Jim Ferrell

nce a good job made for his family – and the support of neighbors and community left a lasting impact. That is why, as mayor, he has always led with community values, continually working to bring jobs to Federal Way and give every neighbor a path to a fulfilling and good-paying career. Before being elected mayor, Jim served as a King County Senior Deputy Prosecutor, defending victims of crime and working to keep our community safe. Ferrell began his career as a prosecutor for the City of Renton, Washington before moving onto the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in 1998. That same year Ferrell won an award from the King County Sheriff’s Office for performing life-saving CPR on a fellow prosecutor and, in 2003, won an award for chasing down on foot and apprehending a defendant who had fled a courtroom. In 2000, Ferrell became the supervisor of King County’s newly created domestic violence court and later (2005–07) served two terms as the president of the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Union. Similar to his near appointment to the State Senate, Ferrell in 2007 finished second behind Dan Satterberg to be appointed as King County Prosecuting Attorney to fill the position following the death of Norm Maleng. As a member of the Federal Way City Council from 2003 to 2013, Jim worked to support students and schools, protect parks and greenspaces, and promote public safety. In 2009, he led the successful grassroots effort to change Federal Way’s form of government and ensure greater government accountability, convincing voters to move from a council and city manager to an elected mayor system. Centering his mayoral agenda on local priorities, Jim has been a champion for safe communities, smart growth, and transparent government. During the pandemic, Jim has led with a public health approach, advocating for needed support for small businesses, workers, and the most vulnerable. A regional leader, Jim ensures Federal Way has a voice as a member of the Puget Sound Regional Council, Sound Cities Association Board of Directors, and King County Metro Services Guidelines Committee. He brings his trusted voice for public Safety to the Valley Communications 911 Board of Directors and EMS Advising Task Force. Longtime Federal Way residents, Jim and his wife Wendy are raising their teenage son in the city they call home. Jim graduated from the University of Washington and earned his law degree from Gonzaga University. He played Husky football under Coach Don James in the mid-1980’s and received the Guy Flaherty Award – the storied football program’s oldest and most prestigious recognition.