HomeMy WebLinkAbout102114_Citizen of the Year Press Release
For Immediate Release
October 21, 2014
Renton Volunteers Honored as Citizen of the Year and Outstanding Citizens
Citizen of the Year Raymond Kusumi; Outstanding Citizens Andee Jorgensen and Judy Craig
For more information contact:
Kellie Jordan, Renton Chamber of Commerce 425-226-4560
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, City of Renton 425 -430-6569
RENTON: The City of Renton, Renton Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Renton will honor
Raymond Kusumi as the 2014 Citizen of the Year and Andee Jorgensen and Judy Craig as Outstanding
Citizens. These awards recognize their unwavering dedication and far -reaching contributions to the
Renton community.
“It is my privilege to recognize Raymond Kusumi as the 2014 Citizen of the Year and Andee Jorgensen
and Judy Craig as Outstanding Citizens," said Mayor Denis Law. “I am joined by the entire community
to thank them for their selfless good work and we are grateful for their unfailing commitment to make
our city a better place for everyone.”
2014 Citizen of the Year Raymond Kusumi is a born leader and for more than 20 years has devoted his
life to serving the Renton community. Raymond is a forensic scientist with the Washington State Patrol
and the Family and Community Engagement Director with the Washington State PTA. Public safety is
very important to Raymond and he is the team leader of Renton Emergency Communications Services.
Raymond is also passionate about education and been a parent and community vo lunteer with the
Renton School District for over 17 years. He is an advocate for STEM (Science, Technology Engineering
and Mathematics), is active with PTA, and various other efforts. Raymond is known for caring for the
under-represented and homeless by volunteering on public health missions, supporting food bank
efforts, providing advocacy training, and representing the needs of the business and arts community.
Raymond uses his time, tools and expertise to give back to those in need and to our community.
2014 Outstanding Citizen Andee Jorgensen has served Renton in an extraordinary way, demonstrating
strong character and leadership. She lives by her philosophy “the more you volunteer, the better you
feel.” Andee is the president of Renton Rotary, serves on the board of directors for Renton Chamber of
Commerce, has been a trustee of Renton Technical College (RTC), served on the RTC foundation board,
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and currently serves on the City of Renton ’s Civil Service Commission. She has volunteered for many
organizations in Renton including Renton Area Youth Services, Renton Sister City Committee, and
Hazen High School PTSA Board. Her volunteer efforts have had a tremendous impact on our
community. From tutoring and helping ESL students to her demonstrated leadership with the Renton
Technical College and Renton Chamber, Andee has selflessly served the Renton Community.
2014 Outstanding Citizen Judy Craig is the go-to person for St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. Judy is
passionate about service and is always on a mission to improve the lives of those in need , especially
women. Her work with St. Mathew’s Church helps 65 to 75 families every year get much needed food,
clothing and holiday gifts. She has been a member of Renton Kiwanis Clothes Bank for nearly 20 years
and is also a very active member of Soroptimist International of Renton. Judy is always there for those
in need.
“Renton is fortunate to have such great individuals who lend their time and talents to enrich the lives
of others,” said Brent Camann, Chair Board of Directors, Renton Chamber of Commerce. “It is an honor
to recognize and celebrate them not only once a year, but every day.”
“Citizen of the Year is a wonderful program that recognizes the hard-working volunteers who help
make Renton a great community,” said John Baumann, Past President, Renton Rotary.
The 2014 Citizen of the Year Banquet will be held at the Renton Senior Activity Center on Wednesday,
November 5, 5:00 pm. For more information and banquet reservations, visit GoRenton.com or call
425-226-4560. To schedule interviews with the 2014 Citizen of the Year or Outstanding Citizens,
email Kellie Jordan at kjordan@gorenton.com.
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