Mayor Mary Lou Pauly presented the 2023 Hall of Fame award during the Issaquah Community Awards celebration on May 25.
Over the years – and through their many contributions to Issaquah – members of the Hall of Fame have raised the bar with their inspiring examples of service, leadership and civic-mindedness.
The award is our community’s top honor.
2023 Hall of Fame Inductee
Ken Konigsmark
Ken is best known for his work protecting the natural environment and being a key contributor to two development agreements in Talus and the Issaquah Highlands that shape the way we now think of Issaquah.
As a Boeing Company loaned Executive, he worked full time on the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust (MTS) for 10 years starting in 1991 and currently serves on the Board of Directors.
His Civic-minded energy, creativity and leadership were critical to the acquisition and preservation of thousands of acres of open space in Issaquah as part of the Greenway. Some of his work includes:
- Helping create the 400-acre Wildland Park in exchange for developing Talus.
- Helping in implementation of Tiger Mountain Conservation Plan.
- Working with MTS and public agencies to preserve 3,600 acres if Rattlesnake Mountain for the public.
- Serving on multi-year task force leading to adoption of Central Issaquah Plan designed to preserve forested hillsides.
Issaquah is shaped by Ken's many contributions over the years and he is a worthy inductee into Issaquah's Hall of Fame. Congratulations Ken!
Other City Award Winners
2023 Parks and Community Services Youth Leader of the Year
At just 14 years old, Sushanth Basri has volunteered at the pool on Saturdays working his way from general clean-up to assisting with swim instruction. We are excited to be able to honor this young leader’s contribution to the community. Congrats Sushanth!
2023 Parks and Community Services Volunteer of the Year
As we move to bring Adaptive Recreation back into The Park's system's programmatic options, it feels like the right time to thank Anne Galasso for all of her tireless work with Life Enrichment Options (LEO). Anne has volunteered with the City and LEO for years. Anne works as a caregiver & LEO home supervisor, and has volunteered hundreds of hours to ensuring that the City’s Adaptive Recreation program is successfully meeting the needs of our community. She is an untiring advocate for people living with disabilities. Congratulations Anne!