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Veterans Advisory Board
The King County Veterans Advisory Board is solicited for advice concerning the needs of local veterans, the resources available to veterans, and the programs that could benefit veterans and their families. The board assists the King County Veterans Program with advice regarding service-planning activities, supporting the provision of high-quality services to veterans and their families in King County.
The King County Veterans Advisory Board, which is composed of 9 members, shall:
- Advise the Executive and the King County Council on the needs of local veterans, resources available to local veterans, and programs that could benefit the needs of local veterans and their families.
- Advise the Department of Community and Human Services, on the administration of the King County Veterans Program, King County’s chapter 73.08 RCW-required veterans assistance program.
- Meet at least four times per year to conduct the business of the board.
- Annually elect from its membership a chair.
2024 meetings
These meeting minutes capture the attendance, actions, presentations, and votes conducted by the Veterans Advisory Board.
VAB members
Board members
Brain Berry
Representing King County Council District 1 on the Veterans Committee.
Carrol Stripling
Carrol is a veteran, has extensive experience serving on committees that are dedicated to assisting veterans and is a former board member of the King County Veterans Advisory Board.
Executive appointee on the Veterans Committee.
Contact: VSHSL4@kingcounty.gov
Peter Lewis (Chair)
Peter is a Vietnam veteran and has worked with veterans on a city, county, state and federal level. Peter is self-employed at both Pete Lewis Consulting and EL Consulting. Peter served on the Regional Policy Committee, Sound Cities Association and Puget Sound Regional Council.
Representing Sound Cities Association on the Veterans Committee.
Contact: VSHSL6@kingcounty.gov
Faisal Akhter
Faisal Akhter (he/him) is currently an attorney at Microsoft. He also leads the company's legal department veterans network. Prior to his current role, Faisal served eight years on active duty military service with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps. He has served in two overseas assignments and at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. Today, he continues to serve as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves. He is currently assigned as a criminal defense counsel at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.Background
The King County Veterans Advisory Board was established in 1991 when the Washington State code was revised to mandate a relief fund for honorably discharged indigent veterans and their families (RCW 73.08.010) and is funded by King County taxpayers.
In September 2018, the King County Council adopted Ordinance 18785 establishing the King County Veterans Advisory Board as appointed members of the veterans committee of the King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) Advisory Board.
The previous VSHSL tested a solution to create efficiencies and strengthen the voice of veterans advising the County on matters affecting veterans, military servicemembers, and their respective families by merging the VAB and the VSHSL veterans committee. The differing state and local requirements for meeting cadence, board members’ roles and responsibilities, and scope of the board’s duties made this solution impractical.
The Executive made the determination that an independent VAB will allow its members to focus fully on their required responsibilities as directed by state law. In June 2024, the King County Council adopted Ordinance 19781 to establish the King County Veterans Advisory Board as a standalone board..
How to apply
Individuals interested in serving on the board, must submit an application (a resume may be submitted in lieu of completing the application form) and a letter of interest. Candidates selected for appointment will also be asked to complete a King County ethics program financial disclosure form.
King County Veterans Advisory Board members must reside in King County and be veterans as defined in RCW 73.08.005. No fewer than a majority of the board members shall be members from nationally recognized veterans service organizations.
Board members are appointed for four-year terms.
King County seeks to create an inclusive and accessible process for individuals who wish to serve on a King County board or commission. We strive to ensure that King County boards and commissions are reflective of the community we serve.
If you have questions on the application process or about a particular board/commission, please contact Tala Mahmoud, External Affairs Coordinator, King County Executive Office, 401 Fifth Ave, Suite 800, Seattle, Washington 98104, Direct Phone Line: 206-263-9651 or via email at tmahmoud@kingcounty.gov