Governor Kaine Announces Retirement of Tax Commissioner Ken Thorson
–Appoints 28-year veteran Janie Bowen as successor –

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the retirement of Virginia Tax Commissioner Kenneth W. Thorson, effective May 1, 2006.  Thorson, who has served as Tax Commissioner since May 2002, is leaving after a combined 22 years of state government service. Governor Kaine also announced the appointment of Janie E. Bowen to succeed Thorson as commissioner.

Thorson, 65, has had a varied and successful career in Virginia government, including serving as the initial Director of the Virginia Lottery, and serving as the Chief of the Finance and Taxation section in the Office of the Attorney General.  

“Ken has made tremendous contributions to the Commonwealth, and I thank him for delaying his retirement in order to lend his knowledge, experience, and credibility to the opening months of my administration,” Governor Kaine said. “Ken’s commitment to efficient customer service and good government sets a standard for all of us in public service.”

Janie Bowen, 52, will be the fifth Tax Commissioner in the 79-year history of the Department, and its first woman Commissioner. Bowen, a Charlottesville native, currently serves in the Governor’s Cabinet as Deputy Secretary of Finance after working for the Department of Taxation for 28 years. In 2005, Bowen received a national award for leadership and service in state tax administration. Bowen received a degree in political science from the University of Georgia, and did her graduate work in public administration at the University of Virginia. 

“Janie brings impressive experience to her new position as Tax Commissioner, and I am confident that the Department of Taxation will benefit through her continued leadership,” Governor Kaine said.

The Virginia Department of Taxation administers 30 state taxes, including income taxes, sales and use taxes, and miscellaneous excise taxes. The Department has long been recognized as one of the better administered tax systems in the country. The Department employs more than 850 classified employees, with a main office located in Richmond and one district office located in Norfolk.

# # #