Booth Gardner is an invaluable asset to Strategies 360 in both the public policy and business practice areas. His depth of experience, ranging from two-term governor to successful businessman, serves not only our clients but our staff as well. Booth launched his political career in 1981, serving as Pierce County's first elected county executive. This was followed by one term in the Washington state senate. In 1985, Booth was elected the 19th governor of Washington State. During his tenure, he led the way on several fronts, including education reform, health care reform and transportation. His record also demonstrated his commitment to environmental and trade issues. Upon leaving the governor's office, Booth was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (formerly known as GATT) in 1994. In this capacity, he played a part in negotiating and administering international trade agreements and handling trade disputes. In public approval ratings, Booth was the most popular Governor in the history of Washington State. Before entering politics, he worked at Weyerhaeuser, Washington Mutual, the University of Puget Sound, Puget Sound Bank, and was the president of the Laird Norton Co. for 11 years. Booth is active on several community and corporate boards. He is chairman of the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation. He has had Parkinson's Disease for the past 15 years and is actively helping those who have recently been diagnosed. Booth traded in his tennis racket for a set of golf clubs. Word has it even the gophers like him. Harvard University (MBA) and University of Washington (BA) by way of Tacoma, Washington.