Translate
Veterans Advisory Board
Adult Services Division Boards and Commissions
The King County Veterans Advisory Board is consulted with and their advice is solicited concerning the needs of local indigent veterans, the resources available to help local veterans, and the programs that could benefit local veterans and their families. The board assists the King County Veterans Program with advice regarding service-planning activities, supporting the provision of high-quality services to veterans and their families in King County.
The King County Veterans Advisory Board shall:
- Advise the executive and the county council on the needs of local indigent veterans, the resources available to local indigent veterans and programs that could benefit the needs of local indigent veterans and their families.
- Advise the Department of Community and Human Services, on the administration of the King County Veterans Program, King County’s chapter 73.08 RCW-required veterans assistance program.
- Meet at least four times per year to conduct the business of the board.
Board Composition
The King County Veterans Advisory Board is comprised of 10 members, including:
- 6 Council district representatives
- 2 Executive at-large representatives
- 1 City of Seattle representative
- 1 Sound Cities Association representative
Next Veterans Advisory Board Meeting
Date: April 18, 2024
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am
Location:
King County Veterans Program South Office
645 Andover Park W, Ste.100, Tukwila, WA 98188
or participate remotely through Teams
Teams Link:Remote option (Teams link)
Phone: 425-653-6586
Conference ID: 892 248 468#
Agenda: Meeting agenda
The King County Veterans Advisory Board was established in 1991 when the Washington State code was revised to mandate a relief fund for honorably discharged indigent veterans and their families (RCW 73.08.010) and is funded by King County taxpayers.
In September 2018, the King County Council adopted Ordinance 18785 establishing the King County Veterans Advisory Board as appointed members of the veterans committee of the King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy Advisory Board.
The integration of the veterans committee of the VSHSL Advisory Board and the King County Veterans Advisory Board into a single body parallels King County's efforts to integrate all county-funded veterans programs in order to improve customer service for veterans in King County, reduce service system fragmentation, and increase administrative efficiency in administering services for veterans.
Individuals interested in serving on the board, must submit an application (a resume may be submitted in lieu of completing the application form) and a letter of interest. Candidates selected for appointment will also be asked to complete a King County ethics program financial disclosure form.
Board members are appointed for three-year terms and are limited to serving no more than two full terms.
Board members who wish to seek reappointment (including Council district representatives) will be required to complete a Reappointment Request Form and return it to the VSHSL staff liaison.
King County seeks to create an inclusive and accessible process for individuals who wish to serve on a King County board or commission. We strive to ensure that King County boards and commissions are reflective of the community we serve.
If you have questions on the application process or about a particular board/commission, please contact Rick Ybarra, Liaison for Boards and Commissions, King County Executive Office, 401 Fifth Ave, Suite 800, Seattle, Washington 98104, Direct Phone Line: 206-263-9651 or via email at Rick.Ybarra@kingcounty.gov
Alicia Starova (Chair)
Alicia Starova
Alicia is a veteran, volunteer at Crisis Connections and served on the King County Veterans Advisory Board in 2018. Through her experience as a veteran and her work in community Alicia sees a great need for the veteran and female veteran's voice. In King County Alicia has worked and trained with Seattle Police Department's Victim Support Team and with the King County Crisis Connections training with suicide and crisis intervention. With those organizations Alicia has seen a great need for veteran resources and support and is hoping that she can continue to serve and assist her fellow veterans.
Representing King County Council District 2 on the Veterans Committee.
Vice-Chair of the VSHSL Advisory Board representing the Veterans Committee and Chair of the Veterans Advisory Board.
Contact: VSHSL2@kingcounty.gov
Carrol Stripling
Carrol Stripling
Carrol is a veteran, has extensive experience serving on committees that are dedicated to assisting veterans and is a former board member of the King County Veterans Advisory Board.
Executive appointee on the Veterans Committee.
Contact: VSHSL4@kingcounty.gov
Chuck Murrell
Chuck Murrell
Chuck is a veteran, retired from the United States Army and NAPA Auto Parts. He served in the former King County Veterans Advisory Board since 2012 and volunteers for the Veterans Administration where he has completed almost 2,500 hours working with veterans. Chuck has been the American Legion Commander of Seattle Post 1 for the past 7 years.
Representing King County Council District 7 on the Veterans Committee.
Contact: VSHSL7@kingcounty.gov
David Waggoner
David Waggoner
David is a veteran and served as a member on the King County Veterans Advisory Board for 11 years. As an individual veteran volunteer, David championed the Veterans and Human Services levy during its passing and renewal in 2005 and 2011, and volunteered to support the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy when it was renewed and expanded by voters in 2017. David is also a member of the Puget Sound Honor Flight Board of Directors since 2013.
Representing King County Council District 3 on the Veterans Committee.
Contact: VSHSL3@kingcounty.gov
Peter Lewis
Peter Lewis
Peter is a Vietnam veteran and has worked with veterans on a city, county, state and federal level. Peter is self-employed at both Pete Lewis Consulting and EL Consulting.Peter served on the Regional Policy Committee, Sound Cities Association and Puget Sound Regional Council.
Representing Sound Cities Association on the Veterans Committee.
Contact: VSHSL6@kingcounty.gov
Faisal Akhter
Faisal Akhter
Faisal Akhter (he/him) is currently an attorney at Microsoft. He also leads the company's legal department veterans network. Prior to his current role, Faisal served eight years on active duty military service with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps. He has served in two overseas assignments and at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. Today, he continues to serve as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves. He is currently assigned as a criminal defense counsel at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Representing King County Council District 2 on the Veterans Committee.
Contact: VSHSL5@kingcounty.gov
Samantha Powers
Samantha Powers
Samantha is a veteran and a former Officer of Veterans of Foreign Wars. She is the Director of Student Veteran Life at the University of Washington. Samantha was a member of the King County Veterans Advisory Board starting in 2017.
Representing King County Council District 1 on the Veterans Committee.
Contact: VSHSL1@kingcounty.gov
Meeting minutes
