Women In Government Launches New Brand Identity

In honor of International Women’s Day, Women In Government announces a new brand identity for the organization. A bold, strong torch surrounded by a sunburst of W’s will serve as the organization’s logo, complimented by a new tagline for the organization – “Empowering State Legislators.”

Women In Government convenes state legislators and stakeholder experts with broad perspectives and experiences to amplify the work of female lawmakers. The new logo uses the image of a torch to symbolize the leadership provided by women state legislators. The work of women in state capitols is a bright light for others to see and follow, and Women In Government’s new logo is a reminder of the flame that women lawmakers light, lift, carry and pass.

Approved by the Women In Government Board of Directors at their February 28 meeting, the logo was recommended by a Brand Refresh Task Force that included the following members:

  • Hawaii State Representative Lauren Matsumoto, Vice Chair, Women In Government Board of Directors
  • Alaska State Representative Geran Tarr, Treasurer, Women In Government Board of Directors
  • Oklahoma State Senator Jessica Garvin, State Director, Women In Government
  • Maryland State Delegate Regina T. Boyce
  • Jeni Santana, Senior Government Affairs Manager, T-Mobile, Business Council, Women In Government
  • Kate Kulesher Jarecke, Director of State Government Affairs, Sandoz, Business Council, Women In Government
  • Meredith Martino, Executive Director, Women In Government
  • Lindsey Eggsware, Communications Coordinator, Women In Government

In creating the new brand identity, Women In Government also selected a new color palette. The deep blue-purple and bold coral are an updated take on the traditional blue and red of news cycles, political parties and electoral maps. Purple also emphasizes the nonpartisan nature of the organization, while deep pink nods to the women the organization serves.

“Women In Government’s new logo is modern, focused and visually communicates who we are as an organization. I am excited about this step in the overall brand refresh for Women In Government and how it positions the organization for future success.”

Washington State Representative Cindy Ryu, Chair, Women In Government Board of Directors

“Women In Government’s new logo is part of the organization’s ongoing evolution and growth. We will leverage this unique brand identity to achieve our vision of empowering women state legislators to lead and implement complex policy solutions.” – Meredith Martino, Executive Director, Women In Government

“As a member of Women In Government’s Brand Refresh Task Force, it was imperative to me that the new logo emphasize strength. This logo illustrates the leadership of women state legislators in their communities and the power of Women In Government in bringing state leaders together.” – Hawaii State Representative Lauren Matsumoto, Vice Chair, Women In Government Board of Directors

Women In Government convenes state legislators and stakeholder experts with broad perspectives and experiences to amplify the work of female lawmakers. Women In Government is a national, nonpartisan organization that creates policy leadership opportunities for women state legislators by bringing together legislators and subject matter experts in-person and virtually. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, Women In Government is governed by an all-legislator Board of Directors.

Women In Government Announces New Executive Director

For Immediate Release, Washington, D.C. Women In Government (WIG) is excited to announce Meredith Martino as its new Executive Director. Prior to joining WIG, Meredith spent 17+ years at the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), most recently as its Vice President of Membership and Sponsorship, where she served as a key member of AAPA’s executive team. In her role at AAPA, the industry trade association for public port authorities throughout the Western Hemisphere, she created and refined revenue streams for the Association, including the Premier Partner sponsorship program. She also directed member recruitment and retention strategies and oversaw creation and delivery of industry content through 8-10 annual conferences and events. She was responsible for the overall planning and execution of AAPA’s Annual Convention, a $1M event that attracts 500-600 maritime industry executives and solution providers, and she directed the strategic utilization of and investment in the Association’s engagement management system.

The search committee for this position participated in 30 interviews with many outstanding applicants for the WIG Executive Director position. Aided by Interim Executive Senator Nancy Todd and WIG Managing Director Maura LaGue, the search committee included key members of WIG’s volunteer leadership:

  • Washington State Representative Cindy Ryu, Chair, Women In Government Board of Directors 
  • Hawaii State Representative Lauren Matsumoto, Vice Chair, Women In Government Board of Directors
  • Alaska State Representative Geran Tarr, Treasurer, Women In Government Board of Directors
  • Connecticut State Representative Christie Carpino, Secretary, Women In Government Board of Directors
  • Dee George, Business Council Chair, State Government Affairs at Novartis
  • Jolynn Butler, Former Business Council Chair, Director of Legislative & Regulatory Strategy at the National Associations Team at AT&T External Affairs
  • Colorado State Senate President Emerita Senator Nancy Todd, WIG Interim Executive Director and Former Chair/Past Chair, WIG Board of Directors

“We are delighted to announce the hiring of Meredith Martino as our new Executive Director. Meredith is an accomplished association executive with a passion for data-driven decision-making, and she has a track record of strategically deploying technology to achieve goals and maximizing the human capital of an organization. She is industry-fluent and has extensive experience in relationship-building, organizational management, program execution, event planning, membership engagement and growth across all constituencies. I am delighted that Meredith will be our next ‘Right Women for the Right Time’ and has decided to join the WIG team. Under Meredith’s leadership, we expect WIG to significantly expand its Business Council relationships, increase legislator participation and improve its overall stature, reputation and impact.”

Representative Cindy Ryu, Chair, Women In Government Board of Directors

“On behalf of Women in Government’s Business Council, we could not be more pleased with the hiring of Meredith Martino. She has a sterling reputation as a non-profit executive who creates and accomplishes relevant strategic goals. Her extensive experience working with a non-profit association Board of Directors and diverse stakeholders, including the broader business community, makes her an ideal fit for Women in Government. Meredith’s ability to engage and energize the private sector will tremendously benefit our organization. We welcome her with open arms and look forward to working in partnership with her to position Women In Government as the premier organization of and for women state legislators.” – Dee George, WIG Business Council Chair, and Jolynn Butler, Former Business Council Chair

“I am delighted to join Women in Government as its next Executive Director. This organization does incredibly meaningful work to empower women state legislators of all parties in all states to lead on a variety of policy issues. I look forward to educating more legislators about the resources that WIG provides, as well as bringing more subject matter experts and thought leaders to participate in the Business Council. Most importantly, I look forward to celebrating the incredible accomplishments that women legislators will achieve with the assistance and support of WIG.” – Meredith MartinoExecutive Director, Women in Government

“The future of Women In Government is in excellent hands with our newly selected Executive Director, Meredith Martino. A strong organization with capable and creative leadership will be an asset to the well-established Board of Directors, Business Council, Staff, and diversity of the women legislative membership. I have considered it an honor to have been involved with Women In Government for over 16 years as a member, board member, Chair of the Board, and the Interim Executive Director. Great new directions lie ahead!” – Nancy Todd, Retired Colorado State Senator, Interim Executive Director, Women in Government

Women In Government Announces 2021-2022 Board of Directors​

Washington, D.C., Women In Government, a national non-profit, nonpartisan membership organization representing women state legislators since 1988, approved the 2021 – 2022 Board of Directors at its October board meeting. A record number of women state legislators will serve in 2021 – more than 30% of the total – and they will address critical issues related to the pandemic, the economy, redistricting and many others.

Women In Government’s Board of Directors is excited to work with the record number of women who have been elected to state legislatures. Beginning January 1, 2021 Washington State Representative Cindy Ryu (D) will lead the Board as Chair, Hawai’i State Representative Lauren Matsumoto (R) will serve as Vice Chair, Alaska State Representative Geran Tarr (D) will serve as Treasurer, Connecticut State Representative Christie Carpino (R) will serve as Secretary, and Maine State Senator Stacey Guerin (R) will serve as Immediate Past Chair.

Serving as Regional Directors are Colorado State Senator Julie Gonzales (D) as a Western Regional Director, Nevada Assemblywoman Lisa Krasner (R) as a Western Regional Director, Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter (D) as a Midwestern Regional Director, Missouri State Representative Patricia Pike (R) as a Midwestern Regional Director, Georgia State Senator Gloria Butler (D) as a Southern Regional Director,

South Carolina State Representative Heather Crawford (R) as a Southern Regional Director, Maryland State Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes (D) as an Eastern Regional Director, and West Virginia State Senator Patricia Rucker (R) as an Eastern Regional Director.

“Women In Government is looking forward to a new year and new ways to empower and educate women legislators from around the country. We will continue providing resources, events and platforms that assure that our members are ready to face the challenges of legislating in their states.”

Senator Stacey Guerin (R-ME), Immediate Past Chair

“I appreciate Women In Government’s dedication to not only increasing the knowledge base of women to become more effective legislators, but also WIG creating a safe space for both industry experts, business council members and associates to interact with women legislators in intimate settings, while truly enjoying each other’s company,” stated Representative Cindy Ryu (D-WA), Incoming Board Chair.

Board terms become effective in January 2021. Brief biographies of each Board Director appear below.

State Representative Cindy Ryu (D-WA) Rep. Cindy Ryu is serving her 6th term in the 32nd House District.  She chairs the Community and Economic Development Committee with additional jurisdiction over community resilience, emergency preparedness, parks & recreation, telecommunications, broadband, and tourism. Chair Ryu also serves on the Consumer Protection & Business and Appropriations Committees, WA Tourism Marketing Authority, Pacific NW Economic Region, CSG Leadership Council and is completing her last year as Chair of Overseas Korean Politicians Council. 

State Representative Lauren Matsumoto (R-HI) Representative Lauren Matsumoto currently serves Hawai‘i’s 31st House District. Representative Matsumoto currently serves on the Consumer Protection & Commerce Committee, Agriculture Committee, Transportation Committee, and the Energy and Environmental Protection Committee. Representative Matsumoto is a coconvener of the Hawai’i Women’s Legislative Caucus. 

State Representative Geran Tarr (D-AK) Representative Geran Tarr currently represents Alaska’s 19th House District and currently serves as the Co-Chair of the House Resources Committee and the Joint Armed Services Committee. She is also a Member of the House Fish & Game Finance Subcommittee, Fisheries Committee, Natural Resources Subcommittee, and the Health & Social Services Finance Subcommittee.

State Representative Christie Carpino (R-CT) State Representative Christie Carpino is the House Republican Caucus Chair and currently serves the 32nd House District. Representative Carpino serves on the Public Health Committee, the Government Administration and Elections Committee, the Regulations and Review Committee, as well as the Legislative Management Committee.

State Senator Stacey Guerin (R-ME) Senator Stacey Guerin currently serves House District 10 in Maine. Senator Guerin also currently serves on the Joint Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business, and the Joint Committee on Labor and Housing. 

State Senator Julie Gonzales (D-CO) Senator Julie Gonzales serves Colorado’s 34th Senate District, which is comprised of north, west, and downtown Denver. Senator Gonzales serves as Chair of the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee, the Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee, and a member of the Appropriations Committee. She serves as the Colorado Senate Democrats Caucus Chair, and is also the Secretary of the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus. 

Assemblywoman Lisa Krasner (R-NV) Assemblywoman Lisa Krasner serves House District 26 which includes part of Washoe. Assemblywoman Krasner currently serves on the Assembly Education Committee, Assembly Health and Human Services Committee, and the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-IL) Senate Majority Caucus Chair Senator Mattie Hunter currently represents the 3rd Senate District that includes Chicago, Illinois. Senator Hunter serves as Chair of the Executive Committee, Vice-Chair of the Transportation Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Special Issues (EX). She is also a member of the Appropriations I Committee, Committee of the Whole, Energy and Public Utilities Committee, Human Services Committee, Special Committee on Opioid Crisis Abatement, Public Health Committee and the Subcommittee on Special Issues (HS).

State Representative Patricia Pike (R-MO) Representative Patricia Pike currently serves House District 126 which includes Vernon County and the majority of Bates County, located south of Kansas City, Missouri. Representative Pike currently serves as the Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement as well as the Chair of the House Pensions Committee. She also currently serves on the Consent and House Procedure Committee, the Veterans Committee, and the Special Committee on Aging. Representative Pike held the position of president of the Women Legislators of Missouri organization from 2019-2020.

State Senator Gloria Butler (D-GA) Senator Gloria Butler currently represents Georgia’s 55th Senate District that includes parts of DeKalb County, Georgia. Senator Butler is the currently the Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus and serves as Secretary for the State and Local Governmental Operations Committee and the Urban Affairs Committee. Senator Butler also currently serves on the Ethics Committee, the Health and Human Services Committee, the Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee, the Rules Committee, and the Transportation Committee.

State Representative Heather Crawford (R-SC) Representative Heather Crawford represents South Carolina’s 68th House District. Representative Crawford currently serves on the Ethics and Ways and Means Committees and sits on two Subcommittees; the Budget Subcommittee on Healthcare as well as the Economic Development Subcommittee.

State Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes (D-MD) Speaker Pro Tempore Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes currently serves District 37A. In the House of Delegates, she also serves on Health and Government Operations Committee and the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee. Delegate Sample-Hughes is the President of the Maryland Woman’s Caucus.

State Senator Patricia Rucker (R-WV) Senator Patricia Rucker serves West Virginia Senate District 16. Senator Rucker currently serves as Chair of the Education Committee. Senator Rucker serves on the following committees in the West Virginia Legislature: Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, Banking and Insurance Committee, Children and Families, Select Committee on Confirmations, Health and Human Resources Committee, Judiciary Committee, Natural Resources Committee, and the Workforce Committee.