ABOUT SENATOR KAREN KEISER

Senator Karen Keiser is honored to represent the citizens of the 33rd Legislative District, which includes the cities SeaTac, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and parts of Burien and Kent. Senator Keiser was born and raised in Iowa, and has lived in Des Moines, Washington for more than 30 years. Senator Keiser has 3 young adult children: David, Elizabeth, and Marc. Senator Keiser is a leader in the Senate and in her Democratic caucus.

She currently serves on key Senate Committees:

Chair, Health and Long Term Care Committee
Vice Chair Labor, Commerce, Research and Development Committee
Washington State Senate Ways and Means Committee
Washington State Senate Rules Committee Co-Chair
Senate Democratic Campaign Committee

Elective Office:

Appointed to Senate, 2001,
Re-elected 2002, 2006, 2012, 2018;
Appointed to House of Representatives in January 1996;
Re-elected in November 1996, 1998, 2000.

Education:

John F. Kennedy School of Government/Harvard University
Fellow at Senior Government Seminar Elliot School of International Affairs/George Washington University
Elliot Fellow Flemming Fellow–Center for Policy Alternatives
1973 University of California – Masters in Journalism
1969 University of California – B.A. Political Science

Professional Experience:

1981-2006 Communications Director, Washington State Labor Council
1979-1981 Reporter/producer, KSTW-TV, Washington
1975-1978 Reporter/producer, KMGH-TV, Colorado
1972-1975 Reporter, KGW-TV, Oregon

Honors:

2010 WA Conservation Voters Good Green Deed Award
2009 Progressive States Network State Leader Award
2009 Children’s Alliance Champions for Children Award
2009 WA State Nurses Association Legislator of the Year
2009 WA State School Retiree’s Association Legislative Excellence Award
2008 Lifelong Aids Alliance Legislator of the Year
2008 “Friend of SPEEA” Award- IFPTE Local 2001
2008 NAVOS Mental Health Leadership Award
2007 Center for Policy Alternatives Legislator of the Year
2007 Center for Policy Alternatives Arthur S. Flemming Leadership Award
2007 WA Health Care Association Legislator of the Year
2007 WA Community Health Centers Health Care Champion
2007 WA Ambulatory Surgeon’s Legislator of the Year
2006 WA State Chiropractors Association William Day Senate Award
2006 WA State Residential Care Council Legislator of the Year
2006 SEIU Legislator of the Year
2004 Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN) Leadership Award
2004 WA Assn. for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Policy Maker of the Year
2004 Center for Women Policy Studies’ National Honor Roll of State Legislators

Civic Organizations and Activities:

1981-present Board Member- Judson Park Retirement Center
2005-present Board of Directors- Economic Opportunity Institute
1994-2002 Board Member-Washington Coalition for Open Government
1994-2001 Board of Trustees, Highline Community College
1986-1999 President & Board Member, Western Labor Communications Assn.
1986-1990 Board Member, International Labor Communications Assn.
Member American Association of University Women, Highline
Member American Federation of Television & Radio Artists
Member Grace Lutheran Church
Member 33rd District Democrats
Member Evergreen Democratic Club
Former member of Woodmont PTA, Federal Way Public Academy PTSA and Mt. Rainier High School PTSA