Bill Baarsma is an American politician and academic who served as the 37th mayor of Tacoma, Washington from 2001 to 2009.
[1][2] Baarsma was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, and earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Puget Sound, where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity.
Baarsma was also selected for the Scottish Rite Masonic Fellowship for graduate study at George Washington University, where he earned his master's degree and doctorate.
[3] While living in Washington, D.C., Baarsma worked on the staff of Senator Henry M. Jackson and was chosen for a coveted graduate student assistantship with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
[4] Prior to his election as mayor, Baarsma taught business and public administration at the University of Puget Sound and served on the Tacoma City Council from 1992 to 1999.