PORT ANGELES — Peninsula College President Suzy Ames was one of 23 recipients of the 2024 Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award who were recognized for their exceptional leadership at a luncheon held at the governor’s mansion in Olympia.
The luncheon was held Sept. 10.
Ames was selected for her leadership and achievements at Peninsula College, which has seen a 30 percent increase in enrollment since she arrived in July 2022.
“Recent years have presented new challenges, and our state agencies have met them with ambition, innovation and a steadfast commitment to public service,” Gov. Jay Inslee said in a Peninsula College press release. “I could not be prouder of how our state leaders have risen to the occasion and set a powerful example.”
“Dr. Ames’ values of honesty, integrity, joy and respect have made her an inspiring leader and a catalyst for positive change at Peninsula College, on the North Olympic Peninsula and throughout the community and technical college system in Washington state,” said Dr. Mike Maxwell, North Olympic Healthcare Network CEO and former chair of the college’s Board of Trustees.
The annual Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award was established in 1985 to formally honor leaders in state government who “exemplify performance in what they accomplish, as well as how they have done it,” according to the nominating instructions.
Candidates are nominated by individuals within their organizations. Award recipients are selected by a committee chaired by the state’s chief human resources officer and directors from a cross section of state agencies.
