Washington Fatherhood Council director receives David Gray Ross Leadership in Government Award
Washington Fatherhood Council Director Anne Stone has been named the 2025 recipient of the David Gray Ross Fatherhood Leadership in Government Award, a prestigious national honor recognizing exceptional public sector leadership in advancing responsible fatherhood and strengthening families.
Anne is a founding leader of the Washington Fatherhood Council, which was launched in 2018 by a planning group of 20 stakeholders led by a small group of state leaders, including former DSHS Economic Services Administration Assistant Secretary David Stillman and former DSHS Division of Child Support Director Wally McClure, who shared concerns about the inequities fathers often face in accessing services and support. What began as grassroots outreach has evolved into a statewide effort to make systems more inclusive of fathers and responsive to their critical role in child well-being.
The council’s work is grounded in lived experience — many of its members are fathers — and driven by a clear mission: “to advance father-inclusive practices, policies and partnerships across Washington state in order to strengthen families and improve child outcomes.”
Since its inception, the council has:
- Hosted an annual Fatherhood Summit, creating space for dialogue, connection and community-building.
- Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with seven state agencies, creating formal, shared goals toward improving outcomes for fathers.
- Delivered a monthly Provider Learning Series, reaching thousands of professionals across Washington.
- Supported over 15 community cafés, including sessions with tribal partners and community providers to hear directly from fathers and families about what’s working and what’s needed.
- Secured multiple grants, expanding its reach and deepening its impact.
- Completed a State of Fatherhood Study in June 2024 (2024 State of Fatherhood in Washington Study | WA Interagency Fatherhood Council).
“This work is ultimately in service of children and families,” Anne explained. “Research consistently shows that children with involved fathers experience better educational outcomes, improved mental and physical health, and are more likely to avoid poverty and trauma.”
Yet as Anne and others have observed, many public systems have not been designed with fathers in mind.
“When we started, it was just me knocking on doors,” Anne said. “Now organizations and coalitions see the council as the go-to resource for support on how to meet the unique needs of fathers.”
“Congratulations on this amazing achievement and well-deserved recognition,” DSHS Acting Secretary Cheryl Strange told Anne. “You are magic! I just had the privilege of supporting your great vision and your willingness to supply the elbow grease.”
Today, the council is fielding growing interest from partners around the state — and around the country — who are seeking to replicate Washington’s collaborative approach. Even through changes in administration and agency leadership, the Washington Fatherhood Council has remained a steady, values-driven presence.
The fathers at the heart of the council’s work often say they’re committed to ensuring that other dads don’t have to navigate the same challenges they faced. Their efforts, along with Anne’s leadership, have helped make Washington a national model for responsible fatherhood work grounded in equity, community and hope.
The Judge David Gray Ross award is given annually to a public sector official for outstanding contributions in the advancement of government efforts that promote responsible fatherhood and strong families. Ross was commissioner for the Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (1983–2000). During his tenure, Ross fundamentally changed the way the federal child support system interfaces with fathers with low incomes. As a result of his leadership, significant changes occurred resulting in father-friendly practices and customer service approaches within the child support system. Recipients of this annual award have demonstrated a track record that reflects Judge Ross legacy.
To learn more or connect with the Washington Fatherhood Council, visit wafatherhoodcouncil.org, and save the date for the ninth annual mini-summit coming Sept. 20 to the Tacoma area.
