South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) today announced that Mark O. Brown has been appointed to its Board of Trustees by Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson, beginning November 7, 2025, for a term ending September 30, 2029.
Brown brings decades of experience in public service, government relations, and community leadership. He began his career as a staff member for the Washington State Senate Ways and Means Committee and spent nearly 20 years directing state and federal governmental relations for the Washington Federation of State Employees. Brown also served four years on Governor Mike Lowry’s Executive Cabinet as Director of the Department of Labor and Industries.
In addition to his state-level leadership, Brown served ten years as a local elected official, including seven years as Mayor of Lacey, Washington. He recently concluded 12 years on the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, originally appointed by Governor Christine Gregoire in 2010 and reappointed by Governor Jay Inslee in 2016. Most recently, Brown served on Governor-elect Ferguson’s Transition Team prior to his appointment to the SPSCC Board of Trustees.
“As a former community college student and graduate I am honored to join the Board of Trustees at SPSCC,” said Brown. “The college plays a critical role in creating pathways for students to succeed and thrive. I look forward to supporting its mission and contributing to the continued growth of this outstanding institution.”
Brown retired as President of Connections Public Affairs after more than 20 years representing numerous public and private clients at the state and federal levels. His clients included cities such as Vancouver, Lacey, Longview, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, and Carnation, as well as organizations like the Vancouver Historic Reserve Trust, the Confluence Project, Skamania Lodge, Suncadia Resort, Partners in Careers, and Providence Health Systems Oregon.
Brown continues to serve on several boards, including the Executive Board of the Retired Public Employees Chapter 2, the Political Action Committee of the Retired Public Employees of Washington, and the City of Lacey Civil Service Commission. He previously served on the State Investment Board, the State Commission of Volunteerism, and numerous other boards in Thurston County.