First Citizen Award History

The origination of the idea of a principate civitas or “first citizen of the people” shares the same roots as the creation of democracy. The idea is that power comes not from the senate or government, by itself, but from the people. It was therefore believed that the First Citizen of the People most represented and served the needs of the people.

By 1939, the years of economic hardship due to the Great Depression had taken a toll on the public morale of the people of Seattle. In response, REALTORS® sought to improve public sentiment and our local economy by drawing attention to the positive community work taking place. The REALTORS® commissioned Seattle artist Dudley Pratt to sculpt an expression of the great work that can be accomplished by those who support the needs of the people and the greater good of our communities.

Seattle King County REALTORS® has presented the First Citizen Award annually ever since, celebrating those to give back with time, talent, and treasure to enhance the quality of life in our region.

The original bronze Seattle King County First Citizen award plaque created in 1939 by Dudley Pratt.

Past Recipients

  • Sue Bird, 2023

    FORMER SEATTLE STORM PLAYER & COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

    The 85th First Citizen Award recipient is best known as the long-time point guard for the Seattle Storm basketball team. Only slightly less known is her commitment to youth empowerment and LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.

  • Mary's Place, 2022

    LOCAL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION SERVING FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS

    Instead of an individual, the 84th First Citizen Award recipient was an impactful non-profit organization that has served thousands of homeless women and families since 1999. Their mission is “to ensure that no child sleeps outside.”

  • Dr. Benjamin Danielson, 2021

    PEDIATRICIAN & COMMUNITY HEALTH ADVOCATE

    The 83th First Citizen Award recipient, “Dr. Ben,” is a beloved local doctor and tireless activist for the health and well-being of low-income children and families. Following the motto “quality care with dignity,” he is passionate about equitable health access for people of color.

1939 – Richard Eugene Fuller
1940 – Dr. Wendell Fifield
1941 – William O. McKay
1942 – Kenneth Colman
1943 – Phil Johnson
1944 – Children’s Orthopedic Hospital
1945 – W. Walter Williams
1946 – Royal Brougham
1947 – John H. Reid
1948 – Ernest Skeel
1949 – Dr. Raymond Allen
1950 – Thomas M. Pelly
1951 – George Gunn, Jr.
1952 – Henry Broderick
1953 – Frank E. Holman
1954 – William M. Allen
1955 – Deitrich Schmitz
1956 – Rev. A.A. Lemieux
1957 – Gordon N. Scott
1958 – Nat S. Rogers
1959 – Dorothy Bullitt
1960 – Michael Dederer
1961 – Ben E. Ehrlichman

1962 – Joseph E. Gandy
1963 – George F. Kachlein, Jr.
1964 – H.W. McCurdy
1965 – Edward E. Carlson
1966 – Milton Katims
1967 – Frances P. Owen
1968 – James R. Ellis
1969 – William B. Woods
1970 – Norton Clapp
1971 – Glynn Ross
1972 – John D. Ehrlichman
1973 – Dr. Dixy Lee Ray
1974 – Ned and Kayla Skinner
1975 – Dr. William. B. Hutchinson
1976 – Rabbi Raphael Levine
1977 – W.J. “Jerry” Pennington
1978 – John M. Fluke
1979 – Gordon H. Sweany
1980 – James M. Ryan
1981 – C.M. “Mike” Berry
1982 – Dr. Dale E. Turner
1983 – T.A. Wilson
1984 – Victor Rosellini

1985 – Fredric A. Danz
1986 – Robert W. Graham
1987 – John W. Ellis
1988 – Samuel Stroum
1989 – R.C. “Torchy” Torrance
1990 – Rev. William J. Sullivan, S.J.
1991 – Buster and Nancy Alvord
1992 – Lester R. Sauvage, M.D.
1993 – Constance W. Rice, Ph.D.
1994 – Phil M. Smart, Sr.
1995 – Mary Gates and Family
1996 – Stanley O. McNaughton
1997 – Walter B. Williams
1998 – Jack A. Benaroya
1999 – Paul Brainerd
2000 – The Bullitt Family
2001 – Herb M. Bridge
2002 – Scott and Laurie Oki
2003 – Dan and Nancy Evans
2004 – The McCaw Family
2005 – Jeffrey and Susan Brotman
2006 – Dale Chihuly
2007 – James and Sherry Raisbeck

2008 – Paul G. Allen
2009 – Gerard Schwarz
2010 – Hon. Slade Gordon
2011 – Jamie and Karen Moyer
2012 – Rotary International District 5030
2013 – Lenny Wilkens
2014 – Noman B. Rice
2015 – Theodor “Ted” Baseler
2016 – Phyllis Campbell
2017 – Bill and Jill Ruckelshaus
2018 – The Pigott Family
2019 – Father Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J.
2020 – Tomio Moriguchi and Family
2021 – Benjamin S. Danielson, M.D.
2022 – Mary’s Place
2023 – Sue Bird
2024 – Tod Leiweke