Bill Williams unfortunately passed away before he could receive the President's Award, but his wife Maxine was able to accept on his behalf. Bill served on the WSPEF Board as the business representative for many years. He was a tireless advocate for education and his vision, wisdom, and sound guidance always made an impact. He leaves an incredible legacy and will be missed tremendously.
Bill completed his Navy service in August 1975 before beginning a 35-year career with the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Washington, serving as Senior Attorney General for the Departments of Corrections, Health, and Transportation, successfully arguing two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court (Washington v. Harper and Washington v. Glucksberg), and earning recognition from his colleagues and peers in the Angelo Petruss Award for Lawyers in Government Service from the Washington State Bar Association, and the Steward of Justice award, bestowed by then-Attorney General Christine Gregoire.
Not content with one career, Bill took on multiple public service roles almost immediately. In addition to his work with our foundation (WSPEF), Bill dedicated to improving educational opportunity for all children. He served on North Thurston School Board for 25 years. Upon retiring from the AG's office, Bill continued his educational involvement, serving as President of the Washington State School Directors' Association, on the Board of the National School Board Association, as the Executive Director for the Washington Parent-Teacher Association, and also served on the Capital Region ESD 113 Board.