Seattle King County First Citizen Award Recipient Tod Leiweke
Presented by Seattle King County Realtors®
“Our best days are in front of us.”
Sports innovator. An inspirational visionary. A
champion for inclusion. Acclaimed humanitarian. Compassionate. Appreciative.
Those are just a few of the words that colleagues use to describe Tod Leiweke, who has been named 2024 Seattle King County First Citizen. Not only is he known for being one of the top sports business leaders in the country, but he is also admired for his passion for inclusivity
and for his deep understanding of the positive impact that sports can have on communities. “Our community needs heroes and extraordinary individuals like TodLeiweke. We can rally around them, highlight them to young people, and be inspired by them,” said Michael Orbino, 2024 president of Seattle King County Realtors®.
As the 86th “First Citizen,” Leiweke joins a list of distinguished honorees from the public and
private sectors. Past recipients include individuals, couples, families, and organizations involved in humanitarian, health, education, the arts, environmental, and other causes. SKCR’s First Citizen Selection Committee singled him out for his altruism, philanthropy, and
accomplishments as a leader in business, sports, and civic concerns.
In discussing how the Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena give back, Leiweke points to One Roof
Foundation, their joint philanthropic arm. The foundation’s work focuses on three pillars: youth
homelessness, access to play and environmental justice. “We believe all kids growing up should have a roof over their heads, clean air to breathe and water to drink, and access to play and be kids,” added Leiweke, a father of two adult children.
Among many charitable endeavors, Leiweke chaired the 2008-2009 United Way of King County
annual campaign, raising more than $100 million during the Great Recession. He helped form
the Seahawks Spirit of 12 program that helps raise money for organizations supporting and
empowering local youth. He is also credited with being instrumental in launching the annual
PGA TOUR’s Boeing Classic golf tournament in 2005. Since then, that event has raised more
than $8.5 million for Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.
“Much like esteemed First Citizen predecessors, Mr. Leiweke has elevated the quality of life in
our community and beyond in numerous ways,” commented Michele Liang, chair of the First
Citizen Committee. “He exemplifies being an inspiring mentor, devoted volunteer, and
accomplished business executive. We are genuinely thrilled to honor and thank this
exceptionally deserving and generous philanthropist and community leader,” added Liang, a
real estate principal broker at Compass Kirkland.
Born in St. Louis, Tod has spent much of his professional life in the Pacific Northwest and is a big champion of Seattle. “Seattle is a place where big ideas have been launched,” he commented. Leiweke, 64, and his wife Tara, currently reside in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle. They are part-owners of the Kraken and Seattle Sounders FC.
“Tod is an incredible leader, and we would not be where we are today with the Kraken and
Climate Pledge Arena without him. Undoubtedly, his greatest passion is giving back and
creating long-lasting community impact through sports and entertainment, and he truly leads
by example,” said Sam Holloway, Kraken owner.
What is the First Citizen Award
The Realtors established the First Citizen award – believed to be the region’s oldest such
recognition -- in 1939, during the Great Depression. It was created to focus attention on
positive community and civic work being done to enhance the region’s well-being.
Leiweke, CEO of the Seattle Kraken, will be honored at a civic banquet on Thursday, May 16th at The Westin Bellevue. The Seattle King County First Citizen Award salutes “giving back” whether by “time, treasure, or talent” and civic engagement that enhances the region’s quality of life. Past recipients hail from both the public and private sectors, ranging from humanitarian groups, corporations, charitable, health, and educational institutions, to various arts, environmental, and civic organizations.
Tickets for the May 16th not-for-profit civic celebration to honor First Citizen Leiweke, which
includes a reception and banquet, are available online at SeattleFirstCitizen.org. This year’s event is presented by Seattle King County Realtors (SKCR) in partnership with
Windermere Real Estate, Zillow, and media sponsor Cascade PBS. Sponsorship information is
available by contacting Darla White at the SKCR offices in Bellevue, 425-974-1015.
2024 First Citizen Committee
The First Citizen Award Gala is planned every year by a team of REALTORS®, Affiliates, and staff of Seattle King County REALTORS® and partners who volunteer their time to make each celebration unique to the recipient. Thanks so much to our 2024 committee for making the 86th event spectacular!
- Michele Liang, Committee Chair
- Amanda Aguiar
- Cheri Brennan
- Jessica Gockel
- Tammy Green
- Lysa Griffith
- Jacqui Haist
- Michele Hunt
- Cassandra Joyner
- Sarah Levinton
- Michael Orbino
- Shelley Rossi
- Savannah Scott
- Sandy Sun
- Maria Reese
- Darla White
- Judy Nageli
- Russ Hokanson
The First Citizen Award Gala is supported each year by our amazing longtime partners and sponsors each year. Without their generous donations we would not be able to honor our amazing First Citizen each year.
Our Partners: We thank Windermere and Zillow for their continued partnership into 2024
- Windermere
- Zillow
Our Sponsors:
Media Sponsor: Cascade PBS
Signature Sponsors: Compass, First American Title, Helsell Fetterman LLP
Wine Sponsor: Tinte Cellars
Reception Sponsor: Stone Installation