Commissioner James Golder is certified in Healthcare Governance by the Washington State Hospital Association and the Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts (2022).
James Golder is a former Idaho State Representative and brings his substantial experience as a business owner, prior to moving to Whidbey Island. Golder studied at the University of Notre Dame (UK) and at the University of Puget Sound where he obtained his Juris Doctorate.
Mr. Golder’s professional career included eight (8) years as an Idaho State Representative, during which time he:
- Chaired the Business Committee
- Chaired the Ways & Means Committee
Golder also served as a Presidential Advisor to George H.W. Bush as part of the Department of the Interior.
In his free time, Golder enjoys gardening and bee keeping at his home in Oak Harbor. He is married to Luella, who was an operating room nurse at Whidbey General Hospital and WhidbeyHealth for 17 years. His granddaughter is currently in medical school.