New WTIA COO Brings a Fresh Perspective and Vision to Technology Sector in Washington State

In recent news, the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) has appointed Kelly Fukai as its chief operating officer, reporting directly to CEO Michael Schutzler. Fukai, who previously served as vice president of government and community affairs at WTIA, will now oversee the day-to-day operations of the nonprofit member trade association.

Throughout her tenure at WTIA, Fukai has been instrumental in initiatives such as the SeaCiti program, which aims to strengthen the technology workforce in the Puget Sound region through promoting equitable civic engagement and expanding startup programs statewide. Prior to joining WTIA, Fukai held roles at the Spokane International Airport and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. She is a CPA with a Master of Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University.

Fukai expressed her pride in being part of the WTIA team and pledged to continue highlighting the importance of the technology sector to the economy. She plans to focus on equitable growth of the statewide workforce, expanding the startup ecosystem, and advocating for inclusive and innovative policies. According to a report from WTIA, the information and communication technology sector in Washington state directly employed 360,900 people in 2022, with nearly 1.5 million jobs when including indirect positions. With her deep business acumen and experience across various industries, Fukai is well-equipped to lead operations as WTIA continues to grow and thrive.