JMarie Johnson-Kola of Bellevue was recently elected as Washington State PTA (WSPTA) Outreach Director for a two-year term beginning June 1.

As outreach director, Johnson-Kola is responsible for coordinating outreach activities of WSPTA, and reviewing and updating outreach publications and resources. She also will serve on the WSPTA Board of Directors.

“My goals are to continue to connect all our PTA stakeholders from the local units to the district-level councils, regions, and the State and National PTA,” Johnson-Kola said. “I want to make sure we are in communication with our membership through website, blog, and Facebook, so they know what is going on with outreach.”

Johnson-Kola has been involved in PTA since 2009. She served as communication chair of Odle Middle School in Bellevue. In addition, she served as Region 2 outreach chair, Washington State PTA (WSPTA) outreach committee,

Region 2 service delivery team, and the WSPTA election oversight committee.

Prior to being elected Outreach Director, Johnson-Kola served in the US Marine Corps, was employed as a communication coordinator at a school district in Colorado and has experience in both municipal and corporate public relations.

In addition, she served as a mentor for African American girls in the Bellevue School District, was involved in United Way Project LEAD, and is involved in a program at the Center of Ethical Leadership.

Founded in 1905, the Washington State PTA is the largest volunteer organization in the state, with more than 140,000 members in 900 local units across the state.