Washington Federal, Inc. appointed Blayne Sanden as the Company's Senior Vice President, Principal Accounting Officer. Ms. Sanden, age 46, joined the Company in March 2019 as Assistant Controller and in her new role will oversee the Company's accounting matters. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Sanden began her career as a Certified Public Accountant with Deloitte & Touche and holds an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Washington.

In connection with her appointment, Ms. Sanden received a grant of 2,000 restricted shares of common stock, subject to a 4 1/2 year vesting schedule under the Company's Incentive Plan, and is entitled to participate in the Company's employee benefit programs that are available to all employees. Ms. Sanden has no family relationships with any director, executive officer or personal nominated or chosen by the Company to become a director or executive officer of the Company. Ms. Sanden is not a party to any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K and has not entered into any material plan, contract, arrangement or amendment in connection with her appointment as principal accounting officer.