There is an area of south Tacoma, not far from the Tacoma Mall, called Edison. Sometime in the 1880's, John Ladenburg's great-grandmother Kate settled there. Records show descendants of Kate's have lived in Pierce County ever since.

John is the third of 16 children. His father was a high-voltage electrician. With 16 little ones, it's obvious how his mother spent her day. John's father moved his family often in pursuit of employment. He brought them back to Tacoma for good when John was six. John graduated from Stadium High School and received his undergraduate and law degree from Gonzaga University in Spokane.

In turn, John has been a trial attorney, a Tacoma City Councilman, the Pierce County Prosecutor, and now, Pierce County Executive. As a practicing lawyer, John was involved in several high-profile cases ranging from the federal Salmonscam to the Pierce County Racketeering trials. As a Councilman, John was a leader in protecting the environment and in establishing clean drinking water standards. He also served as a lead negotiator in the Puyallup Indian Tribe land settlement. As Prosecuting Attorney, John was recognized nationally for programs against drug dealers and gang members. He also helped create Safe Streets of Pierce County and the 'Three Strikes And You're Out' law. As County Executive, John has taken the lead on a wide range of local and regional issues. Working with other counties and jurisdictions, John is helping to bring 21st Century transportation to the Puget Sound area; increase salmon populations by restoring natural habitat; and, improve economic development to protect and create jobs.

On a personal note, John once played slowpitch softball with his eight brothers and eldest son. Their team, 'The Family,' was featured in the July 1988 issue of Sports Illustrated and on Good Morning America. Today, slowpitch is out and golf is in. So is being a grandfather. John and his wife Connie enjoy seven grandchildren: Justice, Cyrus, Cameron, Nick, Jace, Lily, and Elizabeth. John considers them an extra incentive to make Pierce County an even better place to work and live.

Employment & Milestones

• 1974 - 1976 Binns, Petrich, Hester and Robson, Associate Lawyer
• 1976 - 1986 Ladenburg and Haselman, Partner
• 1974 Admitted to the Washington Supreme Court
• 1975 Admitted to the U.S. District Court of Western Washington
• 1976 Admitted to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
• 1977 Admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court
• 1982 - 1986 Tacoma City Councilman
• 1987 - 2000 Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney
• 2001 - Present Pierce County Executive