The Aspen Institute, an international nonprofit dedicated to fostering enlightened leadership and open-minded dialogue, announced it has selected Metropolitan King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson for an Aspen-Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership. The program honors public leaders it identifies as the “true rising stars” of American politics.

Ferguson is only the second Washington state resident to be so honored. He was nominated by the state’s first Aspen-Rodel Fellow, State Attorney General and former King County Councilmember Rob McKenna.

“I’m honored by this recognition, and I look forward to this rare opportunity to learn more about the ethics and responsibilities of public leadership and the study of democratic values,” said Ferguson, who represents the District 1 communities of north King County.

Drawn from the ranks of federal, state and local governments across the country, the Class of 2008 will form the third class of the Aspen-Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership, designed to bring together “the very best of the nation's emerging leaders” to discuss broad issues of democratic governance and effective public service. Most of the class members consist of lieutenant governors, state attorneys general and treasurers, and state legislative leaders from across the nation. They will meet in December for a conversation centered on the underlying values and principles of a democratic society.

The 24 members of the 2008 fellowship class are split between Democratic and Republican elected officials from all levels of government who have, in the words of the program, “reputations for intelligence, thoughtfulness, civility, and a proven ability to work with their colleagues across the political aisle.” Fellows are selected by invitation only.

The program is directed by former Congressman Mickey Edwards, who said the new fellowship class represents “the true promise of America––an outstanding group of young leaders with a clear commitment to putting aside partisan differences for the good of our nation.” Edwards said the selection process involved finding young officials who had not only earned reputations for thoughtfulness and intelligence, but who had also been recognized for "their willingness to cross party lines and their ability to remain focused on the ideals that originally led them into public service.”

The two-year fellowship consists of three weekend seminars, held either at the Aspen Institute's facilities on the eastern shore of Maryland or in Aspen, Colorado, and week-long seminars in China and the Middle East. The goal of the program is to discuss and understand, through the use of study and conversation, the underlying values and principles of western democracy, its relationship between individuals and their community, and the responsibilities of public leadership.

The program is an opportunity to support and inspire political leaders committed to sustaining the vision of a political system based on thoughtful and civil bi-partisan dialogue.

Read more about the Aspen-Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership