by Mike Matzinger
Scott Oki was born on October 5, 1948, in Seattle, Washington, into a Japanese-American family that valued hard work, resilience, and community service. His father worked as a postal clerk, and his mother was a secretary, instilling in him early lessons in discipline, responsibility, and the importance of giving back. From a young age, Oki displayed curiosity, determination, and leadership, qualities that were further nurtured through his involvement with Troop and Post 252 in Seattle, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Oki wrote “On My Honor, I Will Do My Best A Memoir” which was published in 2024.
After graduating from Franklin High School in Seattle, Oki joined the U.S. Air Force, playing in the Air Force Academy band in Colorado Springs while pursuing his education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and computer science from the University of Colorado, graduating with honors, and later completed his MBA, laying a strong foundation for his future in business and technology.
In 1982, Oki joined Microsoft Corporation, a company still in its early stages. Over ten years, he held several key executive positions, including founding the International Division, which became a highly profitable part of the company, and later serving as Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Service. By the time he retired in 1992, Oki had helped shape Microsoft into a global technology leader.
After leaving Microsoft, Oki focused on entrepreneurship and philanthropy, founding o-kaisha Investment, LLC. and Oki Developments, Inc. His personal mission statement—“to marry my passion for things entrepreneurial with things philanthropic in ways that encourage others to do the same”—reflects the guiding principle behind his work. He has applied his business expertise to a wide array of ventures, blending innovation, strategic thinking, and social impact.
Throughout his career, Oki has served on more than 100 advisory boards and boards of directors for both for-profit and non-profit organizations. He has founded or co-founded twenty-one non-profit organizations and has taken leadership roles in many others. He has served as Co-Chair of the United Way of King County Campaign Board and Co-Chair of the Million Dollar Roundtable, Founder and Chairman of the Japanese American Chamber of Commerce, Founder and past Chairman of the Chief Seattle Council Boy Scout Scoutreach Foundation, Founder and Chairman of the Outrageous Learning Foundation, Founder and past Chairman of Densho, and Founder and Chairman of TheParentsUnion.org. He is also a co-founder of SeeYourImpact.org, Sounders for Kids, Seattle Parks Foundation, Executive Development Institute, America’s Foundation for Chess, First Tee of Greater Seattle, Microsoft Alumni Foundation, Social Venture Partners, and the Seattle Police Foundation.
Oki has also contributed at the national level, serving on boards for United Way of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Japanese American National Museum, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, the National Science Center, and the Microsoft Alumni Foundation. He has served as President of the University of Washington Board of Regents and Chair of the Children’s Hospital Foundation, highlighting his commitment to education, healthcare, and civic leadership.
Scott Oki is married to Laurie, and they have three children. His life is a testament to combining professional achievement with social responsibility, demonstrating that success is most meaningful when it empowers and inspires others. From his early days as a young Scout in Seattle to his influential roles in business and philanthropy, Oki has dedicated his life to making a lasting, positive impact on his community and beyond.