Trust fund partners
The Arc of Washington State
The Arc of WA serves as Trust Manager. They are the one point of contact regarding the DDETF trust program. The Arc provides ongoing customer service, including education about the program, enrollment information, contribution and disbursement assistance and overall administration of the individual trust accounts.
Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce)
Commerce provides support to the governing board and administers the DDETF’s contracts and program development.
Washington State Investment Board (WSIB)
WSIB invests trust funds. DDETF transfers contributions quarterly to the WSIB. WSIB contracts with a private investment manager for the investment of private contributions. It actively invests state matching funds in-house. The funds are invested in the best interest of beneficiaries at the direction of DDETF’s Governing Board.
For additional details on how the funds are managed, please visit the WSIB’s website.
Governing Board
DDETF’s Governing Board establishes policy for DDETF. The 7-member Governor-appointed board includes family members of a person with a developmental disability or people with expertise in developmental disabilities-related professions.
The DDETF Governing Board needs you! We are always looking for new candidates. To apply, go to the Governor’s website for boards and commissions.
Current DDETF Board Members
- Matthew Knox, Puget Sound, Family Member
- Shahzad Bhatti, Puget Sound, General Public
- Melissa Hillier, Puget Sound, General Public
- Lawson Knight, Southeast, Board Chair
- Kathy Mercer, Northeast, Family Member
- Dan Rubin, Puget Sound, General Public
Upcoming Board meetings
- September 10, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT at Sea-Tac Conference Center – Seoul Room or on-line via Microsoft Teams
- December 10, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on-line via Microsoft Teams
For additional information regarding DDETF’s Governing Board Meetings, please contact:
Katie Hatam (she/her)
Disability Savings Program Manager
Department of Commerce
360-725-3039
Katie.Hatam@commerce.wa.gov