The Steering Committee brings together a diverse group of leaders committed to advancing strategies that address systemic barriers to wealth creation and economic equity. Members represent expertise across sectors to guide the initiative’s vision and ensure impactful, inclusive progress.

Brent Beardall

CEO, Washington Federal Bank

Brent Beardall

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Brent joined WaFd Bank in 2001 and became CEO in 2017, leading its expansion across eight states. A CPA and BYU graduate, he completed Stanford’s Executive Program and was named CFO of the Year by the Puget Sound Business Journal. He serves on several nonprofit boards, including United Way of King County and the YMCA of Greater Seattle.

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Jonathan Burks

Partner, PwC

Jonathan Burks

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With over 25 years of experience, Jonathan advises private equity and family-owned businesses on strategy, governance, and financial reporting. He has worked with clients ranging from startups to Fortune 100s and remains deeply engaged in community efforts through United Way of King County and other local organizations.

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David Burman

Partner, Perkins Coie

David Burman

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David has led high-profile cases including two U.S. Supreme Court arguments, the 2004 Washington governor’s race, and major antitrust trials. He served on Perkins Coie’s executive committees, contributes to judicial policy, and is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He serves on the United Way of King County board.

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Leslie Cherry

VP Community Relations Manager, Bank of America

Leslie Cherry

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Leslie leads efforts in community investment, volunteerism, and nonprofit collaboration, advancing equity and economic mobility. With 10+ years in corporate philanthropy, she’s known for building meaningful partnerships and driving impact through inclusive, strategic engagement across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

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Colleen Echohawk

Interim Executive Director, Seattle Indian Services Commission

Colleen Echohawk

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Colleen, an enrolled member of the Kithehaki Band of the Pawnee Nation and Upper Athabascan, is a longtime advocate for Native equity and entrepreneurship. She formerly led Eighth Generation and Chief Seattle Club, has launched two businesses, and is now leading early capital projects at Seattle Indian Services Commission.

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Efrem Fesaha

Owner, Boon Boona Coffee

Efrem Fesaha

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Efrem founded Boon Boona Coffee to connect communities through East African coffee traditions. He sources beans directly from African farmers and builds inclusive spaces for cultural exchange and economic empowerment. His work supports Black-owned businesses and promotes transparency across the coffee supply chain.

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Steve Hooper Jr.

President, Financial Services at Tiphaus

Steve Hooper Jr.

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Steve is a lifelong Seattleite with a career spanning investment banking, private equity, fintech, and hospitality. He actively mentors entrepreneurs and supports small business development. A longtime champion of inclusive growth, he chairs the board of United Way of King County and leads efforts focused on equity and mobility.

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Timothy Howell

Managing Director, JP Morgan Private Bank

Timothy Howell

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Timothy advises individuals, families, and institutions on wealth planning, investments, and philanthropy. Known for his relationship-based approach and strategic insight, he is also committed to community work, promoting financial literacy and expanding access to economic opportunity across underserved populations.

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Scott Meden

Retired Chief Marketing Officer, Nordstrom, Inc.

Scott Meden

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Scott spent 37 years at Nordstrom, serving in roles from sales to CMO. He led key divisions like Nordstrom Rack and Women’s Shoes before retiring in 2023. A dedicated community member, he serves on multiple nonprofit boards, including United Way of King County, Seattle Colleges Foundation, and Shoes That Fit.

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Michelle Merriweather

President & CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle

Michelle Merriweather

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Since 2018, Michelle has expanded ULMS’s impact across housing, education, health equity, and advocacy. Her leadership is driven by a personal mission to create safe, joyful futures for Black youth. She holds several board roles, including United Way, and was appointed to the WA State Women’s Commission by Gov. Inslee.

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Denise Moriguchi

CEO, Uwajimaya

Denise Moriguchi

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Denise is the third-generation leader of Uwajimaya, the family-owned Asian grocer. She honors her family’s legacy while advancing the business and advocating for equity in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. A lifelong Seattleite, she is dedicated to preserving cultural vibrancy and community strength.

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Michael Parham

Strategic advisor, former general counsel at RealNetworks

Michael Parham

Michael is a corporate executive and advisor with prior roles at RealNetworks and IBM. He has served on boards such as the Seattle Public Library and the Seattle Art Museum, and was appointed to President Biden’s Committee for the Arts. He co-founded the Black Boardroom Initiative to promote boardroom diversity.

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Jonathan Sposato

Chairman of Geekwire.com, CEO of Seattle Magazine & Seattle Business Magazine, Owner, JoySauce.com

Jonathan Sposato

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Jonathan is a tech and media entrepreneur who founded JoySauce and co-founded GeekWire. He owns Seattle Magazine and pledged to invest only in startups with at least one woman founder. A strong voice for equity, he was inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame and named UW’s “Man of Integrity.”

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Fr. Stephen Sundborg

Chancellor, Seattle University

Fr. Stephen Sundborg

Fr. Steve led Seattle University from 1997 to 2021, guiding its growth while deepening its Jesuit mission. He remains active as Chancellor, supporting students and community engagement. A spiritual leader with decades of service in Jesuit education, he is respected for his mentorship and commitment to social justice.

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Michael Verchot

Director, Consulting and Business Development Center and Lead at Ascend

Michael Verchot

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Michael co-founded UW’s Consulting and Business Development Center in 1995 to support businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other underserved groups. His work has helped create or retain over 200,000 jobs and generate hundreds of millions in new revenue. He also leads Ascend, a national expansion in partnership with JPMorgan Chase.

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I joined the Bridging the Wealth Gap Steering Committee because…