WGU Washington Announces New Advisory Board Member

"As president of Columbia Basin College, I relied on Marty's leadership to strengthen our state's outstanding community and technical college system," said Dr. Rich Cummins, Chancellor of WGU Washington. "Now, I'm delighted to add his extensive knowledge and expertise to WGU Washington's advisory board – and I look forward to working with him again."

In June, Brown retired from the SBCTC which advocates, coordinates and directs Washington state's system of 34 public community and technical colleges. The SBCTC sets policy, allocates state operating and capital funds to the colleges, strategically plans the two-year college mission, and approves educational programs. Prior to his role at the SBCTC, he served as director of the Office of Financial Management under Gov. Chris Gregoire. 

Brown has a 34-year history in policy development and budgeting for the state Legislature and the governor's office. In 1978, he started his legislative career as a Senate committee staff member. Brown advanced to several other influential roles as Senate Democratic Caucus attorney, Senate Democratic staff director, secretary of the Senate, the chief administrative officer of the Senate. In 1997, Brown was named director of legislative affairs for incoming Gov. Gary Locke, for whom he later became deputy chief of staff and director of the Office of Financial Management.

"WGU Washington has always been an outstanding resource to the state's community and technical colleges," said Brown. "While at the SBCTC, I saw firsthand the important place the university has in our state's higher ed family. Now, I'm eager to be a part of its outstanding board and help WGU Washington pursue its mission of increased access to quality bachelors and master's degrees."

WGU Washington's Advisory Board was established in 2011 to provide counsel to the university's chancellor on specific needs and trends, as well as to help shape the institution's direction and continued success. In addition to Brown, the board consists of:

• Don Brunell, President Emeritus, Association of Washington Business
• Al Davis, Principal, Revitalization Partners, LLC
• Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney, Vice President of Leadership and Economic Development for Sea Mar Community Health Centers
• Steve Mullin, President, Washington Roundtable
• Dr. Kathleen Ross, President Emeritus, Heritage University
• Dr. Samuel H. Smith, President Emeritus, Washington State University
• John D. White, Vice President, BergerABAM

About WGU Washington

WGU Washington is an online, competency-based university designed to expand access to higher education for Washington residents. In 2011, the Washington State Legislature created WGU Washington in partnership with nationally recognized Western Governors University.

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Contact for enrollment information:
(877) 214-7004
washington.wgu.edu

Contact for media inquiries:                                                                  
Jake Riddell – Public Relations Manager                                              
(206) 512-0025                                                                                          
[email protected]     

SOURCE WGU Washington

Related Links

http://www.washington.wgu.edu