Board of Directors
The WWPF is managed by a Board of Directors who set the goals and objectives for the foundation based on its mission and develop initiatives based on the resource needs of professional personnel organizations. Members of the Board serve as volunteers without compensation or reimbursement of expenses. They contribute their time and resources to advance and support professional workforce development.
Rafael Colón
Rafael Colón has 30 plus years of government and private sector experience. His current work is as the Business Outreach Manager for Executive Programs - Public Affairs at the Washington State Employment Security Department where he creates the statewide communications and marketing strategy for the nationally recognized business-friendly programs.
Rafael is the President of Voices Internacional, a bilingual management consulting, speaking, and peak performance coaching company since 1996. Prior to creating his business, Rafael served the State of Washington for 16 years – with the Employment Security Department in the areas of training and employment, business resources, and workforce-related issues and with the Department of Personnel (now Enterprise Services) as the Statewide Administrator of the Career Executive Program (now Washington Management Services).
Rafael was appointed by two Governor’s to serve on the Washington State Library Commission. He enjoys being of service and has served on special projects and on boards for the International Association of Personnel in Employment Security (IAPES – now IAWP), Leadership Thurston County, South Sound YMCA, Society of Government Meeting Professionals, and National Speakers Association – Seattle Chapter.
Rafael is an appointed member of the Coaches Commission of the World Baseball Softball Commission. He is internationally recognized for his mental skills and peak performance coaching with professional and international teams and amateur athletes.
Rafael's education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Washington State University and study completed on a Master’s Degree in Managerial and Organizational Leadership. He is a life-long learner and passionate about family, traveling, sports, and reading.
George Mante
George Mante has worked at the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) since 1975 primarily in Administrative Services, Unemployment Insurance Tax and Wage, and Legislation and Policy.
Prior to his work at ESD, George served as a Legislative Assistant to an Oregon State Senator and on special projects for the Oregon State Governor and Secretary of State. He has served as the Language Arts/Social Studies Department Chair at Myrtle Creek Junior High, South Umpqua Public Schools, Deputy Grays Harbor County Auditor, and Director of Special Services for the U.S. Navy.
George served two non-consecutive terms as President of the Southwest Washington Sub-Chapter and as Jurisdictional Representative for Maple Park. His work with the Washington State International Association of Workforce Personnel (IAWP) includes over a decade as Audit Chair and three terms as State Treasurer.
George's other volunteer work includes serving as Aberdeen City Councilman, on various Grays Harbor County Boards and Commissions, and on the Board of Trustees of The Evergreen State College.
George’s education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Seattle University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from CCU.
George belongs to numerous civic and community organizations and is an avid fisherman, reader, and duplicate bridge player.