Foster Garvey is pleased to announce that Kelly M. Woodward has joined the firm as Counsel in its Labor, Employment & Immigration practice. Based in Portland and also admitted to practice in Washington, Kelly brings extensive experience advising public agencies, managing complex labor relations programs, engaging in collective bargaining negotiations and guiding employment policy across large-scale government operations.
Kelly most recently served as Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer and Acting Chief Human Resources Officer for the Washington State Office of Financial Management State Human Resources Division. In those roles, she oversaw collective bargaining strategy, classification and compensation, workforce planning and HR policy for more than 70,000 employees across Washington’s state agencies. Her work supported a wide range of institutions, including 24/7 facilities such as hospitals, juvenile centers and correctional institutions, as well as many institutions in the state’s higher education system. Prior to her work with the state, Kelly held senior human resources and compliance roles within higher education institutions, where she advised on employment policy, regulatory compliance and faculty governance.
“Kelly has deep experience advising public agencies in the Pacific Northwest on their labor and employment strategy and addressing pressing and high-impact labor and employment issues,” said Jared Van Kirk, Chair of Foster Garvey’s Labor, Employment & Immigration practice. “Her work adds a valuable dimension to our practice and to the clients we serve.”
In addition to her leadership roles, Kelly has supported cabinet-level officials, negotiated labor agreements, led sensitive investigations, coordinated with the Governor’s office on employment policy and resolved high-stakes labor disputes. Her work has involved close collaboration with a variety of agencies and higher education institutions on issues involving litigation risk, workforce compliance and internal governance.
Foster Garvey PC, a preeminent law firm with offices on both coasts, offers an extended national and international reach to serve many influential and innovative companies, government entities and individuals across a full spectrum of legal services. The firm's attorneys are consistently recognized for their deep industry knowledge and superior client service by prominent legal industry publications, including Best Lawyers in America©, Chambers USA, Chambers Global and “Best Law Firms.” In addition to providing efficient and effective counsel, Foster Garvey upholds a strong commitment to community service, pro bono representation, diversity and inclusion efforts and a collegial and equitable work environment. The firm has offices in Seattle, Portland, Washington, D.C., New York, Spokane and Tulsa.
