Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Libby Gates MacPhee today to the University of Washington Board of Regents. MacPhee will replace Kristianne Blake, who is stepping down after 12 years of service as a UW Regent.
The UW Board of Regents supervises, coordinates, manages, and regulates the university. There are 10 board members, which includes one student.
MacPhee’s initial term will run for six years, with the option to be reappointed.
“Libby has a passion for education and has devoted much of her work and volunteer time to improving outcomes for all students,” Inslee said. “She has a real love of the University of Washington and it shows. She will make an excellent addition to the Board of Regents.”
MacPhee recently finished her master’s degree in social work at UW and plans to open a counseling practice to focus on issues around behavioral health. She has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Pomona College.
"As a recent graduate, I have experienced how the university’s mission is carried out and this will add to my perspective as a regent," MacPhee said.
She has previous volunteer experience with universities, which include various roles at the University of Washington. She served on boards at Pomona College and Santa Clara University.
Her community service also includes serving on the board at Lakeside School in Seattle for more than 15 years, which includes a term as the board president. MacPhee also sat on the board of Seattle Children’s Hospital and currently sits on the board of Seattle Foundation.
In addition to MacPhee’s appointment, Jeremy Jaech was reappointed to the Board of Regents in October for a term that ends September 2024.