Tabor 100 is pleased to see over its 24 year history, the numbers of members of color, and especially African American legislators, increase dramatically. The presence of allies of color in the legislature, some active members of Tabor 100, is refreshing and we are pleased that these individuals have been stalwart supporters of our organization. We are also pleased to observe the many
people of color serving on legislative staff, and recently, the appointment of an African American woman as the Governor’s Chief of Staff
As Governor Inslee’s Chief of Staff, Jamila B. Thomas, directs his Executive Team and performs a wide range of duties to shape and implement the Governor’s policies, management initiatives, and agenda. Her ascension to one of the highest level positions in Washington State government makes her the first African American to serve as Chief of Staff to a sitting Governor. In addition, she has blazed many trails along the way, serving in a variety of the state’s most influential positions in preparation for her current role where her decisions are critical to the smooth functioning of the entire state.
Prior to joining the Governor’s team, Jamila served as Chief of Staff for the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the state agency that oversees Washington’s 295 public school districts. In that role she was advisor to the state Superintendent, ran the day-to-day operations of the agency including budget, legal, human resources, information technology, and communications, among other responsibilities. Jamila successfully managed a staff of 500 and oversaw a multi-billion-dollar budget.
Prior to joining OSPI, Jamila served nearly seven years as Chief of Staff to Frank Chopp, former (and longest serving) Speaker of the Washington State House of Representatives. In that role she was chief policy and strategic advisor to the Speaker and members of the House Democratic Caucus. She managed a highly motivated team of policy and communications professionals and legislative assistants. At age 25, Jamila was the youngest serving Policy Advisor to former Governor Gary Locke. Her career path began by working for organized labor on farmworker housing and low-wage worker issues. Over the years her policy areas grew to include labor and workplace issues, criminal justice and corrections, transportation, and K-12 education.
Jamila is a lifelong Washingtonian who loves all the natural beauty this state has to offer. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, baking, and spending time with family. Jamila loves the sound of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and enjoys singing loudly and dancing wildly (mostly to embarrass her children 😊)
Jamila was raised to stand up for others and to be a voice for those who society often overlooks. Her career reflects her belief that in work there is purpose. Work provides an opportunity to learn, to grow, and more importantly, to give. “Tabor 100 is a vital resource and asset to our community, creating economic opportunity and access for black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. They provide tools and support for our community’s young people—equipping our next generation of leaders and mentors to rise up and flourish. Tabor 100’s pursuit of and commitment to excellence within our communities through advocacy, education, and empowerment is admirable and something all organizations should aspire to. We here at Tabor 100 recognize Jamila for her accomplishments as an African American woman, mother, leader, and role model. Her presence in the most hallowed halls of government makes life better for all of us.
