West Seattle resident Russ Brubaker has been named one of 16 recipients of Gov. Chris Gregoire’s 2009 Award for Leadership in Management.

Gregoire said Brubaker, senior assistant director of tax policy for the state's Department of Revenue, has been a champion of simplicity and fairness in tax policy for more than 20 years. She called him a visionary leader and an advocate of fiscal efficiency.

Brubaker helped pave the way for Washington joining a national effort to encourage out-of-state sellers to collect sales tax on sales to Washington residents; supported passage of taxpayer rights and responsibilities legislation, championed tax simplifications in reporting for small businesses, and defended Washington’s tax system against Congressional proposals that would have eviscerated the state’s business and occupation tax.

Locally, Brubaker has served on the Northwest AIDs Foundation Legislative Committee, Delridge Neighborhoods District Council, City Neighborhood Council, Citizens Toxics Cleanup Campaign Board, and the Seattle Parks and Green Space Levy Oversight Committee.

He has lived in West Seattle for 15 years with his partner Peter Quigley and several very charming dogs and cats.

Recipients will attend a May 19 awards luncheon at the executive mansion.

Thirty-six managers were nominated by 19 agencies for the award. A selection committee composed of agency heads and members of Gregoire’s staff selected the winners based on demonstrated performance.

The Leadership in Management program was created in 1985 to recognize state government managers who demonstrate excellent performance. In 2006, the governor reinvigorated the program with criteria that focus on performance, accountability and proven business results.

Go here to read about the other award recipients.