Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the appointment of Blaine Tamaki to the University of Washington Board of Regents.
“Blaine’s deep roots at UW, strong community ties and lifelong experience and passion for equality will make him an effective and dedicated regent,” Inslee said. “His work on behalf of vulnerable children and his commitment to voting rights are just two areas where he has worked tirelessly for all Washingtonians.”
Tamaki, a longtime Yakima resident, has practiced as a trial lawyer for 35 years. He operates law offices in Yakima, Kennewick and Bellevue.
Tamaki's legal work includes representation of more than 300 Native American children who were sexually abused in religious residential schools throughout the Northwest, public safety, and protection of foster children.
He served as vice president of the Washington State Association of Justice and received the Washington State Trial Lawyer of the Year award in 2012.
Tamaki has been active in Yakima efforts to increase representation of Latinos to elected office, including founding the Latino Vote Project. Tamaki served on the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs under Gov. Dan Evans.
He graduated from UW in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and received his Juris Doctor from UW Law School. His daughter recently graduated from the University of Washington, and his son is currently a UW student.
The Board of Regents supervises, coordinates, manages and regulates the university. There are 10 board members, including one student.
Tamaki will complete the term of former regent Pat Shanahan, which will end September 2022. Tamaki will be eligible for re-apppointment at that time.