Gov. Chris Gregoire has appointed Auburn City Councilmember to the Forensic Investigations Council. His four-year term began on Aug. 24.

The Forensic Investigations Council oversees the state toxicology laboratory at the Washington State Patrol, studies and recommends improvements in the death investigation system and reports the findings to the Legislature.

The council is made up of one representative from each of the following: county coroner; county prosecutor; county prosecutor who also serves as ex-officio county coroner; county medical examiner; county sheriff; a chief of police; and a pathologist who is currently in private practice. Two representatives from each of the following: county legislative authority; and city legislative authority.

“I look forward to serving in this position and am committed to giving the people of Washington my best effort,” Holman said. “At its core forensic science is about delivering truth and clarity to the process of justice.”

Holman retired after a 31-year career in law enforcement with the Port of Seattle. He grew up in Auburn, graduated from Auburn High, and attended Green River Community College before transferring to Central Washington University in Ellensburg. His degree is in sociology with minors in education and psychology.

Holman also has served as an International Police Liaison Officer in Baghdad, Iraq in 2004 and 2005. There his task was to assist the Chief of the Bagdad Province Police in establishing a modern administration for a 26,000-member force. He has served on the Washington State Boundary Review Board for five years.

Holman serves on the college’s foundation board and is a member of the Auburn Rotary Club.

Holman, who began his service on the Auburn City Council in January, is a member of the Planning & Community Development Committee and is vice chair of the Finance Committee.

He and his wife, Arlista, were married in 1978, have made a home and raised two children in Auburn.