On Oct. 20, Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Linden Rhoads to the University of Washington Board of Regents. Her term will start Oct. 24, 2022 and end Sept. 30, 2028. The Board of Regents supervises, coordinates, manages and regulates the university. Rhoads splits her time between Seattle and Orcas and is the daughter of Rick and Peggy Rhoads, who live on the island full-time.

Rhoads is a veteran entrepreneur and investor in the Seattle technology and life science sectors. She co-founded or served as a director or interim CEO of several successful Seattle-based startups. She received her law degree from UW in 2000, then went on to serve on the UW School of Law Dean’s advisory board, UW Computer Science and Engineering Steering Committee on building the Paul Allen Center, the board of the Henry Art Gallery, the board of the Foster School’s Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship, and represented on the board of the CleanTech Alliance. As the Vice Provost of Commercialization for six years, she established many of the programs that help UW researchers start companies around their innovations. She currently serves on the board of the Committee on Advanced Tuition Payment and College Savings. She’s also been very involved in advocating for reproductive care.

“Linden’s unique lived experiences and deep commitment to University of Washington will make her a dedicated and effective regent,” Inslee said.

“I’m honored to be selected by Gov. Inslee to serve as a Regent of the University of Washington. The university and its incredible medical system have had so much impact on my life and family, our community, and the world. I believe in the UW’s mission and look forward to bringing my experience to help it meet its challenges and fulfill its great goals,” Rhoads said.