Keynote Speaker, Bill Krueger
Early intervention advocate, Root Sports commentator, and former Seattle Mariner
Bill Krueger spent 13 seasons in Major League Baseball as a sought after left-handed pitcher, including twice winning the American League Pitcher of the Month Award, first with the Seattle Mariners and then with the Minnesota Twins and a World Championship with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After retiring in 1996, Bill became a sports broadcaster and is currently a senior analyst for Root Sports Northwest.
Bill and his wife Jo were instrumental in establishing the Pacific Northwest Chapter of Cure Autism Now. As parents of a child with autism, Bill and Jo have a personal investment in fundraising and lobbying efforts for autism research. Today, Bill is the Senior Development Officer for NW Center, a non-profit organization focused on supporting kids and adults of all abilities by running two early intervention schools and a social enterprise model that creates jobs. Bill is a spokesperson on the importance of inclusion in the workplace and the significance of early intervention.
Master of Ceremonies, Chris Cashman
Chris Cashman is an EMMY Award winning host, producer, editor and writer. Chris' distinct brand of humor has earned him television hosting and acting roles for The Discovery Channel, CBS and Comedy Central; as well as on regional stations such as KSTW, Seattle Channel and King 5's Evening Magazine. His hosting, producing and writing work includes incredible organizations such as the Seahawks, Mariners, Microsoft, and as a host/auctioneer for many live parades, public and exclusive events. Chris' contributions include work with many radio affiliates, such as ESPN Radio & FOX Sports in Seattle.
After three seasons with the highest rated local entertainment series in America, Seattle's own The (206), Chris is currently the Host and Executive Producer for a new weekly late night half-hour sketch comedy and variety series called Up Late NW. This Fall, Chris joined KING 5 television and can be seen on the news and programming throughout the day.
Honorary Chair, Kathy Lambert
King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert represents District 3, which includes nearly half the County. Some of Kathy's passions include working to end homelessness, protecting the survivors of domestic violence, and working to ensure that government is both efficient and effective.
She was a driving force behind Safe Place, an outreach program
providing access to immediate help and safety for youth in crisis.
Councilmember Lambert was honored in 2013 by the United Way of King County as Outstanding Public Official of the Year for her work with Safe Place, by the Zonta Club of East King County for her leadership on the prevention of domestic violence and by King County as a Technology Champion.