Governing Board Members

Representative Kristine Reeves, Co-Chair

Washington State House of Representatives Appointee

Kristine Reeves is a working mom who understands the balance between working hard to succeed and raising a family. That’s why she is a strong advocate for working families, protecting our kids, honoring our veterans, and sponsoring opportunities that fight for a future that includes us all.

A Moses Lake native, Kristine received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Washington State University (Go Cougs!) and went on to pursue a master’s degree in organizational leadership at Gonzaga University (Go Zags!) in Spokane.

She has served in a variety of roles, including Statewide Veterans Constituency Coordinator for U.S. Senator Patty Murray; Director of Economic Development for the Military and Defense sector at the state Dept. of Commerce, and now owns her own small business where she provides Community and Economic Development expertise that promotes cultural humility as a DEIB approach, is a certified project management professional, and uses her master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology to support businesses in their big ideas to help build bold solutions.

Kristine is currently pursuing her doctorate in industrial/organizational psychology at a Seattle-based university working to “assess political institutions as places of work that need to work better for women and people of color, so our democracy works best for us all.” Kristine lives in Federal Way with her husband and their two school-aged children.

Representative Hunter Abell, Co-Chair

Washington State House of Representatives Appointee

Hunter has deep roots in Northeast Washington and has been described as a “true son of Ferry County.” His grandparents, Henry and Vivian Abell, moved to Northeast Washington in the 1950s where they taught school at Inchelium. His parents, Larry and Lacie Abell, live on Long Rifle Ranch on the Colville Indian Reservation in rural Ferry County. Hunter’s upbringing on Long Rifle Ranch taught him the values of honor, faith, and courage. He took those lessons into a military career where he has served for over 20 years, including deployments to Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, as both enlisted and as an officer. He is currently a Commander in the United States Navy Reserve. He brings this knowledge and experience to his role as a Washington State Representative as he serves veterans and their families throughout the District and the entire state.

Hunter is also an attorney who served as Judge of the Ferry County District Court. As such, he knows the legal challenges faced by rural counties and residents, and understands that public safety is one of the District’s top concerns.

Hunter lives on Long Rifle Ranch in Inchelium.  He is the proud father of two wonderful daughters.

Senator Javier Valdez

Washington State Senate Appointee

Javier Valdez is a dedicated public servant and community leader, deeply rooted in a legacy of farmworkers and laborers. A proud product of public education, Javier holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in public administration from Baruch College, City University of New York, where he participated in the National Urban Fellows program.

As the state senator for Washington’s 46th Legislative District, Javier has championed key issues such as gun safety, hate crimes, and election integrity. His notable achievements include establishing a hate crimes hotline, enacting anti-swatting laws, banning weapons in public places frequented by families, and prohibiting ghost guns—untraceable, 3D-printed firearms. He also played a key supporting role in efforts to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Javier currently serves as vice chair of the State Government and Elections Committee and is a member of the Law and Justice and Transportation committees.

Javier has dedicated over two decades to public service in Seattle, currently serving as a senior equity and inclusion advisor. His previous roles include leading Seattle City Light’s Women and Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) program and serving as a special assistant on WMBE initiatives in the mayor’s office.

A long-standing leader in Washington’s Democratic Party, Javier is a member of the Washington State Democratic Party Executive Board and has chaired both the 43rd and 46th District Democratic Party organizations. His influence extends into the Latino community, where he has served as a board member of the Washington State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and as president of Hispanic Seafair, promoting youth leadership through education and community service.

Javier is also a committed advocate for organized labor, having served as the first president of the Washington State Council of County and City Employees (AFSCME Council 2), Local 21-C, and as a delegate to the Martin Luther King County Labor Council.

Born and raised in Moses Lake, Javier now resides in Seattle’s Maple Leaf neighborhood and is a proud “Weird Al” Yankovic superfan.

Senator Paul Harris

Washington State Senate Appointee

Paul has called the 17th District home for more than 45 years. He and his wife Lori have been married for 49 years, have five children, and nine grandchildren.

Paul earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Brigham Young University. He took office in 2010.

Paul is a small business owner and manager. He owned Cascade Paint and Supply and was Vice President of Miller Paint Company. He believes small business is the backbone of the economy and more work needs to be done to allow employers to invest and create jobs, giving us a more vibrant middle class to provide long-term economic growth. Paul currently owns Solid Solutions, LLC., a Vancouver-based company which does sales, marketing, consulting and public relations work.

Paul served on the Evergreen School Board of Directors for 10 years, is a strong supporter of education, schools, teachers, and paraeducators, and served on the McCleary Education Funding Task Force. He’s active in his community serving on the Boards of Share, SW WA Regional Transportation Council, and Columbia River Mental Health. He’s also been active with the Boy Scouts of America and serves as an Explorer Scout Leader.

Paul is a cancer survivor. He understands first-hand how cancer impacts patients and their families. He supports cancer research and works tirelessly on awareness and prevention. In 2019, he was the prime sponsor of, and championed legislation to raise the age of tobacco sales to 21 and promote vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella.

Paul has received numerous honors as a legislator. Most recently (2023) he received the Washington Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP) David Frockt Child Advocate Award. In 2017, he received the “Y Legislative Champion Award” from the YMCA for leadership in support of children, families and healthy communities. In 2018, he received the “Annual Secretary of Health Award” from the Washington State Public Health Association. In 2018, he also received the “Courage Award,” and in 2019 earned the “National Distinguished Advocacy Award” from the American Cancer Society for his work on the Tobacco-21 legislation. And in 2019, the Washington Association for Career and Technical Education named Paul “Legislator of the Year.”

He is a strong believer in public health and strong communities, and he will exhaust every effort in a non-partisan fashion to serve his district and our citizens.

Paul loves music, sings in church choir, plays basketball, water skis, and he even learned to surf behind the boat in 2019!

Mike Pellicciotti

Washington State Treasurer

Mike Pellicciotti (Pelleh-chee-otti) was elected the 24th Treasurer of Washington in 2020. As Washington’s chief financial officer, Mike is dedicated to increasing government transparency, protecting Washington’s financial health, and leading policies that best serve our state’s working families and retirees.

Before being elected State Treasurer, Mike was an assistant attorney general and served North Pierce and South King Counties in the Washington House of Representatives. There he led efforts to increase penalties for corporate crime and get “dark money” out of politics. 

As State Treasurer, Mike is leading good government reforms and policy proposals to reduce financial barriers for all Washingtonians. Last year he was selected as a Rodel Fellow, the bipartisan recognition of America’s 24 most promising elected leaders.

He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and received his Master’s in Rural Development as a United States Fulbright Scholar. His law degree is from Gonzaga University. Mike is a lifelong fan of Gonzaga Basketball.

Joel Sacks

Director of the Department of Labor & Industries

Joel Sacks was appointed as Director of the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) in January 2013. L&I’s mission is to “keep Washington safe and working.” The agency administers many vital programs including the state’s workers’ compensation system and its occupational safety and health program. In Joel’s time as L&I director, workers’ compensation premium rates on a payroll basis dropped by more than 35 percent. The agency helped workers recover more than 50 million dollars owed to them in wages through wage complaint investigations, and the rate of hospitalizations from job-related injuries has dropped by more than 30 percent.

Joel’s position at L&I makes him one of three ex-officio members serving on the Washington State Investment Board (WSIB). He has served as the chair of the WSIB and as both chair and member of the Private Markets, Public Markets, Audit, and Administrative Committees. Previously he worked eight years at the state Employment Security Department, serving as Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner for the Budget, Policy, and Communication Division. Earlier leadership roles included Deputy Director of Field Services and Public Safety at L&I and four years at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the U.S. Department of Labor.

Joel holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Haverford College and a master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Public Affairs. He lives in Olympia with his wife and two daughters.

Petros Koumantaros

Governor Appointee, representing the securities industry

Petros brings extensive government relations experience, having testified before the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions to advocate for improved retirement savings. He actively serves on the government affairs committee of the National Association of Plan Advisors and is a member of the Forbes Finance Council. Petros holds qualifications from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries and the National Association of Plan Advisors. He developed and teaches a financial literacy course on a volunteer basis, advocating for expanded financial education in classrooms.

Petros has been a principal and shareholder across seven retirement and financial-services companies serving employers, households, and institutions. As a leader of the Spectrum Family of Companies, which are now part of Daybright Financial, Petros and his colleagues support thousands of workplace retirement plans, tens of thousands of plan participants and IRA investors, and steward several billion dollars in assets. A native of Washington, Petros completed undergraduate studies at the University of Washington. For his business leadership, the Puget Sound Business Journal recognized Petros in its "40 Under 40" list.

Petros resides in Seattle, Washington.

John Mangan

Governor Appointee, representing insurance industry

John Mangan joined American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) in 2002 and serves as Vice President & Deputy, State Relations. From his regional office, John helps lead the ACLI’s 50-state advocacy team and personally handles state legislative and regulatory affairs in California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. He also leads ACLI’s state team on the issues of state-run long-term care and retirement plans, independent contractor legislation and community investment.

Since 2009, John has monitored state-run retirement proposals in the Western states and throughout the country. He has been a featured speaker on retirement security in state capitals and before organizations around the country.

Prior to joining ACLI, John spent 18 years with Standard Insurance Company of Portland, OR, where he led the company’s public affairs and communications efforts for nearly a decade. From 1993 to 2000, he chaired the Oregon Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association and served on the board of the Washington Life & Disability Insurance Guaranty Association.

A native of Walla Walla, WA, John earned his B.A. magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He was awarded a fellowship to Columbia University in New York, where he earned his M.A. in Comparative Literature.

Vacant

Governor Appointee, who is a Certified Financial Planner(TM) recommended by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) of Washington

Patrick Connor

Governor Appointee, representing interests of small, independent businesses

With 20 years' experience in public affairs advocacy, political strategy, business association management, and nearly a decade in private-sector senior management positions, Patrick brings a wealth of knowledge to policy discussions on tax and fiscal, health care, labor and employment, social insurance and benefit programs, and regulatory matters.

Patrick has represented Washington’s small businesses before the legislature and state agencies for more than 15 years as NFIB’s state director. He has served on many advisory panels appointed by the governor or agency heads. Currently he is co-chair of the Attorney General’s AI Task Force business advisory group, co-chair of Labor & Industries’ Wage Replacement Work Group, a member of the Department of Revenue’s Business Advisory Council, and the state Health Care Cost Transparency Board’s stakeholders committee, among others.

Patrick is a graduate of Gonzaga University and resides with his family in Olympia.

Michaela Corning

Governor Appointee, Member representing the interests of minority-owned and women-owned businesses

Michaela Corning is a lifelong Washingtonian who embraced Islam in 1999. She holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and Linguistics from the University of Washington and earned an MBA in Global Management in 2004.

For more than 20 years, Michaela built a successful career in B2B sales and client services spanning telecom, market research, human capital (DEI, leadership development, and engagement), and business management consulting. Her clients included global leaders such as Nike, Disney, GE, and T-Mobile.

In 2020, Michaela transitioned from corporate life to pursue her passion for modest fashion through her sustainable, Seattle-based brand, michaelacorning.com. The following year, she founded the nonprofit Barakah Beauty Collective—Seattle’s first women-only salon and boutique—designed to uplift Muslim women and women of color through economic empowerment and culturally relevant programming in a welcoming, inclusive safe space.

Ryan Davis

Governor Appointee, representing the Washington Asset Building Coalition

Ryan Davis is the Director of Community Impact with the Financial Empowerment Network. Ryan holds a Masters in Human Services from Capella University and a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Wyoming. Ryan has been passionate about economic justice issues throughout his career and looks back to years of direct service as a Financial Coach in Skagit County, he is now working to build the capacity of the helpers.

Ryan has had the pleasure of building collaborative friendships while asking big questions about the systems that affect us. Poverty is a systemic issue, not an individual failing. Ryan is a dedicated optimist and believes in the power of people. With the right people in the room, anything is possible.

Marguerite Ro

Governor Appointee, representing a retirement advocacy organization

Marguerite Ro serves as the State Director for AARP Washington, where she leads a team of staff and volunteers that serve Washington’s 870,000 AARP members.  AARP works to  ensure older adults have the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive financially and age with confidence, and partners with stakeholders to advance age-friendly communities that promote health, independence, and dignity.

Before joining AARP, Marguerite held leadership roles at Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC), including Chief of the Assessment, Policy Development, and Evaluation Unit and Director of the Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Section. There, she helped launch and implement multi-sector, countywide initiatives aimed at improving health and social outcomes. She also led a transformative shift in how data was produced and interpreted, centering community priorities and lived experiences in public health decision-making. Marguerite earned her doctorate from the Bloomberg School of Public Health and brings a deep commitment to equity, innovation, and community-driven change to all aspects of her work.

Karim Lessard

Governor Appointee, representing covered employees

Karim Lessard is the founder and CEO of 7 Simple Machines, a technology firm and incubator that has launched companies in HR, healthcare, and financial services, including the retirement technology platform Dynamis. He is also the co-founder of Ravel, a startup modernizing the apparel supply chain by transforming textile waste into new garment fiber. Karim has served extensively in school governance, most recently as Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Bush School, with a focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Finance. A graduate of the University of Redlands with a degree in economics, Karim began his career in banking with Seafirst and Washington Mutual. He is passionate about entrepreneurship, sustainability, and helping individuals and institutions make the most of their unique gifts.

Mark Mullet

Governor Appointee, representing covered employers

Mark Mullet was the prime sponsor of the Washington State Retirement Marketplace legislation in the 2015 legislative session. Mark was also the prime sponsor of the legislation creating the Washington Saves program in the 2024 legislative session. Mark's twelve years in the State Senate ended in January of 2025.

Washington State is a citizen legislature, and Mark owned and operated five Ben & Jerry's ice cream shops, a Zeeks Pizza restaurant, and Alki Coffee Co. when the legislature was not in session.  Prior to becoming a small business owner, Mark was a managing director at Bank of America. Mark was the global head of foreign currency derivates trading for Bank of America.   Mark looks forward to his 80 staff at his seven restaurant locations being able to sign up for the Washington Saves program during the pilot stage.

Mark used his finance background as the Senate Representative on the Washington State Investment Board from 2017 to 2025.   The WSIB is responsible for managing our state's $200 billion of pension assets.   Mark was proud to sponsor and pass legislation during his time in the Senate the promoted financial literacy in our K-12 public school system.   Mark also sponsored and passed legislation improving the Washington State GET program that helps families save for college tuition.

Mark and his wife Kelley have six children, ranging in age from 15 to 22.  Kelley is a public school teacher in the Issaquah School District.