Michael Ronan

RESUME: Partner & Principal, EY

WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE ON THE BOARD? I’ve been on the board at Special Olympics Washington for six years and I’ve been the board chair for the past two. My younger daughter is a Special Olympics athlete so this is a very personal interest/passion for me and I’m anxious to see what kind of role I can play in helping our community create a better world for all of our athletes.

WHAT SPORTS HAVE YOU PLAYED? I played basketball, volleyball, and rugby in high school. My dad was an engineer who worked for a firm that designed hydro electric power plants all over the world so I went to three different high schools: one in Paraguay, one in Venezuela, and one in Chicago. I also played college basketball at the University of Exeter in England.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM SPORTS THAT YOU’VE APPLIED TO YOUR CAREER? The chain is only as strong as its’ weakest link so if you only look out for yourself you’re doing anyone any favors. Being a part of a team means you are fundamentally accountable not only to yourself but to everyone around you which is a critical component of success. Everyone on the team is successful when you help them be successful. That drives my interaction in the workplace, with my family, and my friends.

WHAT WILL IT MEAN TO SEATTLE TO HOST THE GAMES? It’s an extra demonstration of how well-prepared Seattle is to put on and manage a great event. It’s an opportunity for Seattle to put itself on a stage as it pertains to driving inclusion across all aspects of our life. Sport is place where you can show that on a much broader level.

WHAT SHOULD ATHLETES SEE WHEN THEY VISIT SEATTLE? Walk along the waterfront and eat at one of our many great restaurants. I’m a big Sounders fan so I’d advise going to a Sounders match.