Chongsun Abbott emigrated from Korea when she was 15-years old. After she graduated from Lakes High School in Lakewood, Washington, Chongsun joined the U.S. Army to get the GI Bill to go to college. Instead, she earned a BA and an MBA from Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, Washington, while she was working full time in the Army and raising her three successful children. Chongsun retired from the Army after 21 years of service. Then she owned a restaurant; and taught Central Texas College for a few years as a part-time instructor.
For the next 14 years (1997 to 2011), Chongsun served the State of Washington: two years at the Washington State Lottery; and 12 years at the Department of Financial Institutions as a financial examiner. In August 2011, Chongsun moved on to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and worked as a senior compliance examiner for nine years before retiring in 2020. She served 45 years of public service. In January 2021, Chongsun volunteered to serve the Korean Women’s Association as the Treasurer/Finance Committee Chair. Chongsun is a strategic thinker who seeks long-term successes and resolutions. Her passion is always working to better the lives of others. Chongsun is married to Richard who is also retired from the U.S. Army.