The class of 2010 shines with its commitment to community improvement
Each member of the Vancouver Business Journal’s Accomplished and Under 40 class of 2010 has a unique story.
Some were born and raised in Southwest Washington, while others moved here from out of state. But look behind the different backgrounds and diverse upbringings, and you’ll find a common element – an unwavering commitment to the improvement of their communities.
Examples of this dedication do not come in short supply. In his or her own way, each member has shown the ability to balance a busy work schedule with doing the right thing. Whether it’s through teaching others, raising money for charity or simply giving time, all are making our community a better place to live and work.
The 18 members of the class of 2010 and their guests were invited to attend a ceremony at the Red Lion at the Quay in downtown Vancouver on Tuesday, with past Accomplished and Under 40 honorees Tiffany Couch of Acuity Group PLLC and Todd Mitchell of Bullivant Houser Bailey PC Attorneys at Law presenting.
This year’s Accomplished and Under 40 class was determined by a selection committee, comprised of former honorees. The committee reviewed candidates based on demonstrated professional accomplishments, leadership abilities, efforts on behalf of local nonprofits, community involvement and positive feedback from clients, fellow employees and supervisors.
The Vancouver Business Journal’s Accomplished and Under 40 is now in its ninth year.
Award Winners
Sherri Bennett, 37
Executive Director
YWCA Clark County
Nominated by: Kelly Walsh
– Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt PC
In a letter supporting her nomination, Sherri Bennett’s colleagues describe her as smart, capable and someone with a wonderful sense of humor. Sherri started working at the YWCA of Clark County 13 years ago and was recently named executive director. Kathy Kniep, who recently held that same position, writes, “Sherri exemplifies the core values of the YWCA every day – promoting diversity, teamwork, commitment, service, respect and empowerment.” Sherri received a degree in political science from Western Washington University. She is also a graduate of Leadership Clark County.
Cheryl Bledsoe, 36
Division Manager
Clark Regional
Emergency Services Agency
Nominated by: Nelson Holmberg
– Port of Woodland
A Graduate of Leadership Clark County and the 2008 winner of the Marshall Public Leadership Award, Cheryl Bledsoe is recognized regionally as a leader in emergency management. Her utilization of social media for public agency use has become an example for others to follow. Currently the emergency management manager at Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA), she is recognized by her peers for her dedication to community outreach. A mother of two, Cheryl is no stranger to volunteering her time at area youth clubs and in community service groups.
Stephanie Hadley, 29
Marketing Coordinator
MacKay & Sposito Inc.
Nominated by: Lisa Schauer
– MacKay & Sposito Inc.
Stephanie Hadley knows a thing or two about helping those in need. She is a key volunteer in hosting the Vancouver School District’s “Lunch Buddies” – a mentorship program for at-risk children. In addition, for the past two years she served as PR Coordinator for the Nutter Foundation’s widely successful “Dozer Days” – an event that has seen more than 20,000 guests and has raised over $100,000 for charities in Southwest Washington. Stephanie begain working at MacKay & Sposito Inc. in 2006 as an administrative assistant and within three months was promoted to a marketing assistant position. She currently serves the firm as a marketing coordinator.
Bart Hansen, 35
Office Services Manager
Clark Public Utilities
Nominated by: Troy Van Dinter
– Skyward Construction Inc.
Bart Hansen has made a career out of serving his community. As one of seven city council members for the city of Vancouver, Bart plays an essential role in the implementation of policy in our community. Bart has enjoyed a nine year career at Clark Public Utilities, currently working in the finance department as office services manager. A graduate of Leadership Clark County, Bart serves as chair for the police officer and firefighter pension boards. He is also involved in Vancouver’s Downtown Rotary Club.
Garret Hergert, 31
President & CEO
G2 Outdoor Living
Nominated by: Ron Arp
– Amplify Group Inc.
Described as energetic and enthusiastic, Garret Hergert has a long list of accomplishments since getting started in the landscape construction industry some 15 years ago. He currently operates G2 Outdoor Living – an industry leading design-build landscape business. In addition to being honored by a number of home and garden groups and the Business Industry Association, Garret regularly donates time and resources to the community. “Garret is a pacesetter of his generation in giving back,” writes Ron Arp of Amplify Group Inc. Garret’s work includes helping the cities of Battle Ground and Ridgefield with beautification programs and significant donations to several area parks.
Jaime Herrera, 32
U.S. Representative Elect
3rd Congressional District
Nominated by: Troy Van Dinter
– Skyward Construction Inc.
Recently elected to represent Southwest Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, Jaime Herrera is well-known in this community for her commitment to serve. Jaime previously represented the state’s 18th Legislative District, where she worked hard to earn the reputation of an intelligent and independent voice in Olympia. “Jaime has always been a problem solver who cares deeply about not only issues but also the people who are affected by the decisions our leaders make,” writes Mike Bomar, executive director of Southwest Washington Homebuilders Association. A graduate of the University of Washington, Jaime has a deep appreciation for what makes the state of Washington special.
Michele Holen, 36
Association Executive
Clark County Association of Realtors
Nominated by: Linda McClellan
– Prudential NW Properties
Currently serving as association executive for the Clark County Association of Realtors, Michele Holen has become a major player within her field. Her colleagues describe Michele as hard working, resourceful and solution-oriented. In addition to the responsibilities of her position, she is actively involved as a volunteer, giving back to her community through the Realtor Foundation. In addition, Michele helps organize and participates in activities benefiting Share House, Meals On Wheels, Northwest Children’s Outreach and more.
Loren Joner, 39
Managing Partner
Joner Lindberg Baker PLLC
Nominated by: Maureen Girven & Claire Lider
– Lewis River Rotary
In all of his dealings, business or otherwise, Loren Joner is described as a person who ensures his actions will benefit others. Not only does he volunteer his time within Clark County, this business and estate planning lawyer makes a point to involve his family in charitable work. “He knows including his children in volunteer service is the best way to give them the tools they need to be teachers in the community,” wrote fellow Lewis River Rotary members Maureen Girven and Claire Lider. Last year, Loren’s Rotary recognized him as the 2009 recipient of the Four Avenues of Service Award, which recognizes the Rotarian that best touches all the areas of service that Rotary embodies. Among his accomplishments, Loren served our country as a captain in the United States Air Force.
Kevin Lycklama, 33
Executive Vice President, CFO
Riverview Community Bank
Nominated by: Ron Wysaske
– Riverview Community Bank
When he was announced as Chief Financial Officer by Riverview Community Bank, Kevin Lycklama garnered the attention of the banking world. After all, Lycklama would become one of the youngest CFO’s at a publicly traded bank in the entire country. During his time at Riverview, Kevin has implemented several strategies that have improved the bank’s capital position, liquidity and profitability. Riverview President Ron Wysaske said Kevin brings “everything you’d want in a CFO – hard work, intelligence, people skills, vision and the fortitude to make the tough calls and stick by them.”
Kate Sacamano, 37
Executive Director
Hough Foundation
Nominated by: Kelly Nolen
Through her professional life and volunteer involvement, Kate Sacamano consistently strives to make Vancouver a better community. Since 2008, she has worked at the Hough Foundation, first as associate director and currently executive director. As leader of the community supported foundation, Kate dedicates every day to serving the academic and social needs of children at Hough Elementary School, in Vancouver’s urban core. A mother of two, Kate has also served on the board of The Children’s Center – a Vancouver non-profit that provides critical mental health services to local children and families. The Hough Foundation’s Barbara Hammon writes in support of Kate’s nomination, “She is one of those rare human beings that speaks from the heart, puts action ahead of accolades and can be counted on at the drop of a hat.”
Alex Schoening, 37
Lead Investigator Traffic Unit
Clark County Sheriff’s Department
Nominated by: Nicole Bisconer
– Driving 101
Those who work with Alex Schoening are quick to point out that the Clark County Sheriff’s Department traffic unit lead investigator is a selfless leader and pillar to the community. Despite working a position that requires him to be on-call at all times, Alex consistently finds time to give back. Chairman of the Target Zero Task Force, Alex has focused much of his career on educating teenagers about the dangers of drinking and driving. His colleagues describe him as someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty. He’s also credited with saving the lives of countless new drivers.
Heidi Schultz, 35
Human Resources Manager
Corwin Beverage Company
Nominated by: Courtney Barker
– Corwin Beverage Co.
Heidi Schultz, human resources director at Corwin Beverage Company, is known for bringing passion to her work. Described as an innovator and a role model to her fellow employees, Heidi’s colleagues say she takes pride in her ability to be a resource for the entire staff. A board member at the Southwest Washington Chapter of the Red Cross and the Washington Beverage Association, Heidi has also volunteered her time at Share Homestead in Hazel Dell and at Felida Elementary School. She received a degree in political science and communications from the University of Washington.
Beau Sem, 36
Owner
Groove Nation Dance Academy
Nominated by: Sherri Siegel
– Groove Nation Dance Academy
Combining a passion for dance and a call to the ministry, this business owner and father of three has a dedicated following of students and congregants. From an early age, Beau Sem saw the influence gangs can have on young people. That experience became part of his motivation for Groove Nation. Beau’s hip-hop dancing and choreography have distinguished him as among the best in the world. Locally, Beau’s ministry recognizes him as someone who relates to young people better than most adults. His commitment to give back, by teaching dance to students who could never afford private or group lessons, makes Beau truly accomplished.
Shay Shinall, 33
Community Relations
Development Officer
Fort Vancouver Library Foundation
Nominated by: Courtney Givens
– Simple Pleasures Events
Those writing in support of Shay Shinall’s nomination talk about her passion for the non-profit world. “It’s what drives her,” one letter reads. “Shay does something because it’s the right thing to do.” From her time spent volunteering as a Salvation Army bell ringer to her devotion as a District 3 volunteer firefighter, the organizations she supports are numerous. No matter the mission at hand, Shay does it with what’s described as a “brilliant smile.”
Rekah Strong, 37
Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator
Clark County
Nominated by: Francine Reis
– Clark County
One of the gifts Rekah Strong received for her 30th birthday was a promotion at the Oregon State Department of Human Services (DHS) to supervisor. There, she was responsible for developing diversity training programs for the entire state. Two short years later, she was promoted again, this time to a position that included recruiting and outreach. In 2007, Rekah was hired as Clark County’s diversity coordinator. Cultural differences can often be contentious, but Rekah is credited with handling those situations with “a delicate balance of care and courage.” A frequent speaker/panelist for Leadership Clark County on diversity, Rekah has a B.S. in Criminal Justice and a Master’s of Social Work/Administration from Portland State University. She is currently a doctoral candidate at PSU in Social Work.
Alishia Topper, 32
Director of Development
Fort Vancouver National Trust
Nominated by: Nelson Holmberg
– Port of Woodland
Completing a double major at Washington State University while participating in cross country and track and field was an early indication of the accomplished person Alishia Topper is today. After competing in the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2000, Alishia began her career locally as a program director at Share Vancouver. More recently, she moved to the Ft. Vancouver Historic Trust from Columbia Springs, where she worked diligently to help raise community awareness and to expand the organization’s base of supporters. Serving on a number of boards Alishia continues to assist Columbia Springs as a member of their Board of Directors.
Jennifer Weber, 38
Vice President
West Coast Bank
Nominated by: Ralph Stevens
– CRA
There’s a reason Jennifer Weber was a supervisor to nearly a dozen people by the time she was 21. Simply put, she has a history of exceeding expectations. Despite her professional accomplishments, Jennifer has never let career get in the way of community involvement. Jennifer has been a Junior Achievement volunteer for eight years – as a classroom instructor and an advisory council member. Having recently joined the board at Dream Big Community Center, Jennifer is credited with putting the organization on the right path. Nathan Webster, executive director at Dream Big writes, “There was never a question or situation she couldn’t handle.”
Ryan Zygar, 33
President
Tamarack Homes
Nominated by: Avaly Mobbs
– BIA of Clark County
Having started his own development and home building company about five years ago, Ryan Zygar has continued to innovate and earn recognition in one of the most challenging periods for home builders. “Ryan has become one of the most knowledgeable builders of environmentally sound homes in the area,” writes Hugh Hall, 2008 President of the Building Industry Association (BIA) of Clark County. Not one to shy away from giving back, Ryan volunteers for the good of the industry. A member of the BIA Clark County and in line to be President of the organization in 2012, Ryan also served for two years on the statewide BIA Board of Directors.
