The State Board of Health Welcomes Newest Member Ashley Mathews
Tumwater, WA – April 2, 2026 – Governor Bob Ferguson has appointed Ashley Mathews, Bainbridge Island City Council Member, to the Washington State Board of Health (Board). Mathews fills the position of an individual who is a city elected official who serves on a local board of health.
Member Mathews has spent the last 17 years serving her community with a focus on advocacy, bridge building, and conversations around behavioral health, wellness, and belonging. She currently serves on the Bainbridge Island City Council and is its former Mayor.
She is a member of the inaugural cohort of the Washington Collaborative Elected Leaders Institute (WA-CELI). The program launched in 2024 through the William D. Ruckelshaus Center and the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance. It serves as a pilot program to reduce polarization and enhance civic engagement.
“I look forward to serving alongside my fellow board members as we do our part fulfilling the Health Board’s mission to provide statewide leadership in developing and promoting policies that prevent disease and improve and protect the public's health for all people in Washington,” said Member Mathews. “I am deeply honored by this appointment and ready to get to work supporting our vision - that the health and safety of all people in Washington will improve.”
“I am delighted to welcome Member Mathews to the Washington State Board of Health,” said Patty Hayes, Board Chair. “The expertise of Member Mathews will be so valuable to the work of the Board.”
Member Mathews previously served as Planning Commission Chair and on the Boards of Treehouse for Kids and the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. She currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Kitsap Public Health District Board and on regional leadership bodies.
Member Mathews will join the next Board of Health meeting on April 8, 2026. The final agenda and meeting materials will be available on the meeting webpage on April 1, 2026.
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Established by the state constitution in 1889, the State Board of Health has served the people of Washington for 137 years, providing leadership and advancing public health practices that protect and improve the public’s health. Our work focuses on analyzing policies, developing rules, promoting partnerships, and encouraging public engagement in the public health system.
Media contact information
Michelle Larson
Communication Manager
Washington State Board of Health
Michelle.Larson@sboh.wa.gov
(360) 236-4102
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