By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
Washington State Gov. Bob Ferguson has appointed Hiedi Popochock, Dr. MarcusAntonio Gunn and Nicole “Nikki” Chen to the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs, adding three new members with backgrounds in government, education, health care and community service to the state commission focused on issues affecting Black Washingtonians.
Their terms began Aug. 10 and will run through Nov. 20, 2028.
The Commission on African American Affairs serves as a liaison between Washington’s African American communities and state government, working to identify and address issues affecting Black residents and advise state officials on policies and programs related to economic, educational, health and other disparities.
In letters to each newly appointed member, Ferguson emphasized accountability and transparency in state government and called on the commissioners to work toward a shared mission while ensuring the commission remains responsive and focused on serving Washington residents. Ferguson said the appointments reflect the members’ expertise and dedication to public service.
Popochock, a lifelong public servant with more than two decades of government experience, said she is honored to represent the African American community on the commission. Born in Arkansas and raised in Tacoma’s Hilltop and Eastside neighborhoods, she has called Washington home for more than 30 years.
She currently serves as aviation finance and budget director at the Port of Seattle’s Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where she oversees more than $1 billion in annual revenue, more than $500 million in operating expenses and a multibillion-dollar five-year capital program.
Previously, Popochock held finance, budget and policy positions with King County, Snohomish County and the cities of Bellevue and Kirkland. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from Seattle University and bachelor’s degrees in sociology and law, societies and justice from the University of Washington, along with minors in African studies and human rights.
Gunn is an educator, public servant, scholar and leadership development practitioner whose work focuses on educational opportunity, institutional transformation and issues affecting Black communities.
He currently serves as a policy associate with the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, where his work supports leadership development, student success and initiatives across the state’s 34 community and technical colleges. He also serves on the Tacoma Human Rights Commission and previously chaired the City of Tacoma Board of Ethics.
Gunn’s scholarship examines the experiences of Black male administrators pursuing executive leadership positions in community and technical colleges, including the barriers they encounter and the roles mentorship, belonging and leadership opportunities can play in their advancement.
He holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and special education from Albany State University, as well as a master’s degree in teaching and learning and a doctorate in higher education administration from Walden University. As a commissioner, Gunn hopes to elevate community voices and expand educational and leadership opportunities for Black Washingtonians while advancing policies centered on access, accountability and equity.
Chen currently serves as a business partner with the City of Vancouver’s Engagement and Access Department. Before entering government administration, she spent 19 years working in health care.
Her work has focused on building community, strengthening connections and creating spaces where residents can engage in conversations about issues affecting them. As a commissioner, Chen hopes to promote greater access and equity while helping ensure community members feel heard and represented.
Together, Popochock, Gunn and Chen bring backgrounds in government, education, healthcare and community service to the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs. As they begin their terms, their combined experience will help guide the commission’s work to address the needs of Black Washingtonians, strengthen community engagement and advance policies focused on equity, opportunity and accountability.
