Board of Governors
Karen Wong
Founder
Chairman of the Board
Karen Wong has served on the board since 1986. A career attorney, Karen Wong is a founding member of the Asian Bar Association of Washington and directed local, state and national campaigns for governors and senators. She has served on the board of Washington State Convention Center, Virginia Mason Medical Center, United Way, Museum of History and Industry, and Washington Women Lawyers. Karen Wong is Founder/President of Asian Hall of Fame which she established in 2004.
Aaron Olson
President of the Board
Chair, Finance & Investments
Aaron Olson has served on the Robert Chinn Foundation board since 2017. Aaron is Vice President-Sr. Financial Consultant of the Bellevue Charles Schwab office and has been with Charles Schwab for almost 20 years. He previously worked at UBS where he became one of the youngest vice presidents in the company. Aaron has worked with numerous nonprofits, foundations, and endowments including Boys and Girls Club. He resides in Bellevue with his wife Katie and their son Kruse.
Letitia Fong
Vice President
of the Board
Letitia Fong has served on the board since 2017. Letitia is President of Jade Guild Women’s Organization and has served as board member of the Women’s University Club. She serves as Trustee of the Eta Beta Education Foundation and was president of Eta Beta Corporation board of directors in 2007 and 2016. Letitia Fong received her BA in Political Science from University of Washington, Masters in Public Administration from Golden Gate University, and served as a Commercial Insurance Supervisor for State Farm Insurance.
Stephanie Garrett
Interim Treasurer
Stephanie Garett has served on the Robert Chinn Foundation board since 2018. Stephanie is Director of Tax at Willett, Zevenbergen & Bennett, LLP and has worked with a broad range of partnerships, corporations, S-corporations, high net-worth clients and their businesses in the greater Seattle area. During her free time, Stephanie enjoys traveling and rock climbing with her husband.
Taylor Shimizu
Secretary
Taylor Shimizu has served on the Robert Chinn Foundation board since 2018. Taylor is Account Executive of the global media company Intersection connecting and enhancing audiences through urban advertising. She is a board member of Seattle Rotary and serves as Communications Director for Young Professionals of Seattle.
Elisabeth Gessel
Chair, Washington Leaders Committee
Elizabeth Gessel has served on the Robert Chinn Foundation board since 2020. Elizabeth is CEO & Principal Partner of Phillips Real Estate and was a founding Principal of AGM, Inc., a commercial real estate investment and asset management firm. Prior to co-founding AGM, Elizabeth was Vice President of the Vyzis Company where she led the leasing and asset management of its commercial portfolio.