Agriculture
China
Corporate Sustainability
Imports
Poverty
Security
TPA (Fast Track)

In-Service Seminars
ITEF
Trade Curriculum

Calendars
Publications
Web Links
WTO Archives

Become A Member
Benefits of Membership
Member Directory
Member Spotlight

Email Directory
Internship Program
Job Opportunities
Past Presidents
President

 ABOUT WCIT
 Email Directory  |   Internship Program  |   Job Opportunities
 Past Presidents  |  President

Past WCIT President, Bill Center

Bill Center served as President of the    
Washington Council on International Trade
from 2001 to 2006. 

Bill retired from the U.S. Navy as Rear Admiral in 1999 after 35 years distinguished service.  He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the University of Washington’s Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs.  During his naval career he commanded three ships and served in a wide variety of assignments at sea and ashore, including three years as Chief Engineer on the aircraft carrier uss midway.  He and his family resided in Japan during three different assignments totaling eight years. 

Bill is a specialist in policy analysis, strategic planning and organization development.  He served as a senior advisor to the Joint Chiefs of Staff on arms control, non-proliferation, environmental matters, and international agreements.  He was General Colin Powell's deputy director for international negotiations and served in the same role for General John Shalikashvili.  In his final assignment, from May 1996 to May 1999, he commanded the Navy’s third largest fleet concentration area, Navy Region Northwest.  He earned numerous military awards including the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit and Defense Superior Service Medal.  He is a sought-after public speaker and teaches the Graduate Seminar on U.S. Foreign Policy at the Evans School.

Since retiring from the Navy Bill has devoted himself to nonprofit leadership and volunteer work.  He was President of the Rotary Club of Seattle www.seattlerotary.org and an active leader in the Initiative for Global Development, www.igdleaders.org.  He and Karla, his wife of 38 years, reside in Edmonds.