Governor Gregoire Announces Boards and Commissions Appointments

For Immediate Release: August 17, 2007

Citizens appointed from Bainbridge Island, Bellevue, Bellingham, Burien, Everett, Freeland, Kent, Longview, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mill Creek, Olympia, Othello, Royal City, Sammamish, Seattle, Sedro-Woolley, Spokane, Steilacoom, Sumner, Tenino, Toppenish, University Place, Valleyford, Veradale, Yakima and Yelm

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

Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Steering Committee
Dr. Eileen Bulger of Bellevue has been reappointed to a term effective August 16, 2007, ending August 15, 2010. Bulger is an associate professor of surgery at the University of Washington and is a trauma surgeon at Harborview Medical Center. She is a region chief for the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma.

Michael DePalma of Tenino has been reappointed to a term effective August 18, 2007, ending August 15, 2010. DePalma is a Captain with the Washington State Patrol and was a Sergeant with the City of Lacey police department. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the American Association of State Troopers and the Washington Violent Crime Investigation Association.

Dr. Sandra Horning of Spokane has been appointed to a term effective August 16, 2007, ending August 15, 2010. Horning is the Medical Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and an emergency medicine physician at Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children�s Hospital. She has experience in pre-hospital and emergency medical needs in urban and rural settings.

Dr. William Hurley of Olympia has been appointed to a term effective August 16, 2007, ending August 15, 2010. Hurley is the medical director and a toxicologist at the Washington Poison Center, an emergency physician at Harborview Medical Center and an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Washington. He practiced emergency medicine and medical toxicology for over 20 years in the U.S. Army, serving in Operation Desert Storm in Iraq and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia.

Dr. Cynthia Markus of Everett has been reappointed to a term effective August 18, 2007, ending August 15, 2008. Markus is an attending emergency physician at North Sound Emergency Medicine. She is on the board of the Washington State Medical Association, the Washington Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians and Providence Everett Medical Center.

Dr. Justin Robinson of Yakima has been reappointed to a term effective August 16, 2007, ending August 15, 2010. Robinson is the trauma director for Yakima Surgical Associates and was a surgical resident at the University of Colorado Affiliated Hospitals and Saginaw Cooperative Hospitals in Michigan. He is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the Washington State Medical Association, the Yakima County Medical Society and the Pacific Northwest Vascular Society.

Linda Thomson of Bellingham has been reappointed to a term effective August 16, 2007, ending August 15, 2010. Thomson is the director of rehabilitation services at St. Joseph Hospital, has taught at the University of Washington and worked in the intensive care unit at Harborview Medical Center. She is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and the Arthritis Foundation.

The Committee reviews the requirements for pre-hospital emergency and ambulance services in Washington, as well as proposed administrative rules relating to emergency medical services. They review regional emergency management plans, recommend changes and advise on rules regarding poison information centers.

Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs
Douglas Heyamoto of Spokane has been reappointed to a term effective July 20, 2007, ending June 30, 2010. Heyamoto is an associate principal architect at Northwest Architectural Company. He is on the board of the Spokane chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League and the Spokane Buddhist Temple.

Reynaldo Pascua of Yakima has been appointed to a term effective July 20, 2007 ending June 30, 2010. Pascua is retired manager from the Washington Department of Social and Health Services. He is the president of the Filipino-American Community of Yakima Valley, serves on the board of Emerald Care and is one of the founders of the Filipino Historical Society of Yakima Valley.

Jagdish Sharma of Mill Creek has been appointed to a term effective July 20, 2007, ending June 30, 2010. Sharma is an engineer at Boeing and is on the board of the Ethnic Heritage Council and the advisory committee of the India Association of Western Washington. He is the chair and co-founder of the Indo American Friendship Forum and the vice president of the Nargis Dutt Cancer Foundation.

Tanya Tran of Longview has been reappointed to a term effective July 20, 2007, ending June 30, 2010. Tran is an English as a second language teacher for the Longview School District. She is a founding member of Women of Vietnam, the Vietnamese Friendship Association and the Ethnic Support Council.

The Commission examines and defines issues pertaining to the rights and needs of Asian Americans and advises the Governor and state agencies on policies, plans and needs.

Commission on Hispanic Affairs
Henry Cruz of Seattle has been appointed to a term effective July 20, 2007, ending August 1, 2009. Cruz is an associate attorney at Rios Cantor and is a member of the Latino Bar Association, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the National Immigration Project of National Lawyers Guild.

The Commission ensures that state programs are providing the assistance needed by the Hispanic community; advises state agencies on developing and implementing policies, plans and programs focusing on the needs of the Hispanic community.

Employee Retirement Benefits Board
Dorothy Kreist of Lynnwood has been appointed to a term effective July 20, 2007, ending June 30, 2010. Kreist is retired from the King County Office of Human Resource Management. She served on the board of trustees of the Employee Benefit Planning Association and is an active member of the state and local government Deferred Compensation Association.

Judith Owens of Spokane has been reappointed to a term effective July 20, 2007, ending June 30, 2010. Owens is the head secretary of the maintenance department at Central Valley School District and is a member of the Liberty Lake City Council. She is a member of the National Association of Education Office Professionals and the Kiwanis Club of Liberty Lake.

Staci Vesneske of Spokane has been reappointed to a term effective July 20, 2007, ending June 30, 2010. Vesneske is the executive director of human resources for Spokane Public Schools. She is a member of the Washington School Personnel Association, the Washington Association of School Administrators and the American Association of School Personnel Administrators.

Kathleen Whitlock of Yelm has been reappointed to a term effective July 20, 2007, ending June 30, 2010. Whitlock is a retired teacher and taught for over twenty years in Idaho and Washington. She volunteers in her community, teaching ceramics and chaperoning events at East Haven Assisted Living and visiting patients at Providence St. Peter Hospital.

The Board selects options for members to choose from for self-directed investment, selects optional benefit payment schedules available to members and survivors and selects investment options for the deferred compensation program.

Washington State Housing Finance Commission
Ray Rieckers of Spokane has been reappointed to a term effective July 19, 2007, ending June 30, 2011. Rieckers is the assistant director of the Spokane Neighborhood Action Program and an Adjunct Professor at Eastern Washington University. He is a founding member of the Spokane Low Income Housing Consortium and served on the Washington Mutual Advisory Council, the Washington Affordable Housing Advisory Board, the task force to end chronic homelessness in the City of Spokane and the Fannie Mae partnership enrichment advisory group. Rieckers is a member of the Spokane Homeless Coalition, Voters for Housing and the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.

The Commission issues revenue bonds and participates in federal, state and local housing programs to help provide low to moderate income housing throughout Washington without the use of public funds or lending the state's credit.

Arts Commission
D. David Brown of Seattle has been appointed to a term effective July 29, 2007, ending July 28, 2010. Brown is the executive director of Pacific Northwest Ballet. He was the director of production, the general manager and the executive director of the Boston Ballet, where he also spent ten years as a dancer. Brown is a trustee of the American Guild of Musical Artists Retirement Plan and Health Fund and on the board of the Washington Arts Alliance.

The Commission promotes the growth and development of the arts within Washington, advises state agencies and officials on matters pertaining to the arts and administers appropriations for acquiring works of art for public buildings.

Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission
Dr. Rita Hughes of Sumner has been appointed to a term effective July 5, 2007, ending June 30, 2011. Hughes co-owns the Meridian Valley Chiropractic Clinic. She served on the Chiropractic Advisory Committee for the Washington Department of Labor and Industries.

Dr. Stephen F. Renner of Spokane has been appointed to a term effective July 5, 2007, ending June 30, 2011. Renner practices at Day Chiropractic Clinic and is a member of the American Academy of Pain Management, the Washington Chiropractic Association and the World Chiropractic Alliance.

The Commission regulates the competency and quality of chiropractic health care professionals by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing qualifications for licensing, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms and discipline.

Dental Quality Assurance Commission
Dr. Robert Achterberg of Valleyford has been appointed to a term effective July 12, 2007, ending June 30, 2011. Achterberg is an oral and maxillofacial pathologist at InCyte Pathology and was a dental officer with the U.S. Air Force. He was an associate professor at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine and the Creighton University School of Dentistry. Achterberg is a member of the American Dental Association, the Washington Dental Association, the Spokane District Dental Society and the American Academy of Oral Medicine.

Dr. Andrew Vorono of University Place has been appointed to a term effective July 5, 2007, ending June 30, 2011. Vorono is an oral and maxillofacial pathologist at Oral Associates and was an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for the U.S. Army. He is a member of the Pierce County Dental Society and the Washington Dental Society.

The Commission regulates the competency and quality of dental professionals by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing qualifications for licensure, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms and discipline.

Medical Quality Assurance Commission
Dr. Jo Deevey of Burien has been appointed to a term effective July 5, 2007, ending June 30, 2011. Deevey owns a holistic and homeopathic practice and spent several years studying and conducting research in Switzerland and England.

The Commission regulates the competency and quality of medical professionals licensed to practice medicine and surgery by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing qualifications for licensing, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms and discipline.

Examining Board of Psychology
Dr. Christine Guzzardo of Spokane has been appointed to a partial term effective June 29, 2007, ending July 6, 2008. Guzzardo is a self-employed clinical neuropsychologist. She is an adjunct professor at Gonzaga University and a consultant to the Northwest Autism Center.

The Board examines candidates for licensure and is authorized to deny, revoke, suspend or restrict licenses for specified conduct.

Family Medicine Advisory Board
Molly Hoffman of Seattle has been appointed to a term effective September 8, 2007, ending September 7, 2011. Hoffman was a social worker for nearly 20 years and received her her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Washington. She volunteers for Lutheran Educational Outreach.

Michael Wilson of Spokane has been appointed to a term effective September 8, 2007, ending September 7, 2010. Wilson is the president of Sacred Heart Medical Center and was the chief executive officer of Holy Family Hospital.

The Board advises the University Of Washington School of Medicine on the implementation of educational programs in family medicine.

Council on Substance Abuse
David Cooper of Sedro-Woolley has been reappointed to a term effective August 4, 2007, ending August 3, 2010. Cooper is the director of the Skagit County emergency communications center. He was the Chief of Police for the cities of Sedro-Woolley and Connell and is a member of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, the Association of Public Communications Officers and the International Association of Police Chiefs.

Jason Moulton of Sammamish has been reappointed to a term effective August 4, 2007, ending August 3, 3010. Moulton is the loss prevention director for Safeway and was a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He is active in the methamphetamine task forces in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane and Thurston counties.

Suzanne Moreau of Marysville has been reappointed to a term effective August 4, 2007, ending August 3, 2010. Moreau is the director of the Puget Sound Labor Agency. She was the labor liaison for alcohol and substance abuse services for the Washington State Labor Council and has worked with SYSCO Food Services and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The Council advises the Governor on issues and programs relating to substance abuse, supports community efforts to reduce substance abuse and promotes public awareness and education.

Funeral Directors and Embalmers Board
Henry Kerns of Kent has been appointed to a term effective July 2, 2007, ending July 1, 2009. Kerns is the general manager of the Acacia Memorial Park and Funeral Home and is a member of the King County Funeral Directors Association.

The Board examines and licenses members of the profession and recommends rules and regulations for administering and enforcing the regulatory law.

Washington Commission on National Community Service
Jennifer Morgan of Seattle has been appointed to a term effective July 23, 2007, ending February 15, 2009. Morgan is the vice president of employee giving programs at Washington Mutual. She is a member of the American Heart Association�s GoRed for Women campaign and is the marketing committee chair for Washington Mutual�s financial education curriculum.

The Commission implements the federal National and Community Trust Act of 1993, which created Americorps; initiates activities or projects 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 units of government to make service a part of the lives of all Washingtonians.

Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS
Robert Carroll of Seattle has been appointed to a term effective July 5, 2007, ending June 30, 2008. Carroll is the Washington education coordinator for the University of Washington�s Northwest AIDS Education and Training Center. He is an AIDS certified registered nurse and was a community outreach coordinator and research nurse for the University of Washington AIDS clinical trials unit. Carroll is a doctoral candidate in the philosophy of nursing science.

Mendy Droke of Bainbridge Island has been appointed to a term effective July 5, 2007, ending June 30, 2008. Droke is the public affairs field organizer for Planned Parenthood of Western Washington and founder of the Adolescent Health Committee on Bainbridge Island. She is on the boards of the Northshore/Shoreline Community Network and the Bainbridge Coalition for Youth and Families and is a member of the North Kitsap Community Connections Group and the Bainbridge Know More Youth forum.

Lance Kissler of Spokane has been appointed to a term effective July 5, 2007, ending June 30, 2010. Kissler is the new media and online communications specialist at Eastern Washington University and has worked for the Centers for Disease Control National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and at the Spokane Research Laboratory as a health communications specialist.

Michael McCoy of Longview has been appointed to a term effective July 5, 2007, ending June 30, 2010. McCoy is the director of the Lighthouse Missions Caf� and is a volunteer for Longview Downtowners, the Cowlitz County Historical Museum and the Cowlitz County Health Department. He traveled with Mercy Corp to Central America to deliver dental and medical services to low income populations.

The Council advises the Governor on HIV/AIDS related programs and policy.

State Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities and their Families
Molly Chavez of Othello has been reappointed to a term effective July 19, 2007, ending January 6, 2010. Chavez is a disabilities/mental health specialist with the Washington State Migrant Council and is active with Headstart and Parents Are Vital in Education. She was a migrant family resources coordinator and a family services worker.

Dr. Charles Cowan of Seattle has been appointed to a term effective July 7, 2007, ending January 6, 2009. Cowan is the clinical director of care coordination services, the assistant medical director and a pediatrician in the neurodevelopmental program at Children�s Hospital and Regional Medical Center. He is a clinical professor at the University of Washington�s Department of Pediatrics. Cowan is a member of the attending staff at Group Health Eastside Hospital and Overlake Hospital and is a Fellow with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine.

Jodi Ward of Veradale has been appointed to a term effective July 7, 2007, ending July 6, 2010. Ward is an advocate for people with developmental disabilities and is on the board of the Arc Spokane. She is a parent representative at the Spokane County Interagency Coordinating Council and volunteers to facilitate special parenting classes for parents of special needs children.

Tiffany Wheeler-Thompson of Freeland has been appointed to a term effective July 7, 2007, ending January 6, 2010. Wheeler-Thompson is the executive director of the Zoe Foundation, which educates new parents of children with Down syndrome.

The Council advises and assists the Department of Social and Health Services and participating state agencies to coordinate, develop and implement policies dealing with early-intervention services.

Physical Therapy Board
Sue Sawyer of Spokane has been reappointed to a term effective July 5, 2007, ending September 18, 2010. Sawyer is a retired elementary school teacher and librarian. She is on the boards of the Alzheimer�s Association and Support Parents Overcoming Challenges of Spokane.

Charles Martin of Yakima has been reappointed to a term effective July 5, 2007, ending September 18, 2010. Martin is the director of clinical operations and a part owner of Cascade Summit Physical Therapy. He was the director of therapy services at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital and an adjunct professor of physical therapy at Idaho State University. Martin is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Physical Therapy Association of Washington.

The Board examines and disciplines licensees, adopts rules and establishes continuing-education requirements and standards of professional conduct.

Veterinary Board of Governors
Dr. Timothy Gintz of Steilacoom has been appointed to a term effective July 5, 2007, ending December 24, 2012. Gintz is the Medical Director and Veterinarian at Pacific Avenue Veterinary Centers and serves on the Animal Use and Care Panel at Pacific Lutheran University. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association and volunteers with the Pierce County Humane Society.

The Board examines candidates for licensing and registration; investigates and holds hearings on violations of the regulatory law; recommends and adopts rules and regulations for administering the regulatory law.

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
The Honorable Cindy Carter of Royal City has been appointed to a term effective June 15, 2007, ending January 26, 2011. Carter is the County Commissioner for Grant County District #3 and sits on the Regional Homeland Security, Information Services, Homeless Task Force and Safety Security committees. She is an agricultural business owner and is involved with many community organizations including the Lions Club, Grant-Adams Dairy Women, Washington State Dairy Women and the Farm Bureau.

The committee serves as principal advisory body to the Department of Community Trade and Economic Development on housing and housing-related issues.

State Independent Living Council
Gilbert Garza of Toppenish has been appointed to a term effective July 12, 2007, ending September 30, 2009. Garza is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Washington State Migrant Council and was previously an outreach worker for Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic serving migrant seasonal farm workers with medical issues.

The council develops, signs and submits the State Plan for Independent Living jointly with DSHS and Health Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Dept of Services for the Blind. They monitor, review and evaluate the implementation of the State Plan and coordinates activities with the State Rehabilitation Council, the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind, and other councils that address the needs of disability population.

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