Alumnus and Seattle businessman Howard Wright appointment to WSU Board of Regents

Howard Wright, a Seattle-based entrepreneur and hospitality executive, is joining the Washington State University Board of Regents.

Wright, a member of the WSU Class of 1976, was appointed to the governing body of his alma mater by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee earlier this month. His term is slated to conclude Sept. 30, 2027.

"I'm truly honored to be able to give back to Washington State University as a member of the Board of Regents," Wright said. "The next several years will be critical for the future of this vital institution, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to step into this role and assist in this tremendously important work," Wright said.

Wright is no stranger to working on behalf of his alma mater. He previously served as a member of the WSU Foundation Board of Governors from 2005-2011, and again from 2012-2015. During his time on the board of governors, Wright helped lead the institution's first $1 billion capital campaign.

Wright has also contributed to art and philanthropic endeavors at WSU, co-chairing the steering committee that led to the opening of the Schnitzer Museum of Art on the Pullman campus. In 2023, Wright donated the Deborah Butterfield bronze sculpture to the museum in honor of his mother, Theiline Scheumann.

After graduating from WSU, Wright embarked on a two decade career as a commercial airline pilot. After landing the first phase of his professional career, Wright pivoted to the corporate world, founding and operating several travel and hospitality companies, including the Seattle Hospitality Group, which he currently serves as chairman.

In addition to his civic engagement at WSU, Wright has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts in Puget Sound. He is a previous trustee of the Amigos de las Americas Foundation, and also served on the U.S. Foundation for Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, the Third Door Coalition, and The Children's Discovery Foundation. He's also been closely involved with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, co-leading its recent capital campaign as well as serving on the Music Corporation Board of Directors, which is the public-private partnership that operates the symphony's home venue.

Wright succeeds Heather Redman, a venture capital firm co-founder who first joined the board in 2017.

Wright is one of two WSU regents appointed by Gov. Inslee in recent weeks, joining longtime Washington legislator Sam Hunt as first-year members of the board in 2025.

The WSU Board of Regents is next scheduled to meet in Seattle Jan. 23-24. More information about the governing body of the university is available online.