The Council welcomed 7 new additions to the Board of Directors. Each newly-appointed director will contribute their unique expertise and perspective in strategically positioning WSCRC in advancing Washington state’s leadership role in US-China relations.

The newly-added board directors include:
Karina Kellogg, Regional Manager – Greater China, Brown and Haley
John Melin, President & COO, Brown and Haley
Sheila Remes, Vice President of Strategy, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Benjamin Shobert, Director of Healthcare Strategy, Business Development & Partnerships, Microsoft; Senior Associate for International Health, NBR
Karl Stickel, Director of Entrepreneurship and Industry, Office of Economic Development, City of Seattle
Kathleen Walsh, Deputy Director, Global Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Annie Zhou, Investment Management & Marketing Director, American Life

On May 15, 2019, WSCRC interim director Man Wang and Director of the Economic Development and Competitiveness at the WA Commerce, Chris Green, met with US Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) participants from 24 countries and regions. The discussion focused on the impacts of the trade tariffs on Washington state’s agriculture and food industry. The WSCRC values such collaboration with community partners to raise awareness of Washington state’s relations with China and contribute to the national and international dialogue on the future of US-China relations.

On April 9, 2019, the WSCRC, in partnership with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco, hosted a luncheon meeting for the Hong Kong Financial Secretary, Hon. Paul Chan with its board of directors. The group has a lively and candid discussion on potential collaborations between Washington State and Hong Kong, and the role of Hong Kong in U.S.-China relations.