New WTIA COO Plans to Promote Equitable Growth and Innovation in the Washington State Tech Sector

The Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) has recently appointed Kelly Fukai as its new chief operating officer, who will be reporting to CEO Michael Schutzler. Prior to this role, Fukai held the position of WTIA vice president of government and community affairs, where she played a crucial role in advancing programs such as SeaCiti, which aims to strengthen the Puget Sound region’s technology workforce through inclusive civic engagement and expanding startup programs across the state.

Fukai has extensive experience in various industries and is an expert in government relations and stakeholder partnerships. She holds a CPA with a Master of Business Administration and bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University. Before joining WTIA, Fukai held positions such as manager of public and external affairs at the Spokane International Airport and Western region government affairs manager at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories.

In her new role, Fukai plans to further the organization’s efforts in highlighting the importance of the technology sector to the state’s economy by promoting equitable growth of the statewide workforce, expanding the startup ecosystem, and advocating for inclusive and innovative policies. A report released by WTIA last year stated that the information and communication technology sector directly employed 360,900 people in Washington state in 2022, contributing to nearly 1.5 million jobs when considering indirect positions.

Fukai expressed her pride in being a part of WTIA’s team and stated that she is excited to continue working towards promoting technological advancements in Washington state while ensuring that they are accessible to everyone. Schutzler praised Fukai’s appointment, stating that she is an outstanding leader with vast experience in various industries and expertise in government relations and stakeholder partnerships.