About Brian Sonntag
Ever since he was first elected State Auditor in 1992, Brian Sonntag has been a passionate, leading advocate for citizens of the State of Washington.
Now in his fifth term, Brian remains committed to ensuring state and local governments are accountable, accessible and responsive to citizens.
This year, the Washington Policy Center recognized his years of dedication to public service by honoring him with its Stanley O. McNaughton Champion of Freedom Award.
Brian also serves on the Board of the Washington Coalition for Open Government. In 2009, he received the Coalition’s James Anderson Award for his advocacy for open government. The Washington Newspaper Publishers Association’s gave him the Freedom’s Light Award in 1999. For his efforts to improve local government operations, Brian received the Warren G. Magnuson Award from the Seattle Municipal League in 1999.
He has a distinguished career in public service. He was elected Pierce County Clerk when he was 26 years old and served eight years in that office. Brian was also elected twice to the office of Pierce County Auditor (an office his father held for 22 years) before being elected State Auditor.
Brian also is a member of the state Productivity Board and co-chairs Public Service Recognition Week, an annual event showcasing the achievements of state employees.
In 2007, Tacoma Community College selected Brian as its distinguished alumni of the year for his public service and community involvement, which includes serving on the boards of United Way and the Boys and Girls Club, as well as many years as a youth baseball and basketball coach.
Professionally, he holds the designation as a Certified Government Financial Manager from the National Association of Government Accountants. He also serves as a trustee on the Association of Government Accountants Academy of Government Accountability.
He is a member of the Tacoma Athletic Commission.
He and his wife, Jann, live in Tacoma, have raised five boys, and have four grandchildren.