Crystal Leatherman

ELECTED December 2025

​Crystal Leatherman currently serves as the Director of Policy & Government Affairs for the Washington Retail Association, where she leads statewide work on a variety of issues including public safety, sustainability, economic resilience, and emerging technology. Known for her collaborative and pragmatic style, she brings together unlikely partners, strengthens relationships, and helps communities find common ground on complex issues.

Crystal, a mom of four, is committed to building communities where everyone has a voice and a meaningful place. Her commitment to service is grounded in her family’s own experience. The Leathermans moved to Washington in 2016 when Crystal’s husband, Joe, received orders to finish his military service at JBLM. As Joe was approaching his 20 years in the U.S. Army, the Leatherman’s decided to make Washington their permanent home.

Crystal holds an associate degree from Thomas Nelson Community College, as well as a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Public Administration from The Evergreen State College. Beyond her professional work, Crystal finds joy in running, going to the movies, watching anime, playing board games with her kids, and drinking an absolutely unreasonable amount of coffee.

Crystal brings relationship-driven leadership, thoughtful problem-solving, and a deep commitment to community to every board she serves and is passionate about helping New Horizons expand pathways to housing, stability, and opportunity.