A message from our sponsor
Kim Capeloto
Riverview Community Bank Executive Vice President
The employee-owners of Riverview Community Bank congratulate each of the 2013 Accomplished & Under 40 honorees. These young professionals have not only demonstrated leadership, initiative and dedication, but have also made significant contributions to their businesses and communities.
Their trajectories and stories of success may be unique, but what every member of this diverse group shares – whether an accomplished entrepreneur, a rising corporate star or a nonprofit visionary – is a commitment to their industry and to the people around them. We are confident that, having achieved all this and more before the age of 40, these young leaders will continue to play a substantial role in our community for years to come.
Riverview is proud to once again support the Vancouver Business Journal in this tradition of honoring Southwest Washington’s best and brightest young professionals. Congratulations to the Accomplished & Under 40 Class of 2013!
Accomplished & Under 40 Class of 2013
Melinda Berg, 35
Clark County Food Bank, director of development
Melinda Berg’s professional life has strong roots at financial banks – she worked at First Independent and then Sterling from 2002 through 2012. She has also volunteered at Clark County institutions that serve the poor since at least 2005. So perhaps it should come as no surprise that when Berg left the for-profit world, she decided to head to work at entirely different kind of bank – the Clark County Food Bank.
As director of development, Berg heads up direct-mail campaigns, events and other groups aimed at supporting current donors and finding new ways to fund the food banks programs.
“She is successful in her career by always exceeding the expectations and building strong client relationships,” said her nominator, Charmaine Lightheart, vice president and branch relationship manager at Heritage Bank.
Jordan Boldt, 31
Vancouver Farmers Market, executive director
Jordon Bolt has been engaged in Clark County community since his high school days, when he enrolled as a Clark College running start student while still in high school. A Washington State University graduate, he is a certified firefighter with EMT qualifications, and he serves as a volunteer lieutenant for the Camas-Washougal Fire Department. He is also a volunteer mentor with the Vancouver Public Schools Lunch Buddies program.
This year, Bolt received the Marshall Public Leadership Award as recognition for his active engagement in the community.
Now Boldt is executive director of the Vancouver Farmers Market Association – a challenging job, and one he’s doing well, said nominator Larry Smith, a Vancouver City Council member.
“Less than two years into his tenure, he has managed to make the organization debt free as well as create a positive cash flow, as well as a positive work environment,” Smith said.
Tim Cross, 34
Heritage Bank, vice president and commercial lender
“In addition to working for a community bank, Tim is also a small business owner within our community,” said nominator Charmaine Lightheart, vice president and branch relationship manager at Heritage Bank. “As if two jobs were not enough, Tm is a dedicated community volunteer.”
Cross is a mentor for the Washington State University Vancouver’s Business Growth Mentor and Analysis program, he serves on the boards of directors for Learning Avenues and YMCA, and he volunteers for DECA, a nonprofit that supports students preparing for professional careers.
“He balances his career, small business and volunteerism well in order to spend time with his wife and four-year-old boy,” Lightheart said.
John Hartney, 38
Corwin Beverage, vice president of sales
John Hartney leads a sales team of more than 60 employees at Corwin Beverage, where supervisors say he’s brought critical thinking and analytical skills to bear while also excelling as a leader. He has long volunteered with community sports groups, and is currently representative for the Mountain View Women’s Basketball Booster Club. He’s also a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.
But what’s the point of work and volunteer service without a little bit of fun? Hartman competed in – and won – Corwin’s “Most Impressive Mustache” workplace contest last year, while raising money and awareness around men’s health issues.
“As John’s Colleague, I feel fortunate every day to have the opportunity to work with him,” said nominator Heidi Piper Schultz, vice president at Corwin. “He is an asset to our company and our community.”
Matthew Herring, 35
Underwriters Laboratories, manager, North American Transaction Center
Matthew Herring came to Camas after working for Underwriters Laboratories’ corporate office in Chicago, and traveling to UL sites around the globe. Now that he’s in Clark County, he’s sought out opportunities to become locally engaged. He serves on the board of Innovative Services Northwest, is co-chair of Leadership Clark County’s curriculum community, and volunteers for Evergreen Habitat for Humanity and the Share backpack program.
“Matt inspires others to act through his own involvement, as well as his ability to motivate others,” said nominator Sharon Pesut, executive director of Partners in Careers. “He is a positive force who is willing to step in at a moment’s notice and make a difference in the lives of others. Matt provides a quiet form of leadership that others willingly follow.”
Ryan Hurley, 38
Hurley Development, owner
In 2008, Ryan Hurley founded the development company he now owns. Since then, he has led development of more than $18 million in commercial property in Clark County and Portland, with a strong focus on downtown Vancouver. Among his downtown projects: transforming the Koplan’s Building, establishing the site of the new Thai Orchid Restaurant, putting in the Source Climbing Gym and refurbishing the old JC Penney building on Main Street.
Hurley is also the founder and director of Detour Ministries, which hosts the Clark County All Church Picnic. The picnic brings together more than 3,000 people each year.
“I can’t wait to see what else Ryan has in mind for our downtown and his community,” said nominator Lee Rafferty, executive director of Vancouver’s Downtown Association. “He has aligned himself with the most talented of our local designers and builders.”
Tina Krause, 35
Community volunteer
“Tina Krause serves with passion and never-ending commitment to the organizations she works with,” said nominator Sharon Pesut, executive director of Partners in Careers. “Whether it is leading the curriculum committee for Leadership Clark County, raising funds and awareness for the Clark County Skills Center, or supporting the PTA in the school her children attend, Tina is there in full force.”
Krause is a Ridgefield native who spent many years at First Independent Bank, working through its acquisition by Sterling Bank. She’s now spending more time with her three young children and her husband, and has also kicked up her community engagement through her numerous volunteer commitments.
Temple Lentz, 38
Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Practitioners, communications specialist; Proof Communications, owner/principle
Temple Lentz may work for an organization with “Oregon” in the name, but the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Practitioners actually serves people in a region that generally goes from Portland up north to Longview. And if that’s not enough demonstration of her Southwest Washington credentials, look at her volunteer credentials and the website she runs.
Lentz was named union member of the year by the Southwest Washington Labor Roundtable, has volunteered for several political campaigns, is a founding member of Arts of Clark County, and hosts Vancouver’s popular storytelling event Anecdotal Evidence. She also publishes The Daily ‘Couve, a not-actually-daily satire website that seeks to find the humor in local politics.
Colin Mahoney, 28
Main Street Dentistry, business manager
“I would describe Colin as, ‘ahead of his time,’” said nominator Shay Jennings, herself a former recipient of the Vancouver Business Journal’s Accomplished & Under 40 Award. “At only 28, Colin is responsible, savvy, ethical, compassionate and driven. He is respected and admired by professionals as well as his peers – and the employees he manages.”
As business manager of Main Street Dentistry in Vancouver, Mahoney manages all aspects of business development, oversees IT, and handles human relations. When not at work, he’s a volunteer fundraiser for a number of community groups, including Ford Vancouver Regional Library Foundation, the Parks Foundation of Clark County, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. He also personally organized Battle Ground’s first Walk for the Poor, which benefited the relief efforts of St. Vincent de Paul.
Since 2008, Mahoney has helped to raise more than $100,000 for causes he believes in.
Jim Mains, 37
MainDistinction, chief executive officer
Through his business, MainDistinction, Jim Mains offers business coaching, consults with nonprofits on fundraising and has worked on winning political campaigns. With other community leaders, he runs Vancouverside.com, a video blog that features local happenings in Southwest Washington.
As president of the Vancouver Farmers Market Board of Directors, he led the board through a crisis of leadership that resulted in a stronger organization, said nominator Stephen Horenstein of the Horenstein Law Group.
“Jim is already a community leader,” Horenstein said. “His character, responsiveness and quiet support for so many causes and people in the community gives me comfort that as the current generation of community leadership begins to wind down, Clark County will be in good hands moving forward.”
Justin Myers, 39
US Bank, vice president, client manager
At US Bank in Camas, Justin Meyers manages a $60 million business portfolio while seeking new clients and working with 155 current customers. He’s also a longtime community volunteer, most notably at Arc of Southwest Washington.
“Early in 2012, the Arc was forced to make some tough decisions to keep the doors open,” said nominator Michael Dalesandro. “Employees were laid off, including the organization’s executive director.”
Myers stepped in, serving as unpaid president and executive director of the organization.
“Using his professional expertise in banking and management, Justin presented the board a financial turnaround plan,” he added.
By 2013, Arc was on more stable footing and Myers was able to hand off some responsibilities. He now volunteers as treasurer, while Dalesandro has taken over as president of the nonprofit.
Christina Reyes, 35
US Bank Equipment Finance, project manager
A former employee of Educational Opportunities for Children & Families, that organization recruited Christina Reyes back to serve on its board when she left to work for US Bank.
“As a fellow volunteer board member, I got to witness first-hand the positive impact she has had on the board, EOCF as a whole, and our community,” said nominator Ed Turk of iQ Credit Union. “She has helped raised the visibility of EOCF by spearheading multiple fundraisers and community events.”
Reyes is also a longtime Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA volunteer. She is a Chemo Pal mentor with the Children’s Cancer Association.
These commitments build on her early work for ENHANCE, which stands for Encouraging Healthy Activity/Nutrition in Early Childhood Environments, a grant-funded program she worked on after graduating from Washington State University for Vancouver. Hired to lead data collection for the project, within a few months she became its director.
Andy Silver, 33
Council for the Homeless, executive director
Andy Silver graduated from Georgetown University Law Center with an honors law degree in 2007. But rather than seek out a six-figure paycheck like many of his peers, he continued a commitment to helping homeless people that had begun while he was still a student.
Silver worked for four years as a staff attorney at the Washington, D.C., Legal Clinic for the Homeless before joining the Vancouver-based Council for the Homeless in 2012 as executive director.
“Since he joined the team, the Council for the Homeless has made impressive strides,” said nominator Phoebe Krueger, assistant vice president and relationship banking officer at Pacific Continental Bank.
“These efforts culminated in launching the Housing Solutions Center,” which assisted 644 households and helped 150 families and individuals find housing in its first year, Krueger said.
David Sobolik, 39
Fit Right Northwest, founder and chief executive officer
David Sobolik opened his first Fit Right store in 2000. Now he owns stores in Portland and Vancouver, and his shoe-based business has averaged annual growth of more than 10 percent per year for the past 11 years. The small chain has been recognized as one of the 50 best running stores in the U.S.
Sobolik’s success at that business helped spur the birth of his other company, Sobolik & Finegan Properties LLC, through which he and a business partner operate several real estate investments.
In addition to all of that, Sobolik finds the time to help organize many community events each year, most of them centered around running.
“This former all-American and professional track and field athlete loves to both work and play hard,” said nominator Sherri McMillan, owner of Northwest Personal Training. “Dave also produces and sponsors over 80 local events annually, including First Thursday free fun runs and the Lackamas Half Marathon.”
Kyle Stevens, 28
The Concrete Shop, vice president
Kyle Stevens is responsible for overseeing strategic development at Vancouver-based Concrete shop Inc., and with also strengthening current customer relationships and business units.
As a volunteer, Stevens serves on the Southwest Washington Contractors Association board. He’s also a team leader with Young Life at Covington Middle School, and an advisor to the Sigma Nu Fraternity.
“Kyle is a well-respected business leader and a key component to the SWCA’s success,” said nominator Michael Bomar, executive director of the Southwest Washington Contractors Association. “He has spent hundreds of hours developing leaders and improving resources for the industry. I believe he will continue to grow and help make our community a better place to live.”
Marci White Stumpf, 33
Peterson & Associates, CPA
As a certified public accountant, Marci White Strumpf specializes in helping small businesses and individuals with tax planning, and with preparing tax returns. As a volunteer, she co-founded Helping Young Professionals Excel and volunteers for the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, among other commitments.
“But it’s the other things that Marci does that stand out to me,” said nominator Sara Schertz, vice president of At Your Place Senior Care. “It’s how she motivates people and organizations to do the things they want to do, her desire to see small businesses grow and succeed, nonprofits prosper and reach out to the people they serve.”
All this while raising four children, who range in age from toddler through to pre-teen.
Josh Townsley, 30
Evergreen Habitat for Humanity, executive director
As a high school student, Josh Townsley rode his bike from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific to raise awareness for Habitat for Humanity. Since joining Evergreen Habitat for Humanity, he’s continued to bring energy to the service-oriented nonprofit.
“Prior to Josh’s arrival, one or two homes were built each year,” said nominator Phoebe Krueger, assistant vice president and relationship banking officer at Pacific Continental Bank. “Under Josh’s leadership, Evergreen Habitat for Humanity will produce five homes this year.”
That faster pace of development has in part grown out of collaborative relationships that Townsley built with community partners like the Evergreen School District, Clark County Environmental Services and Fruit Valley Foundation.
Townsley also helped launch A Brush with Kindness, a home-repair program that helps make home improvements so low-income homeowners don’t risk losing their houses.
Matthew Warner, 33
Albertina Kerr Centers, director of human resources
Matthew Warner has dedicated his career to a field that helps people succeed at work – human resources.
By day, he’s director of HR for 800-employee Albertina Kerr in Portland, a position he’s held since 2008. Off-the-clock, he volunteers as president for the Southwest Washington Society for Human Resource Management.
“Warner has the ability to see an organization from 60,000 feet and to envision what its next steps might be,” said nominator Susan Edwards, director of communications for Southwest Washington SHRM. Yet he also stays focused, and prevents people from getting sidetracked by exciting projects that can detract from the mission at hand, she said.
Stacie Westerdahl, 35
Prestige Care, regional director of marketing and admissions
“Stacie [Westerdahl] is a nurse,” said nominator Dianna Kretzschmar, board president of Friends of the Elder Justice Center. “Not just a nurse, but a clinician, social worker, advocate and friend to many of Clark County’s most vulnerable citizens.” Not to mention the mother of eight children.
Westerdahl serves on Clark County’s Infection Control Task Force to reduce hospital-acquired infections. She advocates for people suffering from terminal illness through her service on the Southwest Life Transitions – An End of Life Coalition that teaches clinicians about hospice care. She is also active with the Friends of the Elder Justice Center, which works against the abuse of vulnerable adults.
“Stacie’s passion for vulnerable adults and per passion for service is a thing to behold,” Kretzschmar said. “She will hold a hand, wipe a brow, or help a struggling family come to grips with end of life issues with grace and compassion.”
Meghan Williams, 31
Miller Nash, associate
Attorney Meghan Williams came to Miller Nash’s Vancouver offices in 2011, from a Boston-based law firm, and quickly became engaged in local community.
Professionally, she works with individuals, small businesses and large corporations on a range of issues, concentrating on general business and real estate law. She’s a frequent contributor to Miller Nash’s real estate development blog, From the Ground Up.
Williams volunteers for the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Washington and Lewis & Clark Law School’s Small Business Legal Clinic. She’s also a Leadership Clark County alum.
“With Meghan’s support, we have been able to focus our financial resources on the children who need us most,” said nominator Elise Menashe, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Washington. “The value and knowledge Meghan has provided has made us a stronger organization for the youth we serve.”
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