Ferguson Appoints Dow Constantine, Denise Stiffarm To UW Board of Regents

OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson has appointed two University of Washington alumni, Dow Constantine and Denise Stiffarm, to the University of Washington Board of Regents. The appointments are Ferguson’s first to the board and come as the terms of Regents Rogelio Riojas and Constance W. Rice expire on Sept. 30.

“Dow and Denise will bring deep backgrounds and expertise in public service to the University of Washington Board of Regents,” said Ferguson. “They are well-prepared to help govern and steward our alma mater.”

Constantine, the current CEO of Sound Transit, served four terms as King County Executive and has held prior roles as a King County councilmember, state representative, and state senator. He holds a bachelor’s degree, a law degree, and a graduate degree from the University of Washington.

“The University of Washington is the foundation of our region’s outsized reserve of economic, cultural, and social capital,” said Constantine. “It has given generations of Washingtonians — given my family — a ladder to a better, fuller life. I cannot imagine a greater honor than to be allowed to give back to our alma mater in this way.”

A lifelong West Seattle resident, Constantine lives with his wife, Shirley, and their middle-school-aged daughter. His ties to UW run deep: his grandfather and great uncle played Husky football, his parents met as UW students, and he met his wife while volunteering at the student radio station.

Stiffarm is managing partner at Pacifica Law Group, where she focuses on municipal, real estate, land use, and education law. Prior to her current role, she was a partner at Preston Gates & Ellis LLP and its successor, K&L Gates. She earned her law degree at UW after attending college in Eastern Washington.

“As an alumnus of the University of Washington, I hold a deep love and respect for the institution and firsthand knowledge of the power of a UW education to fundamentally improve individual outcomes,” Stiffarm said. “I look forward to joining a distinguished group of regents and contributing my skills and life experience toward stewarding and advancing the University of Washington and its mission.”

Originally from Fort Belknap, Montana, Stiffarm is an enrolled member of the Gros Ventre (Aaniiih/White Clay) Tribe. She is the namesake and first recipient of the Chief Seattle Club Stiffarm Visionary Leadership Award and currently serves on the boards of the One Roof Foundation and United Way of King County. Her past service includes board roles with the YWCA, Seattle Art Museum, YouthCare, and the Chief Seattle Club.

Constantine’s civic involvement includes board service with the Puget Sound Regional Council, Mountains to Sound Greenway, Allied Arts of Seattle, and the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. He is a noted skier, music enthusiast, and Husky football fan.

Stiffarm describes herself as a passionate sports fan, lifelong reader, and fair-weather hiker. She is married to a fellow UW alum.

In announcing the new appointments, Governor Ferguson also acknowledged the service of outgoing regents Riojas and Rice.

“I am grateful for the dedicated service of Constance and Rogelio,” he said. “Both served as regents for over 10 years and helped move the University of Washington forward.”

The UW Board of Regents consists of 11 members who oversee the governance of the university and serve six-year terms.