Spokane Resident Appointed to AARP Washington Executive Council

Spokane Resident Appointed to AARP Washington Executive Council

AARP Washington is pleased to announce the appointment of Spokane resident Jeff Ketchel to its statewide Executive Council. The AARP Washington Executive Council is a volunteer leadership committee that helps set the Association’s strategic direction and activities on behalf of nearly 900,000 members in the state.

“We’re excited that Jeff has agreed to serve on our Executive Council,” said Jim Ko, AARP Washington State President. “His extensive background and expertise in public health will be a tremendous asset as we seek to address the needs and interests of Washington’s older adults and their families.”

Ketchel has been part of the public health system in Washington state for 29 years. His past positions have included administrator of the Grant County and Snohomish Health Districts, and executive director of the Washington State Public Health Association. He has also served as Board Chair of the Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials, and Chair of the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians.

Ketchel recently received the 2023 Beti Thompson Community Health Champion Award from the Fred Hutch Cancer Center.  The annual award goes to individuals who have had an extraordinary impact on the health and well-being of their community.  He also received the 2022 President’s Award from the Washington State Public Health Association.

“I am excited and honored to join the AARP Executive Council in its work to support Washingtonians of all ages,” said Ketchel. “As a member of Gen X and the Sandwich Generation, I’m experiencing firsthand the challenges of caring for both my children and aging parents. When you consider that along with the future of retirement security, strengthening Social Security for the long term, and access to services that support our health and wellness, it is critical that we all come together to advocate for our collective future,” he said.

"Jeff is a proven advocate and leader with an impressive record of achievement that has impacted not just older Washingtonians, but residents of all ages," said Marguerite Ro, AARP Washington State Director. "I am thrilled that Jeff has accepted our invitation to join the AARP Washington Executive Council.”

Ketchel holds an MA in policy studies from the University of Washington-Bothell and a BS from Central Washington University. A lifelong Washingtonian, Jeff lives in Spokane with his wife Emily and their three children Harrison, Opal, and Ruby.