Inslee announces appointment to University of Washington Board of Regents

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Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the appointment of David Zeeck to the University of Washington Board of Regents. Zeeck will replace regent Herb Simon, who is stepping down after 12 years of service as a UW Regent. Zeeck’s initial term will run through September 2023.

“Dave understands the importance of increasing access to higher education and improving graduation rates for all students,” Inslee said. “As a journalist, he's seen first-hand how education strengthens and grows individuals, their families and communities, and he understands that businesses need an educated and trained workforce. His community service and unique perspective will make him an outstanding addition to the UW Board of Regents. I thank Herb for his long service as regent.”

Zeeck is the president and publisher of ​The (​Tacoma)​ News Tribune, The Olympian and The Bellingham Herald media companies.His primary role is with The News Tribune.

Prior to being named to that role in 2008, he served as the executive editor at ​The News Tribune for 14 years. Zeeck served 20 years at ​The Kansas City Star as an editor and reporter.

Zee​ck is currently the chair of the advisory board for the University of Washington Tacoma. He is a member of the Executive Council for a Greater Tacoma, and the past chair of the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County. Zeeck is ​past-president of the Pacific Northwest Newspaper Association and ​president of Allied Daily Newspapers of Washington. He is a past-president of the American Society of Newspaper Editors.

Zeeck received an MBA from Rockhurst ​University in Kansas City and a bachelor of journalism degree from the University of Missouri.

The Board of Regents supervises, coordinates, manages and regulates the university. There are 10 board members, including one student.

Media Contacts

Tara Lee
Governor Inslee’s Communications Office
360.902.4136