Joe Nguyễn, the newly appointed Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce, visited AHANA to learn more about the organization and share insights on his vision for the department. Several businesses and nonprofits with Commerce contracts attended the meet-and-greet, welcoming Director Nguyễn to Spokane and engaging in a productive discussion about economic opportunities and community development.
Gov. Bob Ferguson appointed Nguyễn as Commerce Director on December 27, 2024, and he officially took office on January 15, 2025. Before this role, he served as a state senator for the 34th District from 2019 to 2024, where he chaired the Environment, Energy & Technology Committee and championed legislation supporting housing affordability, healthcare, public transit, climate action, and education. A longtime advocate for working families and historically underserved communities, Nguyễn brings a deep commitment to equity and economic growth.
Born and raised in Seattle, Nguyễn is a second-generation Vietnamese American whose early experiences shaped his dedication to public service. Growing up in White Center, he worked as a janitor at his own high school to help his family make ends meet. He later attended Seattle University and went on to work at Expedia and Microsoft while volunteering for organizations focused on homelessness services and law enforcement oversight.
Now a resident of West Seattle, Nguyễn remains an ardent champion for investing in Washington families, expanding economic opportunities, and tackling the climate crisis. His leadership at the Department of Commerce signals a bold, inclusive approach to fostering statewide economic resilience and community prosperity.
(Photo: Joe Nguyễn, back row, center, standing.)