Gov. Jay Inslee Reappoints Karen Lee to WWU Board of Trustees

Gov. Jay Inslee has reappointed Karen Lee to Western Washington University’s Board of Trustees.

“We’re delighted and grateful that Karen Lee has agreed to serve another term on the Board of Trustees.  Her leadership, knowledge and love of Western, and commitment to advancing public higher education in Washington are all tremendous assets for the Board.  I look forward to continuing to our work together for Western,” said Western President Sabah Randhawa.

In December 2010, then Gov. Christine Gregoire appointed Lee to Western’s Board of Trustees to fill a term through Sept. 30, 2016.  Lee was reappointed by Gov. Inslee for a second term ending Sept. 30, 2022.  

 “It has been a great experience to serve on the Board of Trustees with such distinguished colleagues and I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue our efforts to foster the student-centered excellence of Western,” Lee said.

Lee is chief executive officer of Pioneer Human Services, one of the nation’s largest social enterprise organizations. Pioneer is often cited as a national model in providing employment services, job training, treatment, counseling, housing, and re-entry services for people overcoming challenges with chemical dependency, mental illness, and criminal histories.

Prior to her recent appointment at Pioneer, Lee served for five years as commissioner of the Washington State Employment Security Department. Lee also held a variety of positions from 1997 to 2005 at Puget Sound Energy and as an associate attorney at Preston Gates Ellis (now K & L Gates).

Lee, a Covington resident, was appointed by the governor to the Reentry Xouncil and the Student Achievement Council. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, and past president and trustee of the University of Washington Alumni Association. Lee was previously named one of the “40 under 40” honorees by the Puget Sound Business Journal.

Lee earned her bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, majoring in Russian studies, and holds a law degree from the University of Washington School Of Law.