Washington Federal Announces the Appointment of David Grant to Its Board of Directors

Washington Federal

today announced the appointment of David Grant to its board of directors. Grant, age 58, is the Managing Partner of Catalyst Storage Partners, a privately-held international firm specializing in self-storage development, investment and consulting. Prior to forming Catalyst, Grant spent 20 years with Shurgard Storage Centers, a NYSE-traded Real Estate Investment Trust that owned and operated a portfolio of over 600 properties in the United States and seven foreign countries. He retired from his duties as Chief Executive Officer of Shurgard in 2006 concurrent with the company's sale to Public Storage

. Grant began his career as a Certified Public Accountant in 1975 with Touche Ross & Co, where he worked until joining Shurgard in 1985. Grant is a graduate of Washington State University with degrees in business administration and accounting. He currently serves as a member of the board of governors for the Washington State University Foundation and is on the National Board of Advisors to WSU's College of Business. Washington Federal's Chairman, President & CEO Roy M. Whitehead stated, "We are honored to have Dave join our board. He will bring a wealth of experience in the areas of commercial real estate, accounting and finance to bear on the company's decision-making in those areas. His experience managing a large public company will also be useful in planning for Washington Federal's own future growth."