Karen's Biography

Senator Karen Keiser is honored to represent the citizens of the 33rd Legislative District, which includes the cities SeaTac, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and parts of Burien and Kent. Senator Keiser was born and raised in Iowa, and has lived in Des Moines, Washington for more than 30 years. Senator Keiser has 3 young adult children: David, Elizabeth, and Marc. Senator Keiser is a leader in the Senate and in her Democratic caucus.

She currently serves on key Senate Committees:

Chair, Health and Long Term Care Committee

Vice Chair Labor, Commerce, Research and Development Committee

Washington State Senate Ways and Means Committee

Washington State Senate Rules Committee Co-Chair

Senate Democratic Campaign Committee

Elective Office:

Appointed to Senate, 2001,

Re-elected 2002, 2006;

Appointed to House of Representatives in January 1996;

Re-elected in November 1996, 1998, 2000.

Education:

John F. Kennedy School of Government/Harvard University

Fellow at Senior Government Seminar Elliot School of International Affairs/George Washington University

Elliot Fellow Flemming Fellow--Center for Policy Alternatives

1973 University of California - Masters in Journalism

1969 University of California - B.A. Political Science

Professional Experience:

1981-2006 Communications Director, Washington State Labor Council

1979-1981 Reporter/producer, KSTW-TV, Washington

1975-1978 Reporter/producer, KMGH-TV, Colorado

1972-1975 Reporter, KGW-TV, Oregon

Honors:

2010 WA Conservation Voters Good Green Deed Award

2009 Progressive States Network State Leader Award

2009 Children’s Alliance Champions for Children Award

2009 WA State Nurses Association Legislator of the Year

2009 WA State School Retiree’s Association Legislative Excellence Award

2008 Lifelong Aids Alliance Legislator of the Year

2008 “Friend of SPEEA” Award- IFPTE Local 2001

2008 NAVOS Mental Health Leadership Award

2007 Center for Policy Alternatives Legislator of the Year

2007 Center for Policy Alternatives Arthur S. Flemming Leadership Award

2007 WA Health Care Association Legislator of the Year

2007 WA Community Health Centers Health Care Champion

2007 WA Ambulatory Surgeon’s Legislator of the Year

2006 WA State Chiropractors Association William Day Senate Award

2006 WA State Residential Care Council Legislator of the Year

2006 SEIU Legislator of the Year

2004 Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN) Leadership Award

2004 WA Assn. for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Policy Maker of the Year

2004 Center for Women Policy Studies' National Honor Roll of State Legislators

Civic Organizations and Activities:

1981-present Board Member- Judson Park Retirement Center

2005-present Board of Directors- Economic Opportunity Institute

1994-2002 Board Member-Washington Coalition for Open Government

1994-2001 Board of Trustees, Highline Community College

1986-1999 President & Board Member, Western Labor Communications Assn.

1986-1990 Board Member, International Labor Communications Assn.

Member American Association of University Women, Highline

Member American Federation of Television & Radio Artists

Member Grace Lutheran Church

Member 33rd District Democrats

Member Evergreen Democratic Club

Former member of Woodmont PTA, Federal Way Public Academy PTSA and Mt. Rainier High School PTSA