Biography

PERSONAL:
Married since 1971 to Gayle Stevens Sells, who is currently a piano teacher. We have two grown children. Andy (30) is a musician residing in Seattle. Amy (27), who currently works in Senator Patty Murray’s office in Seattle, lives in Everett.

EDUCATION:
Graduated from Central Washington University with a BA in Education, majored in History with a minor in Geography, in 1967. Fifth-Year Teacher Certification from the University of Washington in 1971.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
1976 to present. Serving as the elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Snohomish County Labor Council, AFL/CIO. This became a full-time position in 1998. The organization is the co-ordinating body for 65 different AFL/CIO unions in Snohomish County, representing more than 42,000 working people.

1981 to 1998.
Served as the President of the Everett Education Association, which is elected on an annual basis. The position started out as half-time, with the other half-time spent in the classroom. By the early 1990s, it became a full-time position. From 1969 to 1980, served as President of the Everett Federation of Teachers, Local 772, AFL/CIO. The EFT was merged with the EEA in 1981.

1967 to 1991.
Worked as a teacher in Everett School District #2 at both the elementary and secondary level. I taught at North Junior High (now middle school), Jackson Elementary, Evergreen Middle School, the Youth Resource Center (Juvenile Parole Services), and Phoenix Alternative High School.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:
1981 to Present.
Serving on the Everett Housing Authority Board which oversees the Federal Housing programs in the City of Everett. Appointment was made by the Mayor of the City of Everett, and approved by City Council. I am currently the Vice Chair, and have served three terms as chair of the Board. The Board is responsible for oversight of a $23,890,000 budget.

1995 to Present.
Serving on the Central Washington University Board of Trustees where I am currently the Vice Chair. I was appointed by Governor Lowry, and reappointed by Governor Locke for a second term in 2000. The Board is responsible for university policy and oversight of the $65,696,000 budget.

Other current or former board service:
Snohomish County Economic Development Council (1981 to present)
City of Everett’s Shoreline Public Access Advisory Committee (2003)
City of Everett Salary Commission (1998). Snohomish County United Way and Executive Board (mid 80’s. Served as one of the vice presidents in 1985.
Washington State Temporary Special Levy Study Commission appointed by Governor Evans (1972-1973).
Washington State Governor’s Citizen’s Advisory Committee appointed by Governor Lowry (1992-1993).
Snohomish County Needs Assessment on Housing (early 1990s, co-chaired with County Executive Bob Drewel).
Snohomish County Tomorrow (1990-1991)
Snohomish County Executive’s Citizens’ Cabinet appointed by County Executive Aaron Reardon (2004).
Democratic Precinct Committee Officer (early 1980s until 1985).
Everett Public Library Strategic Planning Committee (2004).
Everett Area Chamber of Commerce Board (1992-1993).
Central Washington University Alumni Association.