The Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) is currently accepting applications for candidates to serve the diverse Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (ANHPI) constituencies of Washington State.
CAPAA is a small, cabinet-level state agency comprised of three staff and 12 commissioners representing the geographic and cultural diversity of Washington State. Its mission is to improve the well-being of ANHPI’s living by identifying and examining issues impacting them. Its role is to advise the Governor, state legislature, and state agencies on services, programming, and changes to law. Together with staff, Commissioners work in partnership with communities and state leaders to respond to public concerns and bring about positive, long-term solutions to issues impacting ANHPI communities.
Commissioners are appointed by the Governor to serve three-year terms and may serve up to three terms. As part of their duties, they are required to attend public board meetings occurring around the state, report on public engagement activities, and comply with state public disclosure & ethics requirements. Commissioners are also expected to participate in at least one of the following CAPAA committees: Civil Rights & Immigration; Economic Development; Health & Human Services; and Education. Commissioners may also be asked to serve in one or more legislatively mandated state committees, workgroups or task forces, and may be eligible for per diem for participation in public meetings.
We are currently accepting applications for 2 open seats on the Commission:
- Position 8 (3 year term begins July 2026)
- Position 5 (applicant would carry out current term 09/16/2025 - 6/29/2028)
How to Apply:
Step 1 - Interested candidates can apply directly through the Governor’s website.
Step 2 - Select Asian Pacific American Affairs - Commission in the drop down menu. This will open an application form.
Step 3 - Fill out the form and click on an open position (currently: 8 and 5). The commission plans to interview applicants in May and then make recommendations to the Governor's Office in June.
Applications must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026 and will be considered on a rolling basis. For any questions contact capaa@capaa.wa.gov and a staff member will be in touch soon.
Apply to Serve | Governor Bob Ferguson
FAQs
What is the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA)?
We are a Washington State cabinet-level state agency comprised of 3 staff and 12 commissioners with the mission to improve the well-being of Asian and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI) communities by elevating issues that impact these communities to the Governor, the State Legislature, and agencies.
What is the Role & Responsibilities of the Commissioners?
- Provide guidance for staff on policy & legislation that affect the AA & NH/PI Community and on outreach opportunities for the Commission;
- Attend 5 meetings a year (CAPAA holds meetings in-person statewide but does provide an option to attend online); and
- Participate in one or more subcommittee that works on specific subject matters (CAPAA has subcommittees organized by civil rights & immigration, education, economic development, health & human services, and legislative).
Why Join the Commission?
- Become a voice for your community to the Governor’s Office and State Legislature;
- Influence policies and policy development toward addressing the needs of the AA & NH/PI community; and
- Meet and work with AA & NH/PI leaders statewide.
How to Apply to Join the Commission?
Submit an application here: Apply to Serve | Governor Bob Ferguson