JEANNE BENNETT

Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council hires new executive director

The Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council (SWWDC) recently named Jeanne Bennett its new executive director. Bennett has been the executive director of the Mount St. Helen's Institute for the last four years.

At the Mount St. Helen’s Institute, which is focused on promoting stewardship, science education, and research and appreciation of volcanic landscapes, Bennett was responsible for program administration, fundraising, partnership development and overall administration of the organization.

From 2002 through 2007, Bennett was responsible for the youth workforce programs operated by Evergreen School District (ESD) 112 and funded by the SWWDC. She also spent four years working for former Congressman Brian Baird in his Vancouver office and four years with Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse
in Oregon.

“Jeanne brings a wealth of collaborative and creative energy to the SWWDC that will be important to our future development,” said Dale Lemmons, CEO of Interstate Wood Products and Chairman of the Board of the SWWDC. “We are thrilled to resume our working relationship with her.”

The SWWDC provides resources and leadership to promote education and workforce strategies that help build the economic fabric of the region. The council covers Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties.

GARRET HARPER

Vancouver industrial broker Garret Harper was honored as NAI Norris, Beggs & Simpson’s #5 Top Producer of 2011 at the company’s annual awards banquet last month. He was also promoted to vice president.

Harper has been with NAI NBS since 2003, and was the company’s #1 Top Producer of 2009. During 2011, the firm said he completed 35 deals valued at more than $18 million.

Harper has earned Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation, and holds a degree in civil engineering from the University of Washington.

JAMES McNAMARA

The City of Longview recently announced the appointment of James McNamara as city attorney effective March 1. McNamara succeeds city attorney Marilyn Nitteberg-Hahn, who was appointed a Superior Court judge in October.

“I'm very excited to become the new city attorney for the city of Longview,” said McNamara in a press release. “During my interview I was very impressed with the quality and dedication of the City's management team and department heads. I'm looking forward to working with them, as well as becoming a part of the community.”

Since 2006, McNamara has served as a board member for the Washington State Growth Management Hearings Board, a six-year position appointed by Governor Christine Gregoire. As a member of the board, McNamara hears and decides appeals relating to comprehensive plans, shoreline management plans, and development regulations for cities and counties within the jurisdiction of the board.

From 1990 to 2006, McNamara served as assistant or deputy city attorney for the cities of Vancouver, Federal Way and Bremerton. He also served as an associate attorney for the law firm of Hansen, Leonardson and Associates in Woodinville.

JOE WAITE

Vancouver-based CPA firm Barrett & Company announced that Joe Waite recently passed the Uniform CPA examination and is now a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of Washington.

As a client service advisor with Barrett & Company, Waite is responsible for all phases of accounting, tax and audit engagements as assigned for individual and business clients.

Waite graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a certificate of professional sales.

JOE VANCE & LEANNE BREMER

Regional Law Firm Miller Nash LLP recently announced that partner Joe Vance has been elected to the Ridgefield School Board. Additionally, the firm said partner LeAnne Bremer has been named a member of the Humane Society for Southwest Washington board of directors.

“We’re thrilled to see a number of our Vancouver attorneys take an active role within Clark County,” said Kieran Curley, managing partner of Miller Nash. “Miller Nash continues its tradition of giving back to the communities where we live and work.”

Year to date, Miller Nash’s Vancouver office has worked nearly 450 pro bono hours.

(McNamara, Waite, Vance and Bremer not pictured.)

DICK MICHALEK

Riverview Community Bank promotes Michalek to senior commercial team lender

Riverview Community Bank recently announced the promotion of Dick Michalek to senior commercial team leader in charge of loan production, and a member of Riverview’s executive management team.

In his new capacity, Michalek is responsible for all Riverview loan production, the company said.

Michaelek is an 11-year Riverview employee with 40 years of banking experience. He earned an MBA degree from Seattle University and is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School.

“Dick is a valuable member of our team and I am extremely pleased to make this announcement,” said Riverview President Ron Wysaske. “His many years of business experience and leadership have proven invaluable, and will continue to serve the bank and our customers as we expand products, services and outreach throughout the region.”

JAMES HOWSLEY

Jordan Ramis PC recently announced that shareholder James Howsley has been appointed to the Building Industry Association of Washington’s (BIAW) Legal Committee for 2012.

The committee is made up of industry lawyers who convene throughout the year to discuss legal issues including land use, permitting, environmental law, and general business matters.

Howsley moved from Miller Nash’s Vancouver office to Jordan Ramis PC at the beginning of this year.

STEVE MACK

Steve Mack has joined Coldwell Banker Commercial Jenkins-Bernhardt Associates as the sales manager and an investment property sales specialist in the Vancouver/Portland Metropolitan Area.

With more than 23 years of experience in commercial real estate, Mack’s experience includes the sale of office buildings, retail shopping centers, NNN leased investments, multi-family, manufactured home communities and mini-storage facilities, the company said.

Prior to entering commercial real estate, Mack owned and managed the Perris Valley Skydiving Center in Perris, California. The business was ranked fourth-largest in the world based on the annual number of skydives made.

MAGGIE DAVIS

Greater Portland Inc., the Portland-Vancouver regional economic development partnership, recently announced the hiring of Maggie Davis as vice president of marketing and communications.

Davis joins Greater Portland Inc. with more than 15 years of marketing experience. In her new role, Davis will be responsible for marketing support to the business development work of the organization, managing the organization’s communications, brand and collateral needs and providing overall strategic direction to the regional brand.

“Greater Portland Inc. has built a results-oriented team to shape our region’s economic future,” said Sean Robbins, CEO of Greater Portland Inc. “Maggie’s experience and entrepreneurial spirit will be a tremendous complement to the new team here and key to moving the region’s brand and messaging forward.”

Davis has a bachelor of science in management and finance as well as a master’s degree in marketing from the University of Oregon.

2012 CREDC OFFICERS, BOARD MEMBERS

The Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) recently elected its 2012 officers: William Dudley (Landerholm P.S.) as chair of the board; James Short (WaferTech) as vice-chair; John McDonagh (Vancouver Business Journal) as secretary; and Lisa Goecke (Perkins & Co.) as treasurer. Eric Fuller (Eric Fuller & Associates) will serve as the organization’s immediate-past chair of the board of directors for 2012-2013. 

The following individuals were voted in for first term positions as CREDC Board of Directors for the years 2012-2014:

• Robert Baker, Tetra Pak Materials president

• Dave Bennett, Rebound Orthopedics and Neurosurgery CEO

• Joe Foggia, Christensen Yachts president/managing partner

• Steve Horenstein, Horenstein Law Group managing member

• Bill Hutchinson, Harder Mechanical Contractors VP

• Andrew Jones, PacTrust VP

• Ralph Parker, Underwriters Laboratories VP

• Kathleen Sego, Sego’s Herb Farm

• Victor Winkler, MetroMetals Northwest president

Additionally, JH Kelly Senior VP Mark Fleischauer and Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas President John Marck were voted in for second term positions as CREDC Board of Directors for years 2012-2014.

MATT LEE (REVISED)

Matt Lee is the newest shareholder at Opsahl Dawson Certified Public Accountants. Lee was incorrectly listed as the firm’s owner in the January 20 edition of the Vancouver Business Journal. Lee joined Opsahl Dawson in 2010 as manager of its Vancouver office.

EMILY SULLIVAN

Emily Sullivan has been named development director for Columbia Springs, an environmental education center in Vancouver.

As development director, Sullivan will be responsible for developing strategies and campaigns that promote individual and corporate giving. She will also work to increase the public’s understanding of and support for Columbia Springs through community building and outreach.

Sullivan has spent the last nine years in the Northwest working for several nonprofits serving children and protecting the environment. She has degrees in geophysics and environmental engineering.

ROB PALENA (not pictured)

MacKay and Sposito Inc. recently announced that Rob Palena (not pictured) has been invited to join the firm’s partnership group.

 As MacKay & Sposito’s vice president of construction management and inspection, Palena leads a team of 24 highly qualified and diverse individuals, the firm said.

“Rob has demonstrated to us that he has that rare blended balance of expertise, marketing ability, business acumen, along with sincere empathy for our employees and clients that will both sustain and strengthen this firm,” said Tim Schauer, president of MacKay & Sposito. “Rob is an asset to our firm and to this community and we are pleased to have him join our partner group.”

Palena joined MacKay & Sposito in 1999. Not long after joining the firm, he headed to the company’s Wilsonville operation, supporting the city of Wilsonville to design and manage numerous transportation and water resources projects for the city’s growing infrastructure needs. He also spent time serving the city of Sherwood managing several construction projects.

 Palena now works out of MacKay & Sposito’s Vancouver corporate office.

RYAN GREEAR

Greear named partner at Frumenti, Lander & Wallace

Frumenti, Lander & Wallace P.S. (FL&W), a certified public accounting and consulting firm located in Vancouver, has announced the promotion of Ryan Greear to partner.

Greear has more than 11 years of experience in public accounting, specializing in tax services for closely held businesses and their owners. A graduate of Central Washington University, Greear earned his bachelor of science in accounting. He joined FL&W as a certified public accountant in 2003.

 “We are very excited to have Ryan as a partner,” said Keith Wallace. “Ryan has proven to be dedicated to the firm and moving it forward.”

In addition to his work at the firm, Greear is involved in a number of professional and civic organizations, serving on the Board of Managers for the Clark County Family YMCA.

LISA GIBERT

Clark College Foundation President and CEO Lisa Gibert, has been appointed to a national advisory committee with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). The newly-formed Center for Community College Advancement Advisory Committee provides guidance and advice to the Washington, D.C.-based CASE and collegiate institutions.

Gibert, a certified public accountant, holds an MBA from University of California at Irvine and a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) rating. She first joined Clark College Foundation in 1998, serving as the director of finance and administration, chief operating officer, and interim president before becoming president/CEO in 2005.

Her professional affiliations include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Washington Society of CPAs, Southwest Washington Estate Planning Council Board of Directors, Willamette Valley Development Officers, and the National Committee for Planned Giving. 

Gibert is also a member of the Vancouver Rotary and the Vancouver School District Management Task Force.

DARCEY REED

Darcey Reed has returned to First Independent to manage the bank’s Orchards branch.  Reed has more than 17 years of experience in banking, including four years with First Independent from 1996-2000.

Reed is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Clark County, and is actively involved with the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and Women in Networking. Reed also recently served as secretary of the Board of Directors for the Arc of SW Washington.

JODY CAMPBELL & TODD COLEMAN

(Jody Campbell not pictured) 

The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) recently welcomed Jody Campbell (not pictured) and Todd Coleman to its Board of Directors.

Campbell is the community outreach coordinator for The Columbian and has served on the PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors for the last six years.

Coleman, a 2005 graduate of Leadership Clark County, has served as deputy executive director for the Port of Vancouver since July 2005, and was recently selected to serve as the port's executive director when Larry Paulson retires in April 2012. He is also in his sixth year serving on the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) as a representative of the state's public ports.

“Campbell and Coleman bring tremendous strengths to the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce,” said Board Chairman Tim Schauer, president of MacKay & Sposito Inc. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with them on our board, and we thank them for their willingness to serve the community in their leadership roles.”

The GVCC Board of Directors is comprised of 18 business leaders who represent a wide variety of vocations and industries.

JEANNE BENNETT

Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council names new executive director

Jeanne Bennett has been hired as the executive director of the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council (SWWDC) – an organization that provides resources and leadership to promote education and workforce strategies that help build the economic fabric of the region.

Bennett has been the executive director of the Mount St. Helen's Institute for the last four years. In that position, she was responsible for program administration, fundraising, partnership development and overall administration of the organization.

From 2002 through 2007, Bennett was responsible for the youth workforce programs operated by ESD 112 and funded by the SWWDC. She also spent four years working for former Congressman Brian Baird in his Vancouver office and four years with Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse in Oregon. 

“Jeanne brings a wealth of collaborative and creative energy to the SWWDC that will be important to our future development,” said Dale Lemmons, CEO of Interstate Wood Products and chairman of the board of the SWWDC. “We are thrilled to resume our working relationship with her.”

The SWWDC covers Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties.

MATT LEE

Opsahl Dawson Certified Public Accountants is now owned by Matt Lee, the firm recently announced. Lee joined the company in 2010 as manager of its Vancouver office.

Prior to joining Opsahl Dawson, Lee held positions as a manager of a local CPA firm, a CFO of a multi-national business, a division controller of a Fortune 500 company and as a business owner.

Lee also serves as head of the Vancouver Symphony’s finance committee.

SHANE BOWMAN, ADRIAN CORTES, PHILLIP JOHNSON & LISA WALTERS

The Battle Ground City Council recently welcomed the following new councilmembers: Shane Bowman, Adrian Cortes and Philip Johnson. All three were sworn in and took their seats at the dais at a city council meeting earlier this month.

Also at the meeting, the city council elected Lisa Walters to serve as mayor and Shane Bowman to serve as deputy mayor.

The new members of the council join continuing members Michael Ciraulo, Lisa Walters, Alex Reinhold and Bill Ganley.

MEGAN MCDONAGH

Lake Oswego-based IBI Building Consultants has hired Megan McDonagh to work out of its Vancouver office as a business manager.

McDonagh has a background in advertising and marketing and recently served as the Vancouver Business Journal’s lead designer. She also has experience in the nonprofit sector, having worked with the Arc of SW Washington and Share.

LISA LITTLETON & PAT SCOTT (not pictured)

The Southwest Washington Contractors Association (SWCA) recently announced the addition of two new members – Lisa Littleton (Twice the Light Inc.) and Pat Scott (Olson Engineering Inc.) – to its 2012 Board of Directors.

Littleton and Scott were elected at the board’s regular meeting in November. The following members of the 2012 executive board were also elected at that meeting: Dan Goff (DK Contracting LLC) as president; Ron King (3 Kings Environmental Inc.) as vice president; Joe Currie (JWC Construction LLC) as secretary; Sheri Clark (NW Natural) as associate vice president; Tyler Young (NW Accounting Professionals LLC) as treasurer; and Amy Davis (West Coast Bank) as past president.

The 16-member Board is charged with carrying out the goals of the association’s strategic plan, including increasing member benefits and continuing to offer quality professional development opportunities for the industry.

In 2011, the SWCA grew from 185 members to over 255.

LYNN SAMUELS

Columbia River Mental Health Services (CRMHS) recently named Lynn Samuels its new executive director. Samuels assumed her responsibilities on January 3. 

Previously, Samuels served as CEO of Lifeline Connections for five years. She brings more than 30 years of experience in the behavioral health field with specific skills related to effective and innovative administration, clinical supervision and the development of new programs and new funding.

CRMHS provides professional mental health services for schizophrenia, bi-polar disease, depression, anxiety, chemical dependency, stress management, grief, child and family therapy, employment services, and NorthStar methadone dispensing clinic. It serves more than 7,000 children, families and individuals in Clark County each year.