Malveaux to head state Women’s Commission

The chief executive officer of the Spokane YWCA was named Monday to be the director of Washington Women’s Commission.

Gov. Jay Inslee announced he was appointing Regina Malveaux to the top spot on the commission, starting Sept. 1. She currently serves as a member of the commission, which was created by the Legislature in 2018.

Malveaux has been with the Spokane YWCA for seven years, where she led in the creation of the Family Justice Center and has expanded programs for victims’ and children’s services, according to her biography on that organization’s website.

She has a law degree from Harvard University, worked for the Children’s Defense Fund while in law school and later worked for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In a news release announcing the appointment, Inslee said she brings a wealth of experience to the job.

“She has demonstrated time and again her deep commitment to issues that impact women, families and those who need help and support,” Inslee said.

Malveaux replaces Michelle Gonzalez, the commission’s first director, who left the post in June to take a seat on the state Pollution Control Hearings Board.