Most Reverend Joseph J. Tyson, D.D.

Bishop Tyson was born on October 16 in Moses Lake, Washington and at an early age moved to Seattle with his family. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1989. His degrees include a Bachelor of Arts in Russian and Eastern European Studies as well as Editorial Journalism from the University of Washington, a Masters in International Relations from the University of Washington, a Masters of Divinity from the Catholic University of America, and an honorary Doctorate of Letters from St. Martin’s University in Lacy. In 2005, he was consecrated Auxiliary Bishop of Seattle and named Vicar General. From 2008-2011, he served as Superintendent of Catholic Schools. He was installed as Bishop of Yakima in 2011 and currently serves as a member of the USCCB’s Committee for Cultural Diversity and Chair of the USCCB’s Pastoral Care for Migrants, Refugees and Travelers.