New Director Appointed for Washington State LGBTQ Commission

Photo byWashington State Governor's Office

Lisa Keating will head Washington State's LGBTQ Commission, the office of Gov. Jay Inslee announced on Monday.

As director, Keating will succeed Manny Santiago, who left the commission in February after helming the commission since it first launched in 2019, according to the governor's office.

From 2021 to 2023, Keating worked as the director of family engagement and policy with the GenderCool Project educating the public on transgender and non-binary youth.

"Throughout her career Lisa has worked to better the lives of those who count themselves part of the LGBTQ+ community here in Washington and across the country," said Inslee. "With her integrity, experience and dedication to public service she is well placed to lead this commission and advance the cause of building a stronger, more equitable Washington. I also want to thank Manny and Sheri for their leadership. Manny did tremendous work to build and strengthen the commission in its first years, and Sheri has made sure the commission maintained its momentum while we searched for a new director."

Keating also worked as an expanded learning opportunities provider at Tacoma Public Schools where she serves as the board's president, the office of the governor reports further.

"The LGBTQ+ commission in Washington is doing groundbreaking work," said Keating. "From the statewide survey currently underway to the youth advisory council in development, I look forward to working with my colleagues to improve the way state government meets the needs of Washingtonians, in a manner that is inclusive and mindful of gender or sexual orientation."

Keating will take the reins of the commission from acting director Sheri Sawyer on Friday, Aug. 16, according to the Governor's Office.