WOW turns an eye to politics this month to recognize one of its own in Washington state. Bill Finkbeiner graduated from Whitman College in 1991 with a degree in anthropology. A Kirkland, Washington, native, Finkbeiner wanted to give back to his community and state immediately and won a seat in the Washington House of Representatives in 1992. In 1994 he moved from the House to the State Senate seat for the 45th Legislative District.

Within the state Republican Party leadership Bill has served as Assistant Floor Leader (1998), Senate Majority Deputy Leader (2003), and currently serves as the Senate Majority Leader. He has served on numerous committees including Education, Highways and Transportation, Technology and Communications, Rules, the Governor’s Virtual Education Task Force, and the Horse Racing Commission Council of State Governments Executive Committee. In 2002, the WSA (formerly the Washington Software Alliance), an alliance focused on helping Washington state technology innovators succeed, honored Senator Finkbeiner with their Connecting with Tech Award for his continued support of technology issues including e-learning and opportunities for uses of technology in the classroom. This award recognizes legislators whose actions have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the health of the software and technology industry in Washington.

In addition to his legislative duties, Bill finds time to serve his community in other ways. He is a board member for the Hopelink Multi-Service Center and the Cascade Land Conservancy plus is an assistant coach for the Blue Mariner Sharks T-ball team.

If you would like to contact Senator Finkbeiner, please visit http://www.src.wa.gov/2004/Biographies/FinbeinerBIO.htm.