Hawkins grew up in Hamersville, Ohio, where he graduated from Hamersville High School in 1968 and Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in food technology.
He later earned a Master of Arts in management from Webster University.
Before coming to Tacoma Public Utilities, Hawkins served 20 years as a Quartermaster Officer in the U.S. Army, with tours in the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Korea, and Germany. While stationed in North Carolina, he served as a paratrooper, completing 43 military jumps. He retired from the Army in 1992 with a rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
“I’m looking forward to spending lots of time with my three wonderful children and spouses, Mark (Kelly), Kathy (Casey) and Laura and six fun-loving grandsons,” Hawkins said. His immediate plans are to spend long 7-day weekends with family jet skiing and boating on the waters of Lake Washington.
Besides his frequent visits to Hamersville, he plans to visit the Netherlands, Belgium, England and the Canary Islands.
Hawkins is the son of Charles and Rita Hawkins of Hamersville. Brother of George Hawkins, Cincinnati, Ohio; Steve Hawkins, Circleville, Ohio; Leonard Hawkins, Fayetteville, NC; Karen Denman, Batavia, Ohio; Mary K. Hiler, Lake Waynoka, Ohio; and Lois Richendollar, Lake Waynoka, Ohio.