January 7, 2010
Gregoire appoints Orin Smith to UW board of regents
Gov. Chris Gregoire has announced the appointment of Orin Smith to the UW Board of Regents. Smith retired in 2005 as president and chief executive officer of Starbucks.
“Orin brings significant leadership experience to the board” Gregoire said. “His extensive experience in both government and the private sector and in leading nonprofit boards makes him an ideal addition to the UW Board of Regents.”
Smith graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from the Harvard Business School.
“I am honored to be appointed to the governing board of one of the world’s great universities and look forward to working with my fellow Regents and President Emmert at a very challenging time in the University’s history,” Smith said.
Smith has served on both the UW Foundation Board and the UW Medical Board, with stints as chairman on each board. He also has been a member and chair of the Starbucks Foundation Board. Prior to being employed at Starbucks, Smith was executive VP and CFO for Danzas, a North American subsidiary of a large European transportation company, and for Northern Air. He previously served as director of the state Office of Financial Management for Govs. Ray and Gardner.
Smith’s appointment is effective immediately and expires in September 2015.
