April 2025As the world awakens to the vibrant beauty of spring, so too does the Washington State Leadership Board (WSLB)’s unwavering commitment to recognizing outstanding leaders and cultivating the next generation of leaders. We look forward to showcasing the hard work of our agency, program participants, and board members. First, the WSLB welcomes Patricia Todd, Kittitas County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, as a new Board Director, serving on the Compassion Scholars Committee. With an impressive 18 years of legal experience, Patricia has adeptly represented plaintiffs and defendants in various civil and criminal proceedings across Washington State. Her passion for upholding fairness, accountability, and justice not only enhances our mission but also inspires those around her to work toward a more equitable society. The WSLB also welcomes Ryan Jackson as the newest Board Director. Ryan is a political strategist with a wealth of experience in governmental operations and communication. Ryan’s commitment to advocacy is evident in his position as the Senior Legislative Manager for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Ryan has also served as the Director of Communication in the Lieutenant Governor's Office and was a former Programs Director for the WSLB. In other news, our Executive Director, Audrey Baker, has decided to step down from her role at the WSLB. This choice comes after considerable reflection and is deeply personal, as Audrey seeks to explore new professional avenues. Audrey remains dedicated to facilitating a seamless and thoughtful transition. Some chapters change you forever. Leading the WSLB has been one of those chapters — and it’s the people, the mission, and the shared belief in young leaders that have made it so meaningful. Over the last few years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding this organization through one of its most transformative eras alongside people who care deeply and show up with purpose. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve built, together. — Audrey Baker, Executive Director
To support the recruitment, our Board President has established an Executive Director Recruitment Task Force, which will guide us in finding the right individual to continue our mission. Although we are sad to see Audrey go, we wish her the best in her next endeavor. As we begin recruitment, we will inform you about these developments and the path ahead. You can view the Executive Director Job Posting here. As you may know, in our January 2025 newsletter, we shared that two of the four funding requests have made it into the Governor’s proposed budget for the upcoming biennium. This included ongoing funding aimed at restoring vital resources and funding for WSLB staff to obtain trauma-informed training certificates. Since our last update, the Legislature has been working diligently to create a balanced budget. When the House submitted its proposal for the 2025-27 Biennial budget, instead of allocating any funds, they suggested eliminating the WSLB. Conversely, the Senate's budget proposal did include funding for the WSLB. While we still have a road ahead, we are deeply grateful to our ex-officio members and are honored that the WSLB’s work is not going unnoticed. This recognition motivates us to continue striving for excellence and pushing our mission forward. As we approach the final days of this session, we invite you to explore the various bills of interest that the WSLB has monitored throughout this year’s Legislative Session. These bills encompass a variety of topics relevant to our agency's programming and operations. To gain insights and stay informed, please visit the WSLB Legislative Work webpage. In other legislative news, on March 6th, the Senate convened to read Senate Resolution 8626. This resolution acknowledges the remarkable achievements of participants in the WSLB’s leadership development programs and the Legislative Youth Advisory Council. Senate Resolution 8626 highlights the core values of service, leadership, and perseverance that our young leaders embody. Their experiences and accomplishments set a powerful example, inspiring other young people to become involved in their communities and advocate for positive change.
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