2025 Spring Conference Keynote

We are thrilled to announce the keynote for the WSCSS 2025 Spring Conference! Join us for an inspiring keynote by Former House Minority Leader, J.T. Wilcox who will explore the critical role of civic education in navigating change and continuity in our democratic process.

Bio:

J.T. Wilcox grew up on his family farm in rural Pierce County, where he still lives today. He is a graduate of Yelm High School and Washington State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in history. For 23 years, J.T. was employed at his fifth-generation family business, Wilcox Farms. In the 2000s, J.T. served as Chief Operating Officer and then Chief Financial Officer.

He served as chairman of Milk-Pep, the national “Got Milk” program, and as Chairman of the Washington Holstein Association, the Washington Poultry Industry Association, and also sat on the boards of the Washington Egg Commission and the International Dairy Foods Association.

In 2011, he was sworn in as state representative for the 2nd Legislative District, which includes several small towns in Pierce and Thurston counties. He served nearly his entire Legislative career as a senior Member of House Minority Leadership. He stepped down as Leader at the end of the 2023 Legislative Session and finished his final term as Representative in January 2025. His legislative interests were the rural economy and sustainable natural resource management.

J.T. also operates Wilcox Strategies, a consulting firm that advises private sector companies and organizations on external relations, generational succession, press relations, and governance.

You can register for the 2025 Spring Conference, taking place on March 15 at the Washington State History Museum, in Tacoma by clicking the button below.