Feature: STEVE TAYLOR
Vancouver-based environ-mental consulting firm names managing director
Maul Foster & Alongi, Inc. is pleased to announce Steve Taylor as managing director.
Taylor's new responsibilities reflect the critical role he has played in MFA's daily operations and successful growth over the past 14 years. In addition to Taylor's responsibilities as managing director overseeing the Southwest Washington, Eastern Washington, Puget Sound and Oregon regions, he will continue in his role as MFA's chief financial officer.
Taylor has a bachelor of science in civil engineering from Oregon State University as well as a master's in business administration through the University of Oregon's Executive MBA program.
MFA is a leading planning, landscape architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting firm offering services to clients representing diverse industry sectors throughout the U.S.
KEITH UPKES
Keith Upkes, president of management coaching firm The Upkes Group of Camas, has earned a certification from Gazelles International, an executive education and coaching firm for leaders of mid-sized firms.
Gazelles International, which currently has more than 80 coaches worldwide, instructs business leaders on how to successfully grow their companies, with a focus on people, strategy, execution and cash.
The certification program is open to executive coaches with three or more years of successful coaching experience assisting growth companies, executive experience in a growth company and/or graduate education in business management.
SIERRA ECKMAN
Sierra Eckman, CPA, has joined the accounting firm Opsahl, Dawson & Company PS in their Vancouver office. Prior to joining the firm, Eckman worked locally in public accounting, working with a wide variety of both individual and business tax clients. She also has experience with bookkeeping and enjoys helping her clients learn more about accounting for their businesses. Sierra has a BA in Business Administration-Accounting and graduated summa cum laude from Washington State University. She enjoys working in her garden and spending time with her family.
SHANNON KNAPFEL (not pictured)
Columbia Bank recently welcomed Shannon Knapfel, assistant vice president and branch manager of the Vancouver and East Vancouver branches. Knapfel will be leading the Vancouver teams, fostering relationships with individuals and nonprofit organizations and recommending tailored solutions and strategies.
"We are pleased to have Shannon working for Columbia Bank. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the table and truly understands our role as a community and business bank," said Mark Brandon, senior vice president and Southwest Washington and Oregon regional manager.
With 17 years experience in the financial industry, Knapfel has cultivated an expertise in retail management, compliance, lending and community relations.
