Spokane, WA – Foster Garvey is proud to announce Philip. J. Carstens' appointment by Governor Jay Inslee as a member of the Washington Employee Ownership Commission.
The goal of the commission is to develop Washington’s employee ownership program, established within the Department of Commerce as part of new state legislation intended to assist businesses seeking to become employee owned.
Philip was selected for his extensive economic development knowledge and employee ownership experience. His appointment is effective immediately and lasts through June 30, 2025. “Being appointed to the Washington Employee Ownership Commission is a tremendous honor and privilege,” said Carstens. “I am excited to exchange insights with other commission members while supporting Governor Inslee’s vision for economic growth and efficiency in Washington state.”
Philip’s appointment to the Washington Employee Ownership Commission reflects the public’s expectation of high professional and ethical standards for individuals serving in public office. In his new role, Philip’s work will directly support Governor Inslee's goals of growing Washington’s economy, strengthening the state’s schools and promoting a culture of performance efficiency in state government.
Philip has more than 40 years of experience advising clients on a wide array of complex business matters including mergers, reorganizations, acquisitions, and other financial transactions. He is recognized as one of the nation’s most experienced attorneys in the design and implementation of employee stock ownership plans (“ESOPs”) and other plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”).
Foster Garvey PC, a preeminent law firm with offices on both coasts, offers an extended national and international reach to serve many influential and innovative companies, government entities and individuals across a full spectrum of legal services. The firm's attorneys are consistently recognized for their deep industry knowledge and superior client service by prominent legal industry publications, including Best Lawyers in America©, Chambers USA, Chambers Global and “Best Law Firms.” In addition to providing efficient and effective counsel, Foster Garvey upholds a strong commitment to community service, pro bono representation, diversity and inclusion efforts and a collegial and equitable work environment. The firm has offices in Seattle, Portland, Washington, D.C., New York, Spokane and Tulsa.
