Seattle-King County First Citizen Award Banquet

Individually and as a couple, this year’s recipients of the Seattle-King County First Citizen Award (now in its 79th year) have been described as “representing the epitome of public service.”

Bill and Jill Ruckelshaus, are widely respected for their dedication to causes, community, and country, as well as for their devotion to family and friends. Throughout their remarkable careers, their significant achievements in both public and private sector service have “always been about the greater good.”

Jill is universally admired as a trailblazer, as a champion of women’s rights, and for mentoring and motivating women to seek elected and appointed offices. She has shared her passion and wisdom through service on several corporate and nonprofit boards. Among accolades, she was named a 2014 Woman of Influence by the Puget Sound Business Journal.  

Bill’s distinguished career encompasses government agencies, nonprofits, and corporations. This advocate of collaborative problem-solving chairs The William D. Ruckelshaus Center, a joint effort of Washington State University and the University of Washington to foster cooperative public policy in Washington state and the Pacific Northwest.

Please join us on May 25 at a civic banquet to honor these inspiring leaders as the 2017 First Citizens.

Reception: 6 p.m.  Dinner & program: 7 p.m.