Governor Gregoire Announces Appointments to Boards and Commission

For Immediate Release: March 16, 2007

Citizens appointed from Bellevue, Centralia, Gig Harbor, Graham, Kelso, Olympia Puyallup, Spokane, Spokane Valley and Tumwater

OLYMPIA - Governor Chris Gregoire today announced appointments to the following boards and commissions:

Governor�s Affirmative Action Policy Committee
Dave Brown of Olympia has been reappointed to a term effective March 8, 2007, ending May 31, 2009. Mr. Brown is the reasonable accommodations coordinator for the Human Resources Division within the Department of Social and Health Services. He is a citizen representative on The Olympian newspaper editorial board and a member of South Sound Options, Inc.

The Committee reviews the state affirmative action program and reviews and approves state agency affirmative action plans.

Lewis County Boundary Review Board
James Lowery of Centralia has been appointed to a term effective March 8, 2007, ending January 31, 2011. Mr. Lowery is the owner of Lowery�s Professional Service, PLLC. He is a former Lewis County commissioner, is the president of the Western Washington Area Health Education Center, the Food Distribution Center in Grays Harbor and is a member of the advisory board for the Northwest Cooperative Development Center.

The Board has jurisdiction over municipal annexations, incorporations, disincorporations and the creation or annexation of certain special districts. They also have jurisdiction over extensions of sewer and water services outside the city or district.

State Employee Combined Fund Drive
Wendy Schneider of Spokane has been appointed to a term effective March 8, 2007, ending January 1, 2010. Ms. Schneider works for the College of Education and Human Development and the JFK Library at Eastern Washington University. She is a member of the Association of Supervisors in Curriculum Development and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

The Combined Fund Drive allows state employees to donate money to a variety of charitable organizations.

Economic Development Commission
Melanie Dressel of Gig Harbor has been reappointed to a term effective March 1, 2007, ending September 25, 2010. Ms. Dressel is the president and chief executive officer of Colombia Bank and the president and chief operations officer of Columbia Banking System. In 2004, she was named one of the top 25 most powerful women in banking by US Banker magazine.

The Commission provides strategic and policy direction to the Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development.

Western State Hospital Advisory Board
Craig Gibelyou of Puyallup has been appointed to a term effective March 8, 2007, ending December 5, 2010. Mr. Gibelyou works at Western State Hospital. He retired from the United States Army in 1992, after 24 yrs of service, where he was in charge of inpatient nursing at Madigan Army Medical Center.

The Board monitors the operation and activities of the hospital, reviews and advises on the hospital budget, makes recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature for improving the quality of service provided by the hospital and consults with the secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services regarding the selection of a superintendent.

Municipal Research Council
The Honorable Richard Munson of Spokane Valley has been appointed to a term effective March 8, 2007, ending July 31, 2007. Mr. Munson is a Spokane Valley councilmember and the vice president of the Association of Washington Cities. In 2004, he retired as vice president from Piper Jaffrey.

The Council assures that Washington cities and towns have a comprehensive research and service program.

Washington Commission on National and Community Service
The Honorable Axel Swanson of Kelso has been appointed to a term effective March 9, 2007, ending February 15, 2010. Mr. Swanson is a Cowlitz County commissioner and served in the United State Marine Corps Reserves from 1999 - 2005. While in the Marine Corps, he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, the National Defense Medal, two Marine Corp Selected Medals and was promoted to the rank of Corporal.

The Commission implements the federal National and Community Trust Act of 1993, which created Americorps. It initiates activities that expand and promote the concept of service beyond the scope of federal resources and provides leadership and vision for local volunteer organizations, civic and community groups and government to make service a part of the lives of all of the citizens of the state.

Pipeline Safety Committee
Duane Henderson of Bellevue has been reappointed to a term effective March 9, 2007, ending July 31, 2009. Mr. Henderson is the director of safety and operations services for Puget Sound Energy. He is a member of the American Gas Association�s Distribution and Transmission Engineering Committee.

The Honorable Pete Kmet of Tumwater has been reappointed to a term effective March 9, 2007, ending July 31, 2009. Mr. Kmet is Tumwater City councilmember and an environmental engineer for the Department of Ecology. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Ground Water Association.

Shirley Olson of Graham has been reappointed to a term effective March 9, 2007, ending July 31, 2009. Ms. Olson retired from state service in 1996, after working for various agencies, including the Department of Social and Health Services and the State Auditor. She served on the Thurston County Storm and Surface Water Advisory Board and volunteers with the Sunrisers Kiwanis Club.

The committee advises the Utilities and Transportation Commission and other appropriate federal, state and local government agencies on matters relating to hazardous liquid and gas pipeline safety, routing, construction, operations and maintenance.

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