamber, the Pierce County Reading Foundation, American Benefits Council and the Thrive by Five Advisory Committee.