SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 18, 2006--Washington Mutual, Inc. (NYSE:WM) announced today the election of Regina Montoya to its board of directors. Montoya, 52, is the chief executive officer of Washington D.C.-based New America Alliance (NAA).

Montoya's responsibilities as CEO of NAA include developing strategic and tactical plans to fulfill the NAA's mission of promoting the advancement of the Latino community, with a focus on economic empowerment. She has been CEO of NAA since September 2005.

"We are pleased to welcome Regina to our Board of Directors. She is a nationally recognized leader in the legal, corporate, and nonprofit communities. Her leadership skills and commitment to promoting economic advancement for all complement the Board and make her a valuable addition," said Kerry Killinger, Washington Mutual chairman and chief executive officer.

"I am pleased to join the Board of such a dynamic, growing company. Washington Mutual has for many years demonstrated its commitment to serving the Latino community, and I look forward to helping advance the company's growth and productivity initiatives," said Montoya.

From 1996 until 2005, Montoya was the founder and president of WORKRules, a Texas-based workforce training and media and community relations company. From August 2002 to February 2005, Montoya was the Southwest regional director for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Montoya holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and Spanish from Wellesley College and is also a graduate of Harvard Law School. She has served in the White House as an assistant to the president and director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.

Washington Mutual and the Latino Community

Washington Mutual has received national recognition for its inclusive work environment and diversity efforts in the Latino community, including Hispanic Business magazine's "Top 40 Companies for Hispanics;" Hispanic magazine's "Corporate 100: Best Companies for Hispanics" and "Top 50 Vendor Programs for Latinos;" and Hispanic Trends' "Top 50 Companies for Supplier Diversity."

Additionally, Washington Mutual is a major sponsor of national organizations such as the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (UHSCC). The company has pledged $1 million in financial support for NCLR's ongoing efforts to increase homeownership opportunities for Latinos nationwide.

About Washington Mutual

Washington Mutual is one of the nation's leading consumer and small business banks. At March 31, 2006, Washington Mutual and its subsidiaries had assets of $348.67 billion. The company was established in 1889 and currently operates more than 2,600 consumer and small business banking stores throughout the nation. Washington Mutual's press releases are available at www.wamunewsroom.com.

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Copyright Business Wire 2006

Washington Mutual, Inc.

Washington Mutual, Inc.

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