About Us
About Us
The WSLB endeavors to empower the next generation of leaders by providing opportunities for young, talented individuals to take on influential roles in various settings. This may include positions of leadership within the State Legislature, organizing in their own communities, or at universities throughout the country and abroad. To achieve this objective, the WSLB delivers a number of equity-focused leadership and honors programs:
History
A Unique Relationship with Washington State
By state law, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and a bipartisan group of 4 legislators serve on the Washington State Leadership Board.
First established in 1971 by Lt. Governor John Cherberg as the “Association of Washington Generals,” the founding purpose of the organization was to recognize outstanding service and leadership in Washington. In 2005, the organization was codified into state law by the State Legislature. This legislation authorized the WSLB to use the image of the state flag to promote its mission, which included bestowing official honors on behalf of the state.
In 2018 and 2020, the State Legislature updated the Leadership Board’s mission to include “Expand[ing] educational, sports, leadership, and/or employment opportunities for youth, veterans, and people with disabilities in Washington state,” specifically naming the Washington World Fellows and Boundless Washington programs. During this time, the State Legislature also supported the Leadership Board’s programs by establishing some dedicated revenues from specialty license plate sales of the Seattle Seahawks, Mariners, Storm, Sounders, and Kraken license plates.
In 2022, the Washington State Legislature designated the Washington State Leadership Board a trustee agency of the state of Washington with the signing of Bill 5750.
Today, the Leadership Board continues its long legacy of recognizing service and cultivating leadership in Washington through educational programs, public service, international engagement, and bestowing statewide honors, including Washingtonian of the Year.
Mission
Recognize Leaders. Cultivate Leadership.
We steward Washington’s leadership continuum for those furthest from opportunity by investing in empowering programs that develop and celebrate models of leadership.
Vision
To inspire leaders to change their world through personal growth and service to their Washington communities.
Contract Solicitation Opportunities with WSLB
Under Executive Order 22-10, state agencies are directed to expand access for small businesses in contracting and procurement.
At the WSLB, we are dedicated to open and transparent competition. We work to ensure public funds are invested fairly in the private sector by creating opportunities that are inclusive of small and diverse businesses, including those owned by women, minorities, and veterans.
From our inception in 2022 to the present, the WSLB has purchased services from these OMWBE-certified or veteran-owned vendors:
Color Graphics
Tags Awards and Specialties
Interested vendors are encouraged to check Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) for announcements and updates regarding contracting opportunities with Washington State agencies.
For more information about statewide supplier diversity efforts, visit the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) and Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE).
Forecasted Competitive Solicitations
As of January 1, 2026, no procurements are planned.
Updates will be posted by December 1, 2026
Active Competitive Solicitations
None at this time.