WASHINGTON STATE
EXECUTIVE ETHICS BOARD
November 14, 2025
Regular Meeting Minutes
A. Preliminary Business
1. Roll Call
The regular meeting of the Washington State Executive Ethics Board (Board) was called to order by Chair Kelli Hooke at 9:00 a.m. In attendance were Vice Chair Megan Abel and Members Cam Comfort, David Hankins and Mark Rapozo. Board staff in attendance included: Executive Director Kate Reynolds, Senior Counsel Matt Kernutt, Assistant Attorney General Julia Eisentrout, Administrative Officer Ruthann Bryant, and Senior Digital Forensic Investigators Justin Cotte and Swift Sanchez.
2. Approval of Agenda
Motion 25-094 Moved by Member Comfort, seconded by Chair Hooke:
The Board approved the November 14, 2025 agenda as presented.
The motion passed unanimously.
3. Approval of the September 12, 2025, Meeting Minutes
Motion 25-095 Moved by Member Comfort, seconded by Member Hankins:
The Board approved the September 12, 2025 minutes as presented.
The motion passed unanimously.
B. Enforcement Matter
Stipulation
EEB Case 2024-057 (Ping)
Senior Digital Forensic Investigator Justin Cotte briefed the Board on a proposed Stipulation and Order in the matter of Matthew Ping, former Management Analyst with the Office of Administrative Hearings. Evidence indicated that Matthew Ping misappropriated funds using the agency credit card to four different businesses they created. Evidence also indicated that Matthew Ping used the agency credit card for personal charges, including gift card purchases and payments for personal cell phone expenses. The proposed order imposes a civil penalty of $28,000.
The Board deferred action on enforcement matter until after their closed session.
C. Advisory Opinion Request
Board Chair Kelli Hooke presented a request for an advisory opinion submitted by a private citizen regarding the Office of the Attorney General using state resources to prepare and respond to a Washington State Bar Association grievance filed against the Attorney General. The Board discussed whether or not they want to issue an advisory opinion requested by a private citizen, the questions that are presented by the request, and whether or not issuing an opinion after the activity had occurred meets the intent for issuing an advisory opinion. The Board tabled the matter for the January meeting.
It was noted that Member Hankins is recused from the matter and Executive Director Kate Reynolds is recused from discussion on the issue.
Motion 25-096 Moved by Chair Hooke, seconded by Vice Chair Abel:
The Board deferred discussion on the request for an advisory opinion until their January 9, 2026 meeting.
Voting for: Chair Hooke, Vice Chair Abel and Members Comfort and Rapozo.
Not Voting: Member Hankins
The motion passed.
D. Policy Reviews
Administrative Officer Ruthann Bryant presented the Health Care Authority’s Outside Employment policy and their Ethics: Use of State Resources; Employee Recognition policy. It was noted that both policies were previously approved by the Board in 2024. Changes clarified the definition of state resources, specifically related to publications of the agency. Staff recommended approval of both policies.
Motion 25-097 Moved by Member Comfort, seconded by Member Hankins:
The Board approved the Health Care Authority’s Outside Employment policy and Ethics: Use of State Resources; Employee Recognition policy as presented.
The motion passed unanimously.
E. Staff Reports
Executive Director Kate Reynolds noted that our five-year review of all advisory opinions will begin in January 2026.
F. Public Comment/Board Member Comment
No public or Board Member comments were given.
G. Closed Session
At 9:37 am the Board moved into Closed Session.
At 10:45 am the Board returned to regular session and reported the following:
Motion 25-098 Moved by Member Comfort, seconded by Chair Hooke:
The Board approved the Stipulated Facts, Conclusions of Law and Agreed Order in EEB Case 2024-057 Matthew Ping, imposing a civil penalty of $28,000.
Voting for: Chair Hooke and Members Comfort, Hankins and Rapozo.
Not voting: Vice Chair Abel.
The motion passed.
Motion 25-099 Moved by Member Hankins, seconded by Member Comfort:
The Board determined any violation that may have occurred does not constitute a material violation because it was inadvertent and minor, or has been cured, and, after consideration of all of the circumstances, further proceedings would not serve the purposes of this chapter and dismissed EEB Case 2024-026 James Lathrop.
The motion passed unanimously.
Motion 25-100 Moved by Chair Hooke, seconded by Vice Chair Abel:
The Board determined the complaint is unfounded and dismissed EEB Case 2024-028 Holli Kish.
Voting for: Chair Hooke, Vice Chair Abel and Members Hankins and Rapozo.
Not voting: Member Comfort.
The motion passed.
Motion 25-101 Moved by Vice Chair Abel, seconded by Member Comfort:
The Board found Reasonable Cause of $500 or less in EEB Case 2024-032 Shelly O’Neal
Voting for: Vice Chair Abel and Members Comfort and Rapozo.
Voting No: Chair Hooke and Member Hankins.
The motion passed.
Motion 25-102 Moved by Member Comfort, seconded by Member Hankins:
The Board found Reasonable Cause over $500 in EEB Case 2024-061 Albert Brant.
The motion passed unanimously.
Motion 25-103 Moved by Member Hankins, seconded by Vice Chair Abel:
The Board found Reasonable Cause over $500 in EEB Case 2025-019 Michelle Mears.
The motion passed unanimously.
Motion 25-104 Moved by Member Rapozo, seconded by Member Comfort:
The Board determined the complaint is unfounded and dismissed EEB Case 2025-020 Donna Sullivan.
The motion passed unanimously.
Motion 25-105 Moved by Chair Hooke, seconded by Member Hankins:
The Board determined the complaint is unfounded and dismissed EEB Case 2025-027 Mark Allen.
The motion passed unanimously.
Motion 25-106 Moved by Member Hankins, seconded by Vice Chair Abel:
The Board found Reasonable Cause over $500 in EEB Case 2025-030 Cory King.
The motion passed unanimously.
Motion 25-107 Moved by Member Rapozo, seconded by Vice Chair Abel:
The Board found Reasonable Cause over $500 in EEB Case 2025-064 Libby Wennstrom.
Voting for: Chair Hooke, Vice Chair Abel and Members Hankins and Rapozo.
Not voting: Member Comfort.
The motion passed.
Motion 25-108 Moved by Member Comfort, seconded by Member Hankins:
The Board found Reasonable Cause over $500 in EEB Case 2025-077 Melissa Freeman.
The motion passed unanimously.
Motion 25-109 Moved by Member Hankins, seconded by Chair Hooke:
The Board issued a Default and Final Order in EEB Case 2023-094 Andrew Trana, imposing a civil penalty of $2,000.
The motion passed unanimously.
Motion 25-110 Moved by Chair Hooke, seconded by Vice Chair Abel:
The Board issued a Default and Final Order in EEB Case 2024-025 Patrick Depoe, imposing a civil penalty of $2,000.
Voting for: Chair Hooke, Vice Chair Abel and Members Hankins and Rapozo.
Not voting: Member Comfort.
The motion passed.
H. Miscellaneous Matters/Adjournment
There being no miscellaneous matters, the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
Approved by the Board 1/9/26