Sändra Washington, originally from Columbus, Ohio, has lived in Lincoln since 1990. Washington worked with the National Park Service for 25 years, retiring in 2014 as the Association Regional Director for Cultural Resources, Planning, Construction, Communications, Legislation and Congressional Affairs. Washington currently sits on the board of the Nebraska Trails Foundation and the National Parks Conservation Association. Washington attended the Ohio State University for undergraduate and graduate school, and is a lifetime member of Girl Scouts USA. Washington and her spouse, Deb Cirksena, have one daughter; they enjoy travel and sports.