(Spokane, Wash.) – Greater Spokane Incorporated President and CEO Steve Stevens Issued a Statement Regarding the Passing of Washington State University President Dr. Elson Floyd.
“Today I was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Elson Floyd, PhD. Many have already eloquently commented on his passing as a great loss for the region, higher education and our state. I strongly concur with all of them, but want to express that I believe his passing is a tremendous loss for the entire business community.
Less than one year ago, I began work as President & CEO of Greater Spokane Incorporated and as a newcomer, many individuals contacted me to discuss the relationships that existed and were needed to help us accomplish our important work. Within the first few weeks of my arrival, Dr. Floyd reached out to me and we began our short relationship discussing the critical partnership between the business community and Washington State University.
Many years before my arrival, visionary leaders created tremendous energy and support to build and grow medical education in our region – first to attempt to offset the large shortage of physicians faced by our state, but even bigger, to drive economic prosperity in our region through research and economic development. Dr. Floyd was very much part of that vision. Put simply, he ‘got it’ when it came to leading, driving and partnering to accomplish what needed to be done. His leadership will affect countless citizens for decades to come.
His legacy stands in this community through our vibrant and growing University District with its multi-disciplinary educational opportunities. More importantly, I feel fortunate that I had the chance to get to know him – if only briefly – to be inspired by his integrity, hard work and tenacity. We have lost one of Spokane’s Most Valuable Players. On behalf of the business community, we mourn his passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
