Perkins Coie's 2024 J. Shan Mullin Annual Community Leadership and Service Awards Honorees

We are delighted to announce the 2024 honorees of our J. Shan Mullin Annual Community Leadership and Service Awards: partners Erick Haynie and Melanie Rubocki, associate Nancy Cruz, and business professionals Donna Foreman and William French. These awards, established in 2018, honor the enduring legacy of Shan Mullin—a former Perkins Coie partner whose dedication to civic leadership and community building left an indelible mark on Seattle and beyond. Honorees will receive funds to support a nonprofit organization of their choosing.

For more than two decades, Erick Haynie has exemplified the qualities Shan Mullin championed: deep community involvement, strategic leadership, and a relentless focus on improving lives. Erick’s impact in the Columbia River Gorge area of Oregon and Washington is unwavering. He has served in critical leadership roles, including chair of the Hood River Rotary Club Board, leadership on the John Lamar Cooper College Scholarship Foundation, and board chairman of a private school serving five counties across Oregon and Washington.

Erick’s contributions extend across sectors, from education and healthcare to food security and the arts. He has played a pivotal role in establishing and supporting nonprofits such as United Way of the Columbia Gorge, FISH Food Bank, and the Columbia Gorge Humane Society. His board service includes nearly a decade with the Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital Foundation, where he also served as chair, and ongoing involvement with Hope Medical, the Hood River County Sheriff’s Foundation, and StageTruckNW, Inc.

Beyond community service, Erick has made a significant impact within the firm through pro bono work, averaging over 150 hours annually for the last five years. His dedication to mentoring associates on nonprofit matters demonstrates his commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. Erick’s dedicated service reflects Shan’s legacy of creating meaningful, lasting change.

Melanie’s contributions to Boise and beyond reflect Shan Mullin’s vision of using professional experience to drive innovation and community well-being. As a co-founder of the Greater Boise Aquatic Foundation, Melanie has helped provide access to safe, inclusive aquatic opportunities, particularly for underserved groups. Her role in organizing fundraising programs and community events has advanced critical water safety initiatives in a region rich with natural water resources.

Melanie’s work with Actuate (d/b/a Trailhead), a nonprofit she co-founded to support entrepreneurs, underscores her commitment to fostering economic growth and equity. As legal counsel since 2013 and a member of the executive board since 2017, she has been instrumental in connecting entrepreneurs to resources and opportunities.

Her leadership extends to numerous organizations, including the Idaho Technology Council, the Boise YMCA Swim Team Council, and the Bishop Kelly President’s Advisory Council. She has also served on the boards of the Bogus Basin Ski Education Foundation, Friends of Zoo Boise, and St. Joseph’s School, as well as on the City of Boise Economic Recovery Task Force. Melanie’s enduring contributions demonstrate a commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities, a legacy deeply rooted in Shan’s example.

Nancy embodies Shan Mullin’s commitment to advancing equity and fostering empowerment within underserved communities. As president of the Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association, Nancy has created platforms for mentorship, networking, and advocacy, directly impacting the professional development of young Latine legal professionals. She also supports the University of Wisconsin Law School’s La Alianza student organization and coaches moot court students competing at the Hispanic National Bar Association’s corporate counsel conference.

Nancy’s pro bono work further highlights her dedication to meaningful change. She has facilitated relationships with nonprofits such as the Tenant Resource Center, addressing housing security, and the Community Immigration Law Center, bringing asylum cases to the firm. Her sponsorship and event facilitation for Centro Hispano and the Latino Professionals Association of Greater Madison amplify her efforts to build connections and drive positive outcomes. Nancy also serves as a pro bono liaison for the firm, ensuring its resources are leveraged to meet critical community needs.

Her advocacy extends to fostering unity and empowerment across multiple generations of immigrant families in Wisconsin and beyond. Whether guiding young professionals or supporting individuals in moments of vulnerability, Nancy’s leadership exemplifies the spirit of the J. Shan Mullin Awards—combining professional excellence with an unwavering dedication to service.

Donna’s dedication to community service reflects the values Shan Mullin championed—compassion, leadership, and meaningful change. As a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in Snohomish County, Donna advocates for vulnerable children navigating the legal system. Her work with Housing Hope addresses homelessness and poverty through initiatives such as the Stone Soup fundraiser and direct outreach, bringing stability and support to families in need.

Donna also serves underserved populations in other impactful ways. She is training as a hospice volunteer and has applied to become a Certified Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman, advocating for the dignity and rights of older adults. At Jill’s House, she provides one-on-one support for children with intellectual disabilities, creating joyful experiences that resonate deeply with families.

Within the firm, Donna leads community initiatives through the Community Service Committee and fosters camaraderie on the Seattle office’s Happiness Committee. Her multifaceted contributions exemplify Shan’s legacy of service, creating lasting change for children, families, and underserved communities.

William’s creativity and advocacy embody Shan Mullin’s innovative and service-driven spirit. Over the past six years, William has raised more than $25,000 for AIDS/LifeCycle, a seven-day, 545-mile charitable bike ride supporting individuals living with HIV/AIDS. His unique fundraising efforts, including crafting custom jewelry in exchange for donations, reflect his ingenuity and deep commitment to making a lasting impact.

Beyond AIDS/LifeCycle, William is dedicated to fostering inclusion and connection within his community. He donates his art studio as a sober-space venue for charitable events and formerly served as co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Resource Group, promoting equity and belonging within the firm. His leadership has contributed to meaningful initiatives that support underrepresented voices and build a stronger, more inclusive workplace.

William’s passion for creative outreach extends to firmwide events, such as sharing his beading talents during Bring Your Kids to Work Day, where he delighted children and colleagues alike. His contributions to fundraising, community building, and advocacy exemplify Shan’s belief in leveraging unique talents to uplift others and create positive change.