Martha brings extensive experience in the private, public, and philanthropic sectors. Most recently, she served as the CAO and Director of Global Libraries at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Previously, she was the Director of the Washington State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development. Prior to that, she served two terms on the Seattle City Council, was a vice president at the Bank of California and started her career as a high school teacher and debate coach in Eugene, Oregon.  

Prior board experience includes Craft3, the Seattle Foundation, Western Washington University, Seattle U, and she was chair of the White House Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islanders. Martha holds a BA in speech education and ethnic studies from the University of Washington and an MBA from Seattle University. She is an ordained Zen Priest.