PULLMAN, Wash. – Jenette Ramos, a Boeing Co. executive who started out as a summer employee while an undergraduate at Washington State University, is joining the university’s Board of Regents.
“I’ve always had a warm spot in my heart for Washington State University, and as an alumna, I feel it is really important to give back,” Ramos said. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to spend time with students during this important time in their careers and to help shape the leaders of the future.”
Ramos initially pursued a pre-med track in Pullman while working as a residence advisor in Gannon-Goldsworthy and Stephenson halls. The daughter of a U.S. Air Force officer and a physician, Ramos grew up in several states before arriving in Washington. Members of her family have served in all branches of the United States military, from her grandparents to her brother and sister.
In her sophomore year, Ramos was invited to spend the summer working at Boeing. By the third summer, a job offer prompted her to shift academic tracks. She became one of the company’s first environmental engineers, and credits WSU for the opportunity.
“I remember one of my environmental science professors talking about the unique silt loam of the Palouse, and from then on I worked to leverage my pre-med background into chemistry and then into environmental science,” Ramos said. “That ultimately led me to the open door at the Boeing Company, and to this day I am still very passionate about the environment and sustainable practices.”
Ramos is looking forward to reconnecting with the WSU community while learning more about the system’s impact across the state. She brings more than 30 years of experience leading manufacturing and supply chain for the commercial and defense aerospace industry.
“We’ve got to think about strengthening our socioeconomic system in the state of Washington and Washington State University has a key role to play in that in that, whether it’s with the medical program or the strong legacy of agriculture, engineering, and business, all are critical to sustain development,” she said.
After earning her Bachelor of Science degree from WSU, Ramos went on to earn a Master’s degree in business from Seattle Pacific University and completed Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.
Prior to joining the WSU Board of Regents, Ramos served on the board of trustees for the Nature Conservancy in Washington. She’s also held community roles with the Executive Development Institute, the American Heart Association, and the National Organization on Disability.
“We are excited to welcome Jenette back to WSU in this important leadership role,” WSU President Kirk Schulz said. “Her perspectives, drawn from a commitment to community service and an impressive career with Boeing, will help keep WSU moving forward.”
Ramos replaces Theodor Baseler, a fixture on the Board of Regents whose most recent appointment began in 2009.
