Commission Chair - Steve Hunt

Stephen Hunt was appointed to the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) in March, 2012 by Governor Christine Gregoire. He is originally from Massachusetts and has resided in Seattle for the last 38 years.

Mr. Hunt served the public for 34 years at the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), prior to his retirement in 2010. During his time with the EEOC he worked extensively with the state and local agencies dealing with discrimination in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska. In addition he worked directly with the Tribal Employment Rights Offices (TERO) for 21 tribes in
these states. Mr. Hunt was highly regarded for his dedication to the TERO Programs and the years of assistance he provided. He also has conducted formal training and support to the WSHRC in his position at the EEOC. He is an expert in employment discrimination laws and the administrative process.

In addition Mr. Hunt retired from the US Army Reserve after 20 years combined active and reserve duty.
He is a graduate of the University of Montana. He has been married to his wife Karen for 39 years and has
two grown sons.

Mr. Hunt's term expires in June, 2014.

Commissioner - Deborah Sioux Lee of Olympia

Deborah was appointed Commissioner in 2004. Deborah is currently the Interim Head Start Director for the Nisqually Indian Tribe. A strong advocate of civil rights, Deborah served as Chair of the Seattle Civil Rights Commission, and is co-founder and Board President of the Washington Indian Civil Rights Commission that was founded in 2008. In addition to Deborah serving as Commissioner, she serves as a committee member for the Positive Climate & Discipline Advisory Committee to the Superintendent for Seattle Public Schools, and the Equity Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee for United Way of King County. She is also a commissioned Notary Public.

Commissioner - Shawn Murinko of Olympia

Shawn Murinko was appointed to the Washington State Human Rights Commission in July 2006 by Governor Christine Gregoire. He is originally from Spokane and currently resides in the Olympia area. Most of his career has focused on disability rights issues. Currently, Shawn works for the State of Washington to ensure transportation equality for persons with disabilities.  He is also the current Chair of the Washington Attorneys with Disabilities group.

Mr. Murinko's term expires July 2016.

Commissioner - Charlene Strong of Seattle

Charlene Strong was appointed to the Washington State Human Rights Commission in January, 2009.  After the death of her partner Kate Fleming she became a tireless advocate of marriage and same-sex equality.  Her work for this issue brought her to speak before the Washington State legislature a little more than a month after Kate’s death.  Her testimony helped pass landmark domestic partnership legislation in the state of Washington.  Charlene maintains a close working relationship with Equal Rights Washington (ERW).

Charlene’s past involvement, focused in the LBGT community, was with the Human Society’s Pet Project, who provided HIV/AIDS patients with help and care for their pets.  Charlene designed and managed their veterinary clinic to insure pet care and wellness visits.  She also implemented an intake committee to access candidate needs.  She also worked with the Archdiocese of Seattle on an LGBT task force dedicated to improving acceptance and understanding within the Archdiocese of LGBT parishioners.

Before dedicating her life to same-sex marriage equality, Charlene worked in the dental field for over 20 years.  She pursued a degree in interior design. She is a longtime resident of Seattle.

Ms. Strong's term expires June 2017.