spot_imgspot_img

Megan Matthews appointed new director of Washington State Office of Equity

spot_img

(The Center Square) – Gov. Jay Inslee has officially appointed Megan Matthews as the new director of the Washington State Office of Equity.

Matthews had been acting director since May when former director Dr. Karen Johnson was removed from the position based on an internal investigation that found she engaged in “inappropriate conduct” with employees such as micromanaging and “inappropriate or insensitive comments,” including remarks about race and ethnicity.

Johnson was the office’s inaugural director and had held the position since March 2021.

“Megan is a dynamic and authentic leader who knows what it takes to make the Office of Equity successful. This agency is central to our work promoting equity and justice for all,” Inslee said in a Wednesday news release. “I look forward to continuing to work with Megan and her office to implement policy priorities that make it possible for all Washingtonians to thrive and live healthy, successful lives.”

Matthews’ qualifications for the position include working for the Department of Social and Health Services as an engagement manager for the economic services administration and serving as the first chair of Washington State Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity, or BUILD.

Matthews, a Tacoma native and graduate of Lincoln High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Williams College in Massachusetts and a master’s degree in public administration from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington’s capital.

“I am honored to serve Washingtonians in this role,” Matthews said in the news release. “Our office is busy laying a strong internal foundation by hiring to get fully staffed to do our critical work, implementing our budget strategy to be as efficient and impactful with the funds we have been allocated, and meeting our mandate to bring accountability to government and advance equity and justice for all Washingtonians.”

The Office of Equity was created in 2020 to, according to its website, “facilitate policy and systems change to promote equitable policies, practices, and outcomes to streamline our service delivery and improve the customer experience” across state government.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Don’t Trust The Drugs: The Dangerous Lack Of Diversity In Clinical Trials

Many medications today are tested mainly on white men...

Schools face additional regulation under new Illinois laws

(The Center Square) – Starting Jan. 1, Illinois schools...

Trump endorses Robson in 2026 Arizona gubernatorial race

(The Center Square) – President-elect Donald Trump addressed convention...

One Woman’s Fight To Expose The Genetic Disease That Made Her An Orphan

Casey Mulligan Walsh only found out she had a...

New Illinois laws affect drivers beginning Jan. 1

(The Center Square) – Several new laws go into...

Prices rose over 20% under Joe Biden’s administration

President Joe Biden is only a few weeks away...

Spokane Valley eyes process to forfeit surplus properties for affordable housing

(The Center Square) – Spokane Valley officials discussed legislation...

More like this
Related

Don’t Trust The Drugs: The Dangerous Lack Of Diversity In Clinical Trials

Many medications today are tested mainly on white men...

Schools face additional regulation under new Illinois laws

(The Center Square) – Starting Jan. 1, Illinois schools...

Trump endorses Robson in 2026 Arizona gubernatorial race

(The Center Square) – President-elect Donald Trump addressed convention...

One Woman’s Fight To Expose The Genetic Disease That Made Her An Orphan

Casey Mulligan Walsh only found out she had a...