Mary Nam, the former KOMO news anchor, has received a new appointment three months after leaving the screen. Governor Bob Ferguson appointed her to the Washington State University (WSU) Board of Regents alongside Fe LopezGatke, co-executive director of the nonprofit Purpose. Dignity. Action., which works on alternatives to incarceration. Both women are WSU alumni, and their nominations will fill two of the university board’s three vacancies.
Nam spent 20 years as an evening news anchor at KOMO, covering breaking events and winning a Regional Emmy in 2024. She left the role in March. “The education and experiences I gained at WSU changed my life — four years in Pullman led to a 26-year career in broadcasting,” said the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication graduate. In addition to journalism, Nam has been active in philanthropy, working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Seattle Children’s Hospital and Food Lifeline.
LopezGatke, whose parents were farmworkers, began her studies on WSU’s Pullman campus and completed her bachelor’s degree at the Tri-Cities campus. Before joining Purpose. Dignity. Action., she served as director of diversity, equity and inclusion at the Law School Admission Council, was the first director of the Seattle Office for Police-Community Engagement and led the Washington State Latino/a Bar Association. “I look forward to working together to continue WSU’s innovative growth that is accessible to all students,” LopezGatke said. The WSU Board of Regents consists of 11 members (including one student and one faculty member); the third appointment will be announced soon.
Based on: Former KOMO news anchor Mary Nam appointed to WSU Board of Regents