The Puget Sound Business Journal recently named UW regent and REI CEO Sally Jewell its 2006 Executive of the Year.

"All of this attention is a little embarrassing for me, to be quite honest," Jewell said.

Growing up in Renton and Seattle, Jewell was accepted as a student to the UW in 1973.

Initially intending to study dental hygiene, she switched to dentistry and then settled on mechanical engineering before receiving her bachelor's degree in 1978.

Jewell spent 19 years in the banking industry before joining REI in 2000.

In addition to her job at REI, Jewell also serves on the UW Board of Regents.

"The regents don't work for the University," said Norm Arkans, executive director of the UW media relations.

"The regents are the 10-member citizen board that's appointed by the governor and confirmed by the [state] legislature and who have ultimate authority for the University ... they're volunteer citizens."

Jewell was initially hesitant to accept former Gov. Gary Locke's offer to join the UW Board of Regents in 2000. It was only after considerable thought and advice of former UW Regent Jim Ellis that Jewell accepted her nomination.

"My current function," Jewell said of her role on the board, "is to chair the finance, audit and facilities committee that oversees our facilities ... which are in constant need of attention, both new and old ... our investments, our finances and to ensure that appropriate accounting and financial controls are in place."

Jewell is also working with the faculty senate as a liaison between the faculty and the UW Board of Regents. In the past, she represented the regents on Gov. Gregoire's Washington Learns, a higher education advisory committee.

"Explore what this university has to offer, then find a way to make it smaller by engaging deeply in a department or with a group that engages you," she said. "Seek advice from professors, fellow students, advisors and administrators ... respect and learn from your fellow students and professors, especially embracing their differences."

Reach reporter Anthony Michael Erickson at news@thedaily.washington.edu.