Long-time community volunteer and businesswoman Julie Hiller announced today she is running for Federal Way City Council, Position 5.

Councilman Bob Celski, who currently holds the seat, is not seeking re-election. Candidate Mark Koppang has also filed with King County Elections to run for Position 5.

As a 27-year resident, Hiller is passionate about Federal Way.

“I am committed to conservative spending and compassionate caring for all residents. One of Federal Way’s greatest assets is its diversity. I will work to ensure citizens across all cultural and economic lines are well-served by city government,” wrote Hiller in a media release.

She plans on utilizing her extensive business experience in her council role. She spent 19 years at Russell Investments, achieving the level of manager of operations – global consulting. In this position, Hiller was responsible for business unit planning and forecasting, budget preparation, review and reporting for a $20 million division, and staff management of more than 50 associates.

Hiller currently works at Coldwell Banker Danforth Property Management where she is the operations manager. She is responsible for business operations and results of the $1 million-plus per annual property management business for the company.

Hiller is active in the Light of Christ Lutheran Church and is currently leading the Human Care Ministry. She serves on the board of the Light of Christ Community Garden.

She is actively involved at her daughter’s school, and was recently appointed to the board of her daughter’s high school for the upcoming year.

Hiller believes it is her professional background and real-world experience in business and volunteer work that has prepared her to take the next step to serve the people of Federal Way. She said she brings to the position strategic planning skills, budgeting and fiscal accountability, along with in-depth experience in negotiation and consensus building, fundraising, diplomacy and integrity.

As a member of the City Council, her areas of focus would include:

• Balancing fiscal responsibility with resource allocation and problem-solving for Federal Way’s most under-served citizens.

• Increasing public safety – continue to invest in the Federal Way Police Department and support their efforts to make Federal Way safer for all citizens.

• Embracing the economic and cultural diversity of Federal Way citizens to inspire a shared vision that includes and engages all of its citizens.

Background

A graduate of Kent-Meridian High School, Hiller came to Federal Way for a job at a local real estate company. She met her future husband, Byron Hiller, at the same office and married him the next year. They have a daughter who is active in sports, music and theater.

As secretary of the Federal Way Rotary Club, Hiller has been active on the Community Service Committee and the Gala Auction Committee, which raises more than $100,000 annually to be donated to local causes.

Hiller is an Advancing Leadership graduate, class of 2014, and a ReachOut volunteer, helping to organize and provide meals at both Federal Way Homeless shelters.

In addition to her current volunteer work, Hiller’s previous volunteer work includes FUSION, King County Long-Term Care Ombudsman, United Way of Pierce County committee member and a McIlvaigh Middle School tutor.