Board of Governors Election
Governor At-Large
The WSBA Board of Governors is the governing body of the Washington State Bar Association. The Board of Governors focuses on policy, leadership, strategy, and oversight of the organization. Governors and Officers of the Board of Governors exhibit a commitment to service, vision, leadership, diplomacy, and dedication to the mission to serve the public and the members of the WSBA, to ensure the integrity of the legal profession and to champion justice.
Important: Learn more about serving on the WSBA Board of Governors.
Learn More about the Governor At-Large Applicants:
A line in that Amazing Grace song took on a new meaning for me 12 years ago.
The line? “I once was blind, but now I see.”
Why? Because 12 years ago, an accident imprisoned me in a wheelchair for the rest of my life — changing me from a person who never felt unwelcomed, excluded, or discriminated against to a person who feels that way every day. Opening my eyes to daily realities faced by others I previously had little in common with. Making me see diversity, equity, and inclusion not as a woke mantra that replaces merit, but a fundamentally American ideal that releases merit.
Fundamentally American to me because I grew up on military bases, where in school every morning we’d stand, put our hand over our heart, and pledge allegiance to our “one nation, ... with liberty and justice for all.”
All means all. Every person. Inclusion.
Justice for all means exactly that. Not justice disproportionately, but equally. Equity.
One nation means one nation, which is made stronger by our diverse perspectives and communities. Diversity.
I believe WSBA must lead towards fulfilling this promise of America by, amongst other things, effectively implementing WSBA’s Equity & Justice Plan.
I am a Clark County native and lifelong resident who earned my degrees from Seattle University and the University of Washington. I practice in Washington and Oregon, and I am honored to serve our community through estate planning and probate. The people I help have varied needs — from concerns about long-term care costs and estate taxes, to minor guardianships and protecting the inheritances they leave from divorce. What differentiates me as a lawyer is deeply listening to client needs, and I would bring that same approach to serving on the Board of Governors.
I believe the Board exists to set policy, safeguard ethical standards, and ensure the Bar serves both its members and the public. I believe in holding bad actors accountable while honoring the hard, excellent work that defines all but a few in our profession. Early in my career, I helped a 94-year-old woman whose former attorney was acting against her wishes — revoking a power of attorney, establishing a new one, alerting financial institutions, and securing a protection order. That attorney resigned in lieu of disbarment. That experience crystallized why this work matters, and why I welcome the opportunity to support the important work of our legal profession.
I am throwing my hat in the ring for governor-at-large on the WSBA Board of Governors because I do not fit the mold of a white male “superlawyer.” Because, in addition to whatever else I represent, I am one of the hidden minority of litigation attorneys—who observes and experiences bias in the justice system and other justice issues as more person than philosophical (or political). Because the WSBA purports to protect attorneys and the public, but does neither effectively. Because there is no end to the committees, task forces and workgroups associated with this organization—yet no one has yet observed how many attorneys it takes to change a lightbulb.
WSBA members already know that an internal “crisis in confidence” preceded the currently perceived broader crisis in “the rule of law.” I don’t believe the answer is in the words attorneys say upon admission, or gaslighting the public about their own lived experience with the justice system. I believe that there should be more radical conversation about the nature and function of this organization. I have more than a dozen years membership and far longer history of social justice activism to contribute. I am asking for your vote.
As a first-generation immigrant attorney and a working mom, I am not merely an advocate for DEI—I am a direct builder of its outcomes. I bring the ‘lived experience’ the DEI Council seeks, having founded the Seattle Chinese Bar Association (SCBA) and led it from inception to a thriving non-profit 501(c)(3) with 130+ members. This journey has given me authentic, frontline insights into the systemic challenges facing underrepresented legal professionals. Our Bar’s strength lies in its diverse representation. Currently, solo practitioners and lawyers in small firms (2-5 attorneys) represent nearly half of our membership, yet we remain historically underrepresented in governance. As a solo business attorney, I will be a dedicated voice for this vital majority, ensuring they have the tools—from AI ethics to practice management—to thrive in a changing landscape. Our Bar’s future depends on inclusivity and innovation. If elected, I will champion the interests of solo and small-firm attorneys, ensuring they have the tools—from AI ethics to practice management—to thrive in a changing landscape. I am committed to fostering a culture of belonging that transcends labels and creates real value for all members across Washington. I would be honored to earn your vote.
I am seeking to serve as a governor-at-large to contribute my experience in regulated environments where public trust, institutional accountability, and sound governance are essential. In my professional role at a regulated electric utility, I work on rate-making and regulatory proceedings and am accountable to state and federal commissions. This work requires balancing legal obligations, transparency, fiscal responsibility, and long-term public impacts affecting customers and communities. My legal training and professional experience in energy, environmental, and regulatory law have shaped a systems-based approach to decision-making that values collaboration, careful deliberation, and respect for institutional processes. I routinely engage with complex records, diverse stakeholders, and policy questions that require independent judgment, and I emphasize collaborative engagement across perspectives to support effective institutional decision-making. As a member of the Washington State Bar, I am committed to supporting the integrity of the profession, strengthening access to justice, and ensuring that governance reflects the diverse experiences within the Bar. If selected, I would bring a thoughtful, diligent, and service-oriented perspective to the Board’s work, with a focus on collaboration among Governors, staff, and members of the Bar, transparent governance, public confidence, and the long-term health of Washington’s legal community.
About the Governor At Large Position:
This position is currently held by Governor Tom Ahearne, who is eligible to serve a second term.
Applicants for this position will be interviewed by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, who shall forward at least three candidates 'who have a lived experience and knowledge of the needs of those members who membership is or may be historically underrepresented in governance to the end that the Board of Governors will be a more diverse and representatives body than the results of the election of governors based solely on congressional districts may allow. Diversity refers to meaningful representation of, and equal opportunities for, individuals who have lived experience as a member from one or more historically underrepresented communities in the legal profession. Underrepresentation encompasses and is not limited to, race, disability, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
Term
The term for this position is three-years beginning at the conclusion of the Sept. 24–25, 2026 Board meeting and ending September 2029.
Eligibility
Any active member of the Bar, except a person who has previously served as a governor for more than 48 consecutive months, may be nominated or apply.
Election Process
Applications were due no later than 5 p.m. PST on April 15, 2026. Late materials will not be accepted. Materials will be published online. The application includes:
*The application form is required. All other information is optional but recommended.
Interview Process
The DEI Council invites all applicants for an interview scheduled for noon–2 p.m. April 22, 2026. Applicants may view the At Large Governor Applicant Review Guidance Approved by DEI Council in advance. More information will be provided to applicants after the deadline.
Candidate Video Recording Sessions
All candidates forwarded by the DEI Council are invited to participate in a video recording session. These will be schedule with each candidate separately on Tuesday, May 5 and Wednesday, May 6. More details will be provided to candidates.
Election Information
All active WSBA members are eligible to vote in this election. The election will be administered by a third party. Voting in this election is May 15–June 1. Election results are certified by an Election Board appointed by the WSBA president.
New Governor Orientation
All governor-elects are required to participate in an orientation, which includes:
- July 22. New Governor Orientation in Marysville. Attendance is required.
- July 23–24. Board of Governors meeting in Marysville. Governors-elect are expected to attend as part of their orientation. In-person and remote participation available.
- July 25. Board of Governors meeting Planning Retreat. Governors-elect are expected to attend as part of their orientation. In-person and remote participation available.
- Sept. 24–25. Board of Governors meeting in Spokane. Swearing-in ceremony for all new Governors. Governors-elect are expected to attend. In-person and remote participation available.
Previous Governor At-Large (B) (2002–Present)
- Tom Ahearne (2023–present)
- Alec Stephens (2017–2020) and (2021–2023)
- Mario Cava (2014–2017)
- James Armstrong (2011–2024)
- Anthony David Gipe (2008–2011)
- Eric de los Santos (2005–2008)
- Fawn Sharp (2002–2005)
One Governor At-large (A) position was added to the Board in 2001. Two positions were created beginning in 2002.
Other Open Positions on the Board
Early Election Results
Accommodations
The WSBA is committed to full access and participation by persons with disabilities. If you have any questions about accessibility or require accommodation, please contact accomodations@wsba.org and visit our Accommodations page for more information.
Questions?
Please contact Paris Eriksen, WSBA Manager of Volunteer Engagement, at parise@wsba.org or barleaders@wsba.org.
The WSBA values diversity and inclusion, and encourages Black, indigenous, and people of color, women, people from the LBGTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and members of other groups who have been systemically oppressed to apply for our committees, boards, and panels.
