While appearing at the annual Washington State Association of County Auditors Conference in Spokane last week, Secretary of State Kim Wyman presented Cowlitz County Auditor Kris Swanson with the Secretary of State’s 2013 County Auditor of the Year award.

“Her hard work for the people of her county is admirable and sets an example for all public officials. However, it is the dedication to her work that extends beyond her county borders that earned Kris this award,” Wyman said.

Swanson’s response to receiving the honor:

“The award came as a complete surprise and I am so honored! This award was even more meaningful because it came from Secretary Wyman, someone I have tremendous respect for.”

Wyman praised Swanson for reviewing election bills proposed by the state Legislature and reporting to the association’s legislative committee, her “tremendous work” organizing annual elections conferences, and her work on election issues at the national level.

Swanson began working in the Cowlitz County Auditor’s Office as its Elections Division supervisor in 1991. She was first elected Cowlitz County Auditor in 1998.