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.
Meet the Governor At-Large Governor Elect
Thomas Ahearne
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.
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 Information
Candidate Qian Ying has withdrawn their candidacy. Therefore, Governor Tom Ahearne has been declared the winner and governor-elect for the At-large position.
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
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.
