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.)
