Jarad Legard is a seasoned attorney whose career is deeply grounded in a commitment to equity, justice, and the educational advancement of Black students across Washington State. In his role as Associate General Counsel II at Cambia Health Solutions, he leads critical legal strategy in the complex landscape of pharmacy benefit management—interpreting shifting legislation, advising government affairs teams on policy implications, and aligning compliance with organizational integrity and member well-being. His ability to navigate systems, anticipate barriers, and craft solutions is a hallmark of his work.
Yet it is Jarad’s long-standing dedication to community-rooted educational justice that most distinguishes his leadership. Prior to joining the Black Education Strategy Roundtable Board, Jarad served on the advisory committee of a school named in honor of his grandmother—an experience that continues to shape his advocacy for culturally responsive education and community power. In that capacity, he helped refine the school’s disciplinary policies and strengthen extracurricular programming, insisting that students be supported holistically, not merely managed. His advocacy there reflected what continues to define him today: a belief that culturally responsive environments, community partnership, and dignity-centered discipline are essential to student success.
As a member of the BESR Board of Directors, Jarad brings this lived commitment and systems-level insight to the statewide landscape. He leverages his legal expertise, policy fluency, and community awareness to strengthen BESR’s efforts to dismantle structural inequities, expand opportunity, and advance a comprehensive K–16 pipeline that honors the brilliance and potential of Black learners. Jarad is especially passionate about building bridges between policy, community power, and student experience to ensure Washington’s public education systems not only recognize Black students, but respond to their needs with equitable resources, accountability, and care.
Outside of his professional and board service, Jarad enjoys exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, spending dedicated time with family and friends, and diving into books on history, leadership, and philosophy. Whether mentoring young professionals or participating in community gatherings, he remains grounded in the relationships and values that guide his work: service, justice, and the unwavering belief that Black students deserve systems designed for their success.