Angela Griffin was selected as the newest Federal Way School Board member at a special meeting June 11.

Griffin is currently the executive director of the Federal Way YMCA. She has worked with the Federal Way Public Schools’ family partnership office and the Federal Way Diversity Commission.

After interviewing five finalists for the position on Wednesday, school board members deliberated for an hour before making their final decision.

“We had a really strong candidate pool, and that’s why it took us so long to make our final decision,” said school board member Amye Bronson-Doherty. “What really impressed us about Angela was, first of all, she has a really extensive background working with families and children… both professionally and also volunteer-type community service that she does.”

Griffin will add diversity to the board, Bronson-Doherty said.

“She would bring a perspective to the board that was unique and coming from a different angle than the other board members, and we really wanted to create a diverse and balanced board… we felt that she really filled a spot that needed filling,” she said.

I think I speak for everyone on the board when I say we’re really excited to welcome Angela and we look forward to working together.”

Griffin will be sworn in at the next regular school board meeting on June 24. Until then, she said she will work hard to get up-to-date on issues important to the board. She plans to meet with school officials and the district’s chief financial officer, Sally McLean, before the next meeting so she will be prepared to vote on next year’s budget.

“I know I have a challenge ahead of me,” Griffin said. “I am looking forward to whatever I can do to serve our community and make sure that our kids have access to the highest quality education and that they’re successful.”

Griffin will serve until the next school board elections in November 2009.

Contact Margo Hoffman: mhoffman@fedwaymirror.com or (253) 925-5565.