Board staff reports outreach activity; outgoing board member Mark Johnston honored

Board staff provided an administrative update June 18 that included recent outreach activities and program updates, and the board recognized Mark Johnston on his final meeting before his term expires at the end of the month.

Mister Nelson (board administration) reported that the board’s newsletter was mailed this week and summarized outreach: staff attended a spring expo in Spokane to promote the ombuds program, staffed a booth at a related spring meeting in Everett, and plan to staff a table at the state council of firefighters annual convention to continue outreach. Nelson said these activities included presentations and networking to raise awareness of the ombuds services.

Nelson also announced a recognition for Mark Johnston, identified in the meeting as the last remaining original board member and instrumental in the board’s creation. The board presented a challenge coin and said it would share cake at lunch to thank Johnston for his years of service. Johnston spoke, thanking staff and fellow board members and reflecting on the board’s legislative successes and the impact of the ombudsman program: “This has been one of the greatest opportunities I’ve ever had in my life to make a difference,” he said, and he described the board’s cooperative legislative record and staff support.

Nelson noted the next meeting is July 23 and that the governor’s office has been contacted about filling several vacant board positions; staff will update members by email about appointment status. The board also reminded members that public written comments were not received in advance of the meeting and reiterated instructions for future submissions.