Each year, the Golden Shovel Award is bestowed on individuals or organizations that have made a significant contribution to the economic well-being of Tacoma-Pierce County. This year, the EDB is pleased to honor a lifetime of achievement and a maritime marvel.

Bev Losey and the Youth Marine Foundation of Tacoma are the recipients of the 2023 Golden Shovel.

Bev Losey, retired Senior Vice President for Brown & Brown Insurance

Losey was recognized for her professional achievements in the insurance industry and prolific community leadership work. Losey has served – and continues to serve – on various boards and committees for a variety of organizations and institutions. She has also twice chaired the EDB Board of Directors and served on its board for more than 14 years.

“I am surprised and humbled to receive this award and recognition,” Losey said. “It truly means so much to me. I feel privileged to have carried on the leadership legacy of Brown & Brown over my 37 years with the organization.”

Youth Marine Foundation

The on-water nonprofit, located on the Foss Waterway, provides training and marine science programs for youth. Thanks to a community-supported capital campaign that raised $3.2 million, the Foundation purchased the MV Doolin-Rogers. The world-class training vessel, which arrived in Tacoma amid much fanfare in October 2022, provides a training platform in navigation, engineering, deckhand duties and marine science. The addition of the craft has tripled the Foundation’s youth outreach and furthered the organization’s mission to keep the region’s young people connected to the sea through education, work experience and culture.

“I’ll never forget seeing Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards at the helm when we brought the boat from Thurston County to Tacoma,” said Monique Valenzuela, Executive Director of the Youth Marine Foundation. “That’s what a business-friendly environment looks like.”