Karen Fraser
| Karen Fraser | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Washington Senate from the 22nd district | |
|
Assumed office January 11, 1993 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
September 12, 1944 Seattle, Washington |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Alma mater | University of Washington |
| Website | Official |
Karen Fraser (born September 12, 1944) is a Washington State Senator (Democrat) for the 22nd District, comprising the northern portion of Thurston County, including all of Olympia, Lacey, and most of Tumwater.
Before joining the Senate, she was a former State Representative, Thurston County Commissioner and Mayor of Lacey. She was also the past President of the Washington State Association of Counties.
As of the 2008 Legislative session, she is vice chair and Capital Budget chair of the Ways & Means Committee, and is a member of the Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation Committee, the Rules Committee, and the Water, Energy & Telecommunications Committee.[1]
Fraser was an unsuccessful candidate for Lieutenant Governor in the 2016 primary election, which she ultimately lost to fellow Democrat Cyrus Habib.
Education
Fraser graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor's degree in sociology and a Masters of Public Administration from the university's Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs. She was founder of the Legislative International Caucus
Honors and Recognition
Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation, 2014
The Inaugural Washington Water Leadership Award, The Center for Environmental Law & Policy, 2014
Distinguished Leader Award, Leadership Thurston County and Thurston County Chamber Foundation, 2014
“Global Connect” Award, Olympia World Affairs Council, 2014
Appreciation Award from Governor of Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, for promoting international friendship and leadership, 2013
Luis Fernando Esteban Public Service Award for promoting Hispanic relations in Washington State, 2012
Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, Caucus Leader Award, 2011
Citation of Merit, Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, 2005
Hyogo Prefecture, Japan (Washington’s Sister State), Award for contribution to international friendships, 2009
Legislator of the Year, Washington State Arts Council, 2009
Special Appreciation, Washington Parks and Recreation Foundation, 2009
Legislator of the Year, Washington State Unitarian Universalist Voices for Justice, in recognition of her work for social, economic and environmental justice in Washington State, 2009
Senator of the Year, Washington Farm Forestry Association, 2007
Legislative Excellence Award, Washington State School Retirees Association, 2007
Hero Award, Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, 2005
Certificate of Appreciation, Washington State Coalition for the Homeless, for Leadership and dedication to increasing the Housing Trust Fund, 2005
Super Star, Washington State Skills Center, 2005
Woman of Distinction, Olympia YWCA, 2004
Seventh Generation Legacy Award, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, 2004
Leadership Award, Washington State Combined Fund Drive Board, 1999 and 2004
“Fearless Leader, Justice Seeker, Faithful to the Democratic Vision” Award, Panorama Democratic Study Group, 2004
Service Award, Washington Rural Electric Cooperative Association, 2004
Co-Legislator of the Year, Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association, 2003
Puget Sound Hero Award, People for Puget Sound, 2001
Leadership Recognition for the Neah Bay Rescue Tug, Governor Gary Locke, 2003
Conservation Champion, Washington Conservation Voters, 2002
VIP Award, Washington State College Women’s Programs Council, 2002
Leadership Award, Washington Association of School Administrators, District 113, 2001
Leadership Counts Award, Washington Public Employees Association, 2000
Legislator of the Year, Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs, 2000
Legislative Citation of Merit, Washington Recreation and Parks Association, 1998
Program Leadership Award, Nisqually River Management Program, 1998
Distinguished Leadership Recognition, Association of Washington Housing Authorities, 1998
Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Federation of State Employees members of the Judicial Staff of the Washington State Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, 1998
Legislator of the Year, Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association, 1996
Legislator of the Year, Washington Health Care Association, 1996
Legislator of the Year and Puget Sound Hero, People for Puget Sound, 1995
Woman of Distinction, Pacific Peaks Girl Scout Council, 1995
Toll Fellow, Council of State Governments, 1993
Outstanding Leadership Award, Washington State Boating Safety Officers Association, 1993
Silver Beaver Award, for service to youth, Boy Scouts of America
Woman Who Wins Award, a community recognition award sponsored by The Olympian and KGY radio
Finalist, Thurston County Citizen of the Year (twice) Legislator of the Year, Washington Federation of State Employees, 1993
Personal
A lifelong Washington resident, born in Seattle One daughter, two granddaughters Enjoys outdoor recreation: summited four of Washington’s major peaks; hiked and backpacked throughout the Olympics and Cascades; won numerous awards for racing her own sailboat in Puget Sound races; completed the Capital City Marathon twice Enjoys travel Enjoys living in Thurston County