About
Contact Information
Beckie Summers Kirby
9415 Tacoma Ave. S.
Tacoma, WA 98444
becitha@harbornet.com
Family
Although she’s looking forward to making changes in city government, there will be no shortage of city-hall institutional memory in the Summers Kirby household. Her husband, State Representative Steve Kirby, was elected to this position four times over the last 32 years. “Steve and I differ in style in many ways,” she says. “But we share the same commitment to giving the people of the 5th district the voice they deserve on the city council.”
Beckie and Steve have lived in Tacoma’s Fern Hill neighborhood since the day they were married. They have five children and three grandchildren.
Experience
Beckie’s background and experience will allow her to “hit the ground running” her first day on the job. There is just no time for on-the-job-training when it comes to getting the city on the right track. She knows all the players without a program, but she’s not invested in the policies of the recent past that haven’t worked out well.
Beckie has a long history of civic involvement, having served on the Tacoma Human Rights Commission, the Tacoma Civil Service Board, the Tacoma Public Library Board of Trustees and the Pierce County Charter Review Commission. She has also served as Vice-Chair of the Pierce County Democratic Central Committee and currently chairs the 29th District Democrats.
Beckie believes the city council’s priorities need to include more basic neighborhood services. Our streets are falling apart, prostitution and gang activity are on the rise in the Southend, and we need to direct more of our resources into making our neighborhoods safe and livable.
Education
Bachelors Degree in politics and government, University of Puget Sound 1989
Associate Degree in Arts and Science, Tacoma Community College 1984
Graduate, Stadium High School 1975
Community Activities
Member, Tacoma Public Library Board of trustees – Elected Chair, two years 1998-2008
Elected Member, Pierce County Charter Review Commission 2006-2007
Elected Member, Tacoma Civil Service Board – Elected Chair, three years 1991-1995
Member, Tacoma Human Rights commission – Elected Chair, four years 1987-1994
Member, Pierce County Community Action Advisory Bd. – Elected chair, two years 1991-1995
Member, Pierce County Domestic Violence Task Force Steering Committee 1993
Co-Chair, Northwest Coalition Against Malicious Harassment Conference Committee 1993
Honors
City of Destiny Awards Program Certificate of Appreciation 1995
Pierce County Volunteer Award 1990
Soroptimist Club of Tacoma – Women Helping Women Award 1989
Ellen Pinto Outstanding Student of the Year Award 1984
Employment
Harkness Furniture 2008-Present
Self-Employed Political Campaign Consultant 1999-2008
Educational Opportunity Resource Center 1995-1996
Pierce County Community Action Agency 1995
House of Representatives 1992
