Michael J. Gaffney, assistant director of WSU Extension and former director of WSU’s Division of Governmental Studies and Services, a joint outreach effort of the College of Liberal Arts and WSU Extension, recently received the 2017 Rep. Timm Ormsby Citizenship Award. The award was presented to five citizens in the state.
Gaffney was honored for his leadership on the SR 530 (Oso) Slide recovery project that began in April 2014, shortly after then-WSU President Elson S. Floyd announced the university’s commitment to assist with the long-term recovery. Working with WSU County Extension Director Curt Moulton, Gaffney developed a strategy for engagement focused on addressing unmet needs and building sustainable capacity in the region to support both recovery and resilience in the long run.
The SR 530 Slide Recovery Project developed an internship program to place WSU-funded students in summer positions to support recovery and development efforts. More than 50 students and a number of local volunteers committed more than 1,300 hours of service working on 15 projects related to Slide Recovery, including economic development, youth programming, school engagement, broadband expansion, trauma support, and work with the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe.
Gaffney also is facilitating a commission, appointed by the governor and Snohomish County executives, to examine the slide response and identify lessons that could be applied to enhance statewide public safety.
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