About Paull

During the Korean War, Paull was adopted by an American GI and brought to the United States. He began his education with a GED, and went on to earn a Master of Public and International Affairs, Masters of Arts and finally a Ph.D. from the University of Washington. After 31 years of teaching at the college level, he retired, only to embrace public service.

Sen. Shin was elected to the Washington State Senate in 1999. Prior to that, he served in the House of Representatives from 1993-1994.

He is Vice President Pro Tempore which presides over floor action in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor and President Pro Tempore.

He currently serves on the following legislative committees:

1. Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development Committee
2. Trade & Economic Development Committee

Sen. Shin has been involved in numerous civic and community organizations some of which include:

1. Governor’s Council on Higher Education
2. Governor’s Council on International Trade
3. Blue Ribbon Study on Washington Trade
4. Governor’s Commission on Asian American Affairs
5. Governor's Small Business Improvement Council
6. Joint Legislative Committee on Veteran and Military Affairs
7. Joint Legislative Committee on Transportation
8. Joint Legislative Committee on Economic Development
9. University of Washington Friends of the Library
10. Children’s Deaconess Services, Board Member
11. YMCA, Board Member
12. United Way, Board Member
13. Cascade Bank, Board Member
14. Asian American Political Action Civic Affairs, Board Member
15. International Trade Fair, Board Member
16. United Nations Dolman Society, Board Member
17. Washington State Boy Scouts, Board Member
18. KIRO Radio, Board Member
19. World Association of Children and Parents (WACAP), Board Member
20. Northwest Region of Korean Americans, President
21. Economic Opportunity Council, Board Member

Awards and recognitions he has received throughout the years:

1. 2004 Liberty of Spirit Award
2. Ethnic Heritage Council
3. YMCA Outstanding Service Award 1998
4. Distinguished Alumnus, Brigham Young University, 1997
5. Vocational Education Development Award
6. Distinguished Alumnus, University of Pittsburgh
7. Asian-American Pioneer Award, Northwest Asian Weekly
8. Honorary Doctorates from Far-Eastern State Technical University (Vladivostok) Kungook University, Kunsan National University, Chosen University, Woosuk University, Seoul Christian University, International University of Foreign Studies; Honorary Professor, Yanbian University of Science and Technology

In his spare time Sen. Shin enjoys mentoring young men and women interested in politics and reaching out to adoptees around the world.

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