Ash Awad appointed to WWU Board of Trustees

Washington Governor Jay Inslee has appointed Ash Awad to the Western Washington University Board of Trustees, effective October 12, 2022, to fill the seat that Karen Lee held since 2010. Trustee Awad’s six-year term will expire September 30, 2028. The Board of Trustees has eight volunteer members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the legislature, including a student trustee who serves for a one-year term.

Awad is President and Chief Market Officer at McKinstry, a Seattle-based company that builds, operates, and maintains facility systems for buildings. He has worked in the energy efficiency, construction, and engineering industry for over 25 years and is known for his visionary leadership in building sustainability and market development strategies.

"We are honored to have Ash join Western’s Board of Trustees," WWU President Sabah Randhawa said. "Ash’s wealth of experience as a leader in a major engineering and manufacturing organization is an excellent complement to the existing expertise of the Board. He has a deep commitment to advancing education at all levels, and we look forward to his engagement in advancing Western’s strategic priorities.”

Ash Awad holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Massachusetts and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington. He has a demonstrated commitment to education and sustainability and currently serves on the boards of the Smart Buildings Center, Washington STEM, Climate Solutions, and is deputy on the Washington Round Table. Ash is committed to advocacy for higher education and supports the University of Washington’s Mechanical Engineering department.

“We welcome Trustee Awad’s experience with large organizations and his sustainability-focused mindset as Western approaches challenges and addresses opportunities that will benefit our students and have impact for the State of Washington,” Board of Trustees Chair John Meyer said.

Awad and his spouse Souzy live in Woodinville and have three children – Noor (an architect), Sabreena (an elementary school teacher), and Amir (a high school student). They enjoy traveling and visiting with family across the world.

Ash Awad will serve on the Board’s Finance, Audit and Enterprise Risk Management Committee.