League of Women Voters of Washington hires first executive director

SEATTLE — The League of Women Voters of Washington has hired Amy Peloff as its first executive director as the organization restructures its leadership amid membership growth.

Peloff began the new position Aug. 1, according to the League. She previously served as the organization's administrative director and had been its sole full-time employee for the past eight years.

The Washington League, founded in 1920, has historically relied primarily on volunteers for its operations. The new executive director position is part of an organizational restructuring that shifts some responsibilities from the board to paid staff.

The change comes as the organization reports increased membership. The national League of Women Voters has added 20,000 members during the past two years, while the Washington organization has added 750 members since January 2025, bringing its membership to more than 3,200.

“People are concerned,” state President Karen Crowley said. “We are all responding to very real threats against our democracy.”

Peloff said one of her priorities will be making it easier for members with jobs, families and other commitments to participate in the organization's work.

“We need to adapt League structures to be more accommodating and help new members find their place in doing this important work,” she said.

Peloff earned a doctorate in women's studies from the University of Washington, a master's degree in public administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and a bachelor's degree in American studies from the College of William and Mary. She also serves as affiliate faculty in the University of Washington's Department of Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies.

The League of Women Voters describes itself as a nonpartisan civic organization. It does not endorse candidates or political parties but takes positions on public policy issues following study and member consensus.