Bob Watt named chair of Casey Family Programs’ Board of Trustees

The board of trustees for Casey Family Programs, the nation’s largest operating foundation focused on reducing the need for foster care and building communities of hope for children and families, has selected Bob Watt as its new chair.

Watt succeeds Dr. Shelia Evans-Tranumn who will remain a member of the board for the Seattle-based foundation.

“I’m honored to serve as board chair of such an innovative and impactful foundation,” Watt said. “Casey Family Programs’ mission of preventing the need for foster care and building hope for children and families in communities across the nation helps set a gold standard for child welfare practice and policy.”

Watt brings a long history of advocacy for improving the lives and opportunities of children and families. In addition to his service as a Casey Family Programs Trustee, Watt serves as co-vice-chair for the Board of Directors of Thrive by Five, and as a board member of Group Health Cooperative. Mr. Watt has served as board chair of the Alliance for Education, the Group Health Foundation, The Children’s Alliance, The Seattle Foundation and SEAFAIR.

Watt was appointed to the Casey Family Programs Board of Trustees in April 2008. He retired in December 2007 as vice president of state and local government relations and global corporate citizenship for The Boeing Company. Previously, he was president and CEO of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce. His career history includes leadership positions with PhyCom Corporation, five years as president of Family Services of Seattle/King County and more than 12 years at Youth Eastside Services. Bob also served as Deputy Mayor of Seattle under former Mayor Norm Rice.

Out-going chair Dr. Evans-Tranumn was honored for the tremendous impact she made in the role.

During Dr. Evans-Tranumn’s tenure as board chair, Casey Family Programs expanded the work done toward the goal of safely reducing the number of children in foster care while helping to build Communities of Hope. Critical federal legislation was passed that aims to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families across the nation, especially those involved in foster care.

Casey Family Programs is committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families across America through 2020: Building Communities of Hope. The foundation’s goal is to safely reduce the need for foster care and promote a shared commitment and vision from community leaders, public agencies, and private and faith-based organizations help vulnerable children and families thrive.