About Bruce & Family

About Bruce Harrell and Family Leadership in the region

Bruce Harrell, Seattle City Council Member
B.A. Political Science (1980 U.W. Academic All-American; 2007 University of Washington Distinguished Alumni Award; M.A. (Organizational Design and Improvement, Dean’s List);
Juris Doctorate (Washington State Bar Association, 9th Circuit).

Previous Occupation: Attorney

Bruce Harrell and his wife Joanne Harrell’s civic commitment to our region has spanned three decades. Bruce Harrell is currently Chair of the Energy, Technology, and Civil Rights Committee. Bruce began his public service in 1980 working for the Seattle City Council under then Council President Paul Kraabel. Bruce’s professional career excelled when, in 1987, he joined US WEST, now QWEST (Counsel, Senior Attorney and Chief Counsel). There he developed legal expertise in telecommunications, technology and complex negotiations.

In 1998, he entered private practice where he served in a variety of leadership roles, representing children and seniors, employees and employers, affordable housing companies and small businesses. Bruce has been particularly recognized in the community for his pro bono work with small businesses. Bruce served as chief legal advisor to the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund, chief legal advisor to the First A.M.E. Church and First A.M.E. Housing Corporation, and Chief Counsel to U S WEST.

Bruce attended K-12 in Seattle Public Schools graduating valedictorian in 1976 from Garfield High School. Bruce accepted a football scholarship to the University of Washington (1978 Rose Bowl Champion, 1979 Sun Bowl Champion, 1979 Most Valuable Defensive Player Award, 1st Team All Pac-10, 2008 Husky Legend award, #55) playing under the legendary Coach Don James. In 1984, Bruce graduated from the University of Washington’s Law School and subsequently elected to the UW Alumni Board of Trustees. While in college, Bruce participated in the UW’s Prisoner Counseling Program where he tutored inmates at the Monroe reformatory allowing them to earn a G.E.D. and re-enter society as productive members.

Joanne Harrell is currently a Chief of Staff for a worldwide software company. In 2009, Governor Gregoire appointed Joanne to the University of Washington Board of Regents. She serves on the Board of Trustees for AAA of Washington and was elected as its 2008 Chairwoman. Joanne also serves on the Board of REI, a national leader of outdoor gear and clothing. Joanne was previously the President and CEO of United Way of King County and has participated as a Brookings fellow in Washington DC (1987). She has also served as a Commissioner for the Seattle Zoo Commission (1995); Chairperson for the King County Redistricting Commission (1993); Member, International Women’s Forum; and Member of the Belizean Grove (International Women’s Organization).

Also a graduate of the University of Washington (BA, MBA), Joanne has completed the Marketing Management Program at Columbia University (1991) and Advanced Management College at Stanford University (1995).

Bruce and Joanne are raising their family in the Mt. Baker neighborhood and they enjoy the outdoors, fishing, jogging, exercising and swimming.

2010-2011 Committees

Chair: Energy, Technology, and Civil Rights Committee
Chair: Law and Risk Management Committee
Vice-Chair: Seattle Public Utilities & Neighborhoods Committee
Member: Parks & Seattle Center Committee
Alternate: Transportation Committee
Alternate: Public Safety & Education
Member: Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board
Member: Puget Sound Regional Council Transportation Policy Board
Member: Race and Social Justice Community Roundtable
Chair: Performance First: A Business Development Strategy of the Prosperity Partnership
Chair: Seattle Firefighters Pension Board
Northwest Regional Director: National Technology Adoption Advisory Council (NTAAC)
Chair: CASASTART – Focused strategies for youth with behavioral challenges at identified schools.
Member: UW Business and Economic Development Center Advisory Board
Member: Seattle Police Chief Search Committee
Seattle City Light Review Panel
Seattle Citizens’ Telecommunications & Technology Advisory Board
Women’s Commission
People with Disabilities Commission
Seattle Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Commission
Human Rights Commission

2008-2009 Committees

Chair: Energy & Technology Committee
Vice-Chair: Public Safety, Human Services and Education Committee
Member: Housing and Economic Development Committee
Member: Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board
Member: Puget Sound Regional Council Transportation Policy Board
Chair: Performance First: A Business Development Strategy of the Prosperity Partnership
Chair: CASASTART – Focused strategies for youth with behavioral challenges at identified schools.
Member: King County Flood Control Zone Advisory Committee
Member: Fire Facilities Oversight Committee
Member: Reinvesting in Youth – Strategies to prevent youth from dropping out from school
Member: Public Safety Planning Client Group
Seattle City Light Advisory Committee
Seattle Citizens’ Telecommunications & Technology Advisory Board