Duke Paulson

Executive Director, Tacoma Rescue Mission

Duke Paulson has more than 30 years of leadership, non-profit management, and fund development experience. Since 2018, he has served as the Executive Director of the Tacoma Rescue Mission. He currently serves as the Chair of the Facilities Committee of the Board. A Pacific Lutheran University graduate majoring in biology with a psychology minor, Duke also holds a master’s degree in education administration from the college. In addition, he earned a certification from the National Housing Development organization in low-income housing finance development. 

 

From the mid-1990s through 2012, Duke managed College Bound, a Pierce County program impacting 500 students annually, whose mission is to help low-income and first-generation college-bound students prepare for, and succeed in college. The benchmark he and his colleagues used as a success standard was Bellarmine Preparatory School. Through this work, Duke gained admiration for Bellarmine’s staff and the institution’s intentional student development. 

 

Duke and his best friend, and wife, Amy met as Young Life leaders 26 years ago and will be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. Their impactful experience with Young Life continues today as volunteers for the organization at Curtis High School, Tacoma, WA. He and Amy, along with their family, are active members in their church, serving in many roles including Sunday School teachers, as well as leaders for men’s ministry, mission trips, and small group ministry. In his spare time, Duke enjoys reading about leadership, spiritual development, historical biography, and fiction.

 

When not working, Duke and Amy are raising, and driving all over the county, for their wonderful children – two high school students, and two college students attending Miami of Ohio and Vanguard. Duke gives his time coaching his kids’ sports teams and enjoys attending their musical performances, and theater and dance productions.