Gov. Christine Gregoire yesterday named Tacoma business and education leader Herb Simon to the Board of Regents for the University of Washington effective Oct. 20, 2005 and ending Sept. 30, 2011.

“Herb Simon’s longtime commitment to the University of Washington is one of making sure his alma mater succeeds as a top institution of higher learning,” said Gov. Gregoire. “His dedication to that cause will no doubt result in UW’s future success at our campuses statewide.”

Added President Emmert, “I am delighted with Herb Simon’s appointment to our Board of Regents. His great attachment to the UW is complemented by his deep and long-standing commitment to higher education,” said UW President Mark Emmert. “He is an excellent choice.”

Mr. Simon said, “I couldn’t be more honored than to be appointed by Gov. Gregoire to the UW Board of Regents. Education in general and higher education specifically, are clearly the economic engine for Washington’s future. Gov. Gregoire is acting on this important knowledge and to be a part of that effort over the next years at our state’s flagship institution is not only exciting, but humbling.”

A Tacoma native, Mr. Simon is a 1964 graduate of the UW with a degree in political science. Formerly the Secretary/Treasurer of Joseph Simon & Sons Inc., recycler of scrap iron and metals, he formed an investment company of what is now Simon Johnson LLC, investor in real estate and venture capital projects, in 1985.

Chairman of the Executive Council for a Greater Tacoma, Mr. Simon is a member of the Advisory Board of the Institute of Technology for UW. He is also a past member of Washington State Higher Education Commission Board, a former member of the Advisory Board for UW, and a past member of the Study Group of Brookings Institute at Pacific Lutheran University. He is also an Executive Board Member for Pierce County World Trade Center and a member of the Rotary Club since 1967.