Other LanguagesOLYMPIA—Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced the hiring of Kendee Yamaguchi as Director of Policy, Legislative Affairs and External Relations.
“Kendee has a wealth of experience on a state and federal level,” Ferguson said. “Her expertise will be invaluable as a member of my senior leadership team. She brings a strong record of legislative, legal, management and outreach experience to the position that will serve our state well.”
As the executive director of the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, Yamaguchi served as a small agency cabinet member and advised the Governor, state agencies, the Legislature and local government on policies, plans and programs.
“I am honored to join Attorney General Ferguson’s team,” Yamaguchi said. “I am inspired by his desire to help protect people from fraud and scams, to support veterans and to protect the environment. I am proud to employ my skills and expertise to help him reach his goals.”
Yamaguchi will lead Ferguson’s governmental affairs team, advising the office on legislative issues, policy and external relations.
Yamaguchi worked in the Clinton White House as a director in the Office of Management and Administration and also served in the Office of Public Liaison. She has experience working as a television executive and a staff member in the Washington State Legislature. She has also worked as an attorney in private practice.
She earned her law degree from Seattle University School of Law. During law school, Yamaguchi earned numerous honors and scholarships from the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Loren Miller Bar Association, Puget Sound Minority Clerkship and the Access to Justice Institute.
Yamaguchi graduated from American University with a degree in Political Science and Public Communications with a minor in International Affairs. At American University, she received several honors and awards, including the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship—(PPIA).
A third-generation Japanese American who was born and raised in Washington, Yamaguchi is a former member of the Washington State Bar Association’s Professionalism Committee and serves on the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission.
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Contact:
Janelle Guthrie, APR | Communications Director | Phone: (360) 586-0725 | Cell: (360) 584-3046 | E-mail: janelleg@atg.wa.gov
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