Connie Collingsworth

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was formed in 1997 as the William H. Gates Foundation. In 1999, the foundation was renamed the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust was created in January 2000 through the merger of the Gates Learning Foundation, which worked to expand access to technology through public libraries and the William H. Gates Foundation, which focused on improving global health. The foundation participates in preventive approaches and collaborative endeavors with government, philanthropic and not-for-profit partners. Priority is given to grants that leverage additional support and serve as a catalyst for long-term, systemic change. The foundation also provides funds to promote greater equity in global health, education and public libraries. Through their partnerships in communities across the US, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is committed to raising the high school graduation rate and helping all students, regardless of race or family income. The foundation is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Preston Gates provides clients with legal counsel and representation in handling business transactions, litigation, intellectual property and technology matters, as well as governmental, regulatory and public policy work. The company was founded in 1883.

Premera Blue Cross provides health, life, vision, dental and long term care insurance services. The company was founded in 1933 and is headquartered in Mountlake Terrace, WA.

Part of Banner Corp., Banner Bank is a state chartered commercial bank. The private company is based in Walla Walla, WA. Mark J. Grescovich has been the CEO of the company since 2010.

Women’s World Banking operates as a global non-profit devoted to giving more low-income women access to the financial tools and resources essential to their security and prosperity. The firm specializes in global microfinance network and financial inclusion. The company was founded by Ela Ramesh Bhatt, Michaela Walsh and Esther Afua Ocloo in 1979 and is headquartered in New York, NY.

Islanders Bank operates as a state chartered commercial bank. The firm provides card, online banking, mobile, Telephone and additional services. It offers personal loans, business loans, real estate loans, foreclosure alternatives, business & home lenders and consumer lenders. The company was founded by Dick Kneipp and Wally Gudgell in December 1980 and is headquartered in Friday Harbor, WA.

Social Venture Partners provides social services. It offers nonprofit and collaborative solutions. The company was founded by Kim Sanchez Rael and Margaret Walker and is headquartered in Seattle, WA.