Nov. 14, 2026
South Sound Military & Communities Partnership program director Bill Adamson was recently recognized for his outstanding achievements.
The Association of Defense Communities named Adamson a “Defense Community Champion.” He is one of 16 people from across the United States to receive this honorable recognition. He is the only recipient from Washington State.
Adamson was presented the recognition at the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP) Elected Officials Council breakfast.
The award recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact in their defense community. Defense Community Champions go above and beyond to make meaningful connections with military members, families and veterans in their community. Recipients can be community or military members.
A retired Army Colonel, Adamson joined SSMCP in 2016 and was promoted to program director in 2017. In this role he helps address issues between Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and surrounding local governments. He also advocates for JBLM, Washington National Guard Headquarters at Camp Murray, service members, their families, and transitioning veterans. Often this work sends him to Washington, D.C. to meet with top military and Congressional leaders.
Adamson’s most notable impacts are seen through transportation improvements to the region, improved spousal employment programs, and advocacy projects. He advanced several new I-5 highway projects to reduce traffic congestion for the many military personnel who commute to JBLM. He helped pass the Military Spouse Employment Act that eases licensure barriers, allowing military spouses to transfer into Washington State and immediately begin employment.
With a military background and years of experience in plans and policy development, Adamson has used his experience and knowledge to unite many groups and take a coordinated approach to state and federal lobbying efforts.