Board of Governors Elections
Congressional District 8
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.
Congressional Districts
Description of Open Position
The WSBA Board of Governors seeks applications from WSBA members (lawyers, LLLTs and LPOs) who reside in District 8. No applications were received by the original deadline (Feb. 17). In accordance with the WSBA Bylaws, if no applications are received by the deadline, the position will be determined by the Board of Governors until the next election.
Current Congressional District 8 Governor, Kristina Larry, did not seek a second term.
Term
The term for this position is one year, beginning at the conclusion of the Sept. 24–25, 2026 meeting and ending at the conclusion of the September 2027 meeting. The candidate interviews and vote will take place at the May 1–2, 2026 Board meeting. The meeting is held both in-person at the Wenatchee Convention Center and online via Zoom.
The individual appointed to this position will be eligible to apply for the remaining two years of this term.
Eligibility
In accordance with the WSBA Bylaws, 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 for election as governor from the congressional district, or geographic regions within the seventh congressional district, in which such a person resides.
Verify your congressional district. This information is also included in your myWSBA profile.
Members that have served as governors for more than 48 consecutive months at time of filing an application, are not eligible to be nominated or apply for election or appointment as governor from the congressional district, at-large position, or geographic regions with the seventh congressional district, in which such person resides, for a period of 36 months after the conclusion of that term of service. Any dispute regarding eligibility of a member to serve on the Board of Governors shall be addressed by the Board of Governors.
Application Process
Application materials are due by 5 p.m. PST on Tuesday, April 7. Late applications will not be accepted. The application materials will be included in the Board of Governors meeting materials and published online. Please do not include personal information and contact details in your materials. Contact information that does not match the information included on the WSBA Legal Directory will be redacted. The application consists of:
- Application Form*
- Candidate Statement (200 word maximum)
- Letters of Support (may be submitted individually)
*The application form is required. The other materials are recommended, but not required.
Selection Process
This is a mid-term vacancy appointed by a vote of the WSBA Board of Governors. The candidate interviews and vote will take place at the May 1–2, 2026 Board meeting. The meeting is held both in-person at the Wenatchee Convention Center and online via Zoom. More information will be provided to all candidates prior to this meeting.
Important Dates
If elected, governors-elect should plan to attend the following as part of their orientation:
- 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.
Questions
Contact WSBA Manager of Volunteer Engagement, Paris Eriksen at parise@wsba.org or barleaders@wsba.org.
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.
A Look Back at District-8 Governors (2000–Present):
- Kristina Larry (2023–present)
- Erik Kaeding (2022–2023)
- Brent Williams-Ruth (2020–2022)
- Kim Hunter (2017–2020)
- Andrea S. Jarmon (2014–2017)
- Wilton Viall III (2011–2014)
- Brian L. Comstock (2008–2011)
- Douglas C. Lawrence (2005–2008)
- Randolph I. Gordon (2002–2005)
- Victoria L. Vreeland (1999–2002)
Other Open Positions on the Board
Early Election Results
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.
