Today, Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee announced his appointment of Megan Matthews as the new director of the Washington State Office of Equity. Matthews, who has worked as an assistant director in the Office of Equity since April 2021, has been serving as the acting director of the agency since May.
In her work with the agency, Matthews has driven the agency’s overall strategy, developing and implementing budgets, legislative and public relations, developing and publishing the community compensation guidelines, and has worked with the governor’s office to craft executive orders promoting equity in employment opportunities across Washington.
“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,” said Inslee. “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.”
According to Matthews her role in social services has helped prepare her for this new position. Prior to joining the Office of Equity, Matthews served as an engagement manager for the economic services administration at the Department of Social and Health Services, where she researched and wrote reports on poverty reduction, economic mobility and racial justice. She was also the inaugural chair of Washington State Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity (BUILD), one of Washington State’s seven business resource groups for state employees and part of the state’s business strategy to diversify leadership roles and making Washington state an employer of choice.
“I am honored to serve Washingtonians in this role,” says Matthews. “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.”
“Together, we live out the value of Ubuntu: I am because we are. What happens to one, happens to all,” she added. “So together, we will make Washington a state where everyone belongs and has access to the resources, power, and opportunities they need to thrive.”
Matthews grew up in Tacoma and graduated from Lincoln High School. She received a bachelor’s degree in history from Williams College in Massachusetts and a master’s degree in public administration from The Evergreen State College.
