WHEREAS, Katherine Baril has provided the citizens of Jefferson
County with twenty years of exemplary service as executive director of
the county's Washington State University extension service; and
WHEREAS, In those twenty years, Katherine Baril has started or
assisted with numerous programs that have benefited people of all ages,
such as 4-H, master gardener classes, and business classes; and
WHEREAS, Her support of and commitment to Jefferson County's farm
sector has helped grow the local food and farm industry into a model
for other regions; and
WHEREAS, Economic development has been a key issue that Katherine
Baril has worked on during her tenure, including strong support for
local businesses to get access to broadband internet in order to help
them grow and thrive; and
WHEREAS, She helped establish the Jefferson Education Center, which
provides opportunities for higher education and community learning for
Jefferson County residents; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Katherine Baril has coached and mentored
numerous Jefferson County youth, teaching them the values of
leadership, service, and entrepreneurship; and
WHEREAS, Her passion for working collaboratively on public policy
initiatives has resulted in efforts such as the State Environmental
Protection Act, Puget Sound watershed planning, and the Habitat
Conservation Plan; and
WHEREAS, Her background includes a master's degree in Education, a
law degree, and experience as a water quality teacher for Washington
State University; and
WHEREAS, Katherine Baril was recently honored as Business Leader of
the Year by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Her enthusiasm and expertise will be greatly missed by
those who have worked with her over the past two decades;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives
recognize Katherine Baril for her many contributions to youth, farmers,
businesses, the environment, and the well-being of Jefferson County and
all its residents; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be
immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of
Representatives to Katherine Baril and her family.