"State of Our State: A Conundrum — Optimism and Angst"

This year the annual Burton and Ralene Walls Distinguished Speaker Series Luncheon features Gary Locke, former Washington state governor, U.S. secretary of commerce, and ambassador to China. Now in its 19th year, the luncheon offers a unique opportunity for students to hear directly from business and civic leaders who have helped shape our economy and world.  

Locke has been a leader in the areas of education, employment, trade, health care, human rights, privacy, and the environment.
 
As Washington’s governor from 1997 to 2005, he promoted his state’s products and services by leading trade missions to Mexico, Europe, and Asia. During his tenure, Washington state more than doubled its exports to China. 

Locke also promoted bipartisan welfare reform, oversaw the gain of 280,000 private-sector jobs, and appointed the most diverse cabinet in state history. More than half his judicial appointments were women and 25% were people of color. 

Nationally known authors and organizations, including Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, have recognized his management skills and innovations in government efficiency. While he was governor, Washington was ranked one of America’s four best-managed states.

As U.S. secretary of commerce from 2009 to 2011, he led President Obama’s National Export Initiative, turned around a troubled 2010 Census process, and achieved significant reductions in patent application processing times.  

As ambassador to China from 2011 to 2014, he opened markets for made-in-USA goods and services, reduced wait times for visa interviews of Chinese applicants, and called attention to the severity of air pollution in China. 

Locke is currently chairman of Locke Global Strategies, providing strategic advice and consulting services to businesses in the United States and China across a spectrum of issues, including international trade.

He is also a senior advisor and consultant for the Davis Wright Tremaine law firm, specializing in trade, regulatory, and investment issues.

SPONSORSHIP PROVIDED BY THE BURTON AND RALENE WALLS DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES ENDOWMENT
This endowment was established with Seattle Pacific University in 2013 to further the entrepreneurial spirit and knowledge of SPU students. Burton is an alumnus of SPU with a major in business. His uncle, Paul Walls, served SPU as a member of the Board of Trustees for 31 years. His father, F. Wesley Walls, also served SPU with distinction for 38 years in various capacities, including founding director of the School of Business. Burton and Ralene are longtime supporters of SPU. Their hope is that this endowment will assist SPU in its mission of engaging the culture and changing the world.

See past speakers.