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Seattle Business magazine has recognized Western Washington University Trustee Karen Lee as a recipient of the magazine’s 2017 Executive Excellence Awards.

Lee, as CEO of Pioneer Human Services, was one of 14 recipients of the award, which recognizes business executives and other inspirational leaders for modeling exemplary behavior in the day-to-day operation of complex corporate ecosystems as well as in the larger context of providing a moral compass.

Seattle Business magazine describes Lee’s achievements at:

In December 2010, then Gov. Christine Gregoire appointed Lee to Western’s Board of Trustees to fill a term through Sept. 30, 2016.  Lee was reappointed by Gov. Jay Inslee for a second term ending Sept. 30, 2022.

Lee is chief executive officer of Pioneer Human Services, one of the nation’s largest social enterprise organizations. Pioneer is often cited as a national model in providing employment services, job training, treatment, counseling, housing, and re-entry services for people overcoming challenges with substance use disorders, mental health issues, and criminal histories.

Prior to her recent appointment at Pioneer, Lee served for five years as commissioner of the Washington State Employment Security Department. Lee also held a variety of positions from 1997 to 2005 at Puget Sound Energy and as an associate attorney at Preston Gates Ellis (now K & L Gates).

Lee, a Covington resident, was appointed by the governor to the Reentry Xouncil and the Student Achievement Council. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, and past president and trustee of the University of Washington Alumni Association. Lee was previously named one of the “40 under 40” honorees by the Puget Sound Business Journal.

Lee earned her bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, majoring in Russian studies, and holds a law degree from the University of Washington School Of Law.