Biography

Ruth is a small-business owner and represents the 32nd District, including North King and South Snohomish County. She chairs the House Early Learning & Human Services Committee. Nationally, she is the past-chair of the National Conference of State Legislature’s Human Services Committee.

Ruth’s long history of community and public service includes serving as Vice President of the League of Women Voters of Washington. She received her B.A. from the University of Washington and M.P.A. from Syracuse University. During her ten plus years in the legislature, she has focused on improving early learning and child care, strengthening foster care, and reforming the state’s drug sentencing and truck safety laws.

Ruth has five grown children and lives in Lake Forest Park.

HONORS & AWARDS
- 2010, Elected Official of the Year Award, Foster Parent Association of Washington State
- 2009, Champion for Children, Children’s Alliance
- 2009, Friend of Children Award, Washington State PTA
- 2009, Washington State Parent Advocacy Award, Catalyst for Kids
- 2009, Champion of Family Support Award, Children’s Trust Foundation
- 2008, Appreciation of Outstanding work for children with developmental disabilities, Arc of King County
- 2007, Lee Ann Miller Award, Children’s Justice Interdisciplinary Task Force
- 2007, Grace Cole Outstanding Volunteer Award, Center for Human Services
- 2006, Outstanding Vocational Service Award, Shoreline Rotary Club
- 2006, Hero Award, Childhaven
- 2005, Hunger Relief award, Food Lifeline
- 2004, ‘Speak Up For a Child’ Award, Washington State CASA
- 2004 Community Hero Award for Legislator of the Year, Washington State Coalition for the Homeless
- 2003, Strong Kids, Families and Community Award, YMCAs of Washington State
- 2003, Children’s Champion Award, Children’s Trust
- 2002, Special Recognition Award, WA Council for Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect
- Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award, WA State Head Start & Early Childhood Education Programs

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Current:
- Vice Chair, Thrive by Five Washington Board of Directors;
- Board Member, Shoreline Community College Foundation;
- Member, League of Women Voters of Washington; Member, Sierra Club

Past:
- Board Member, Tree House;
- Vice President, League of Women Voters of Washington;
- Trustee, Children’s Trust Foundation;
- Co-Chair, Children’s Campaign Fund;
- Chair, Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect;
- President; Board of Directors, Center for Human Services;
- Chair, Seattle Commission on Children and Youth;
- King County Children and Families Commission