Corey McNally elected chair of Washington *** Offender Policy Board; Tricia Smith named vice chair

The Washington *** Offender Policy Board voted on Jan. 22 to install Corey McNally as chair for the 2026–2028 term and Tricia Smith as vice chair.

Brad Maryhugh, outgoing chair, nominated McNally and praised his mix of subject-matter expertise and temperament. McNally accepted the nomination, saying, “I’m honored to accept the nomination.” The board conducted a public raise-of-hands vote; staff recorded one abstention for the chair vote and otherwise reported the motion passed. Maryhugh nominated Tricia Smith for vice chair; Smith accepted and the board again voted to approve the selection.

Before the leadership votes, the board approved minutes from its Nov. 21, 2024, meeting after a motion to accept the minutes; Michael O’Connell seconded the motion. Staff recorded one abstention for a member who was not present for that meeting and otherwise confirmed approval.

Outgoing chair Maryhugh, who said he has chaired the board for six years and been on it since its founding, told members he will remain on the board but will not seek further leadership roles. In closing remarks he reiterated the board’s research-first and consensus-driven approach to policy work, urging listening, compromise and use of evidence in future deliberations.

The newly elected officers will take responsibility for scheduling and convening future meetings. Staff said there are no additional scheduled meetings and that members should watch for formal convening notices and any letters published to the board’s website and listserv.

—Reporting for the record: the board conducted nominations and public hand-raise votes on the record and staff read the results into the minutes. The meeting was livestreamed and recorded.