Seattle — Casey Family Programs today announced the appointment of Robert “Bob” A. Watt and Richard E. Leigh, Jr., to its board of trustees. The board manages a $2.5 billion endowment and directs Casey’s 2020 Strategy. Both appointments were effective April 1, 2008.

Casey’s 2020 Strategy is a plan to improve the lives of children in foster care and vulnerable families in America by building the political will to:

• Safely reduce the number of children in foster care in half by the year 2020.
• Reinvest the savings to improve the child welfare system.
• Improve education, job opportunities and mental health services for children in foster care.

Bob Watt is the former vice president of state and local government relations for Boeing Corporation. He is widely recognized in the Seattle business and nonprofit communities. Prior to joining Boeing, Watt served as President and CEO of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Managing Director of PhyCom Corporation and Deputy Mayor of the City of Seattle.

Watt’s long record of community service shows his passion for helping children and families. Watt currently serves as Vice Chair of the board of The Seattle Foundation. He is also one of the founding board members and currently the Vice-Chair of the executive committee of Thrive by Five, a public private partnership for early learning in Washington State. He also serves on the board of the Business Partnership for Early Learning and the P-20 Council.

In the mid-1980’s, Watt led the Family Services of King County as president and CEO. Under his leadership, the agency created an innovative program supporting homeless children with high quality child care and early learning. He is also credited with increasing services to the community while streamlining expenses.

 “I am honored to join in the work of Casey Family Programs,” Watt said. “Throughout my career I have had a passion for helping children and improving economic opportunity for families. I am eager to join Casey and help make a difference for vulnerable children and families in America.”

 “For many years, Bob has dedicated his time and passion to champion children’s issues,” said Gary Severson, chairman of the board for Casey Family Programs. “As a teacher, social worker, CEO and community leader he has been a tireless advocate for children.”

Richard Leigh is a consultant serving as a strategic advisor for Vulcan Inc., in Seattle, where he previously held the position of Vice President and General Counsel.  Prior to joining Vulcan, Leigh served as Vice President and General Counsel for the Seattle Seahawks.  He was formerly a partner at the Seattle law firm of Foster Pepper and is a former member of the senior management team for Cell Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company. 

Leigh was raised in South Los Angeles.  He earned his undergraduate degree from Brown University, and an M.A. in International Politics and Economics from The Johns Hopkins University. He received his J.D. from Columbia University School of Law. 

Leigh has a long history of community involvement spanning more than 20 years.  He is a current advisory board member for PATH, a global health nonprofit.  He has served on the board of the Seattle Seahawks Charitable Foundation, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Seattle Association and the Association of Washington Business.  He has also been involved in social service programs such as the YMCA Black Achievers Program and the board of the Recovery Centers of King County.

 “I’m excited to be joining the board at Casey Family Programs,” said Leigh. “The foundation is poised to make bold and positive changes for children in foster care across our nation. I welcome this opportunity and the privilege to work closely with my fellow board members and senior management in achieving the foundation’s long-term strategic goals.”

 “We consider ourselves very fortunate to have Richard join the foundation’s board as he brings a great depth of legal knowledge, business management skills and an understanding of public policy,” said Severson.  “The combined talents of Richard and Bob will, indeed, help us move forward our 2020 Strategy to improve the lives of children in or at risk of entering foster care.”

Current members of the foundation’s board of trustees include Gary R. Severson, chair, Joan B. Poliak, Shelia Evans-Tranumn, Sharon L. McDaniel-Lowe, Dennis Hightower, David Mills, and America Bracho. The president and CEO of Casey Family Programs is William C. Bell.