The resolution honors Mary Selecky for her extensive contributions to public health in Washington State. Growing up in Pennsylvania and later moving to Colville, Washington, she dedicated her career to improving healthcare in rural communities. Selecky began her public health journey with the Northeast Tri-County Health District, where she became an administrator and advocated for various health programs. Her efforts were instrumental in the establishment of the Washington State Department of Health in 1989, and she served as Secretary of Health for nearly 15 years under multiple governors, making her one of the longest-serving state health leaders in the nation.

Throughout her tenure, Selecky led significant public health initiatives, including responses to the H1N1 pandemic and the Fukushima disaster, while championing smoking cessation and improving childhood immunization rates. Her leadership helped Washington achieve Public Health Accreditation and strengthened emergency preparedness systems. Beyond her government service, she continued to impact her community through volunteer work and education, advocating for marginalized populations and addressing challenging public health issues. The resolution expresses gratitude for her legacy and the lasting influence she has had on public health leadership in Washington State.