Gov. Gregoire announces boards and commissions appointments

For Immediate Release: August 18, 2008

Citizens appointed from Battle Ground, Bellevue, Bellingham, Bonney Lake, Bothell, Cathlamet, Clinton, DuPont, Elk, Ellensburg, Elmer City, Ferndale, McCleary, Olympia, Poulsbo, Richland, Seattle, Sedro-Woolley, Spokane, Sumner, Tacoma, University Place, Vancouver, Vashon, Woodinville

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced appointments to the following boards and commissions:

Advisory Board of Plumbers

Calvin Swift of Poulsbo has been appointed to a term effective Aug. 7, 2008, ending July 1, 2009. Swift is president of Swift Plumbing & Heating Inc. He is a member of the Radiant Panel Association, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, and United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters.

Linda Wilson of Tacoma has been reappointed to a term effective Aug. 7, 2008, ending July 1, 2011. Wilson is president of Wilson Plumbing & Heating Inc. She previously served in numerous offices with the National Association of Women in Construction Tacoma Chapter.

The board advises the Department of Labor and Industries on standards for journeymen plumbers and hears appeals related to revoking certification.

Agency Council on Coordinated Transportation

Michael Rogers of Olympia has been appointed to a term effective July 22, 2008, ending June 30, 2010. Rogers is a receptionist at the Department of Social and Health Services. He served on the Developmental Disabilities Council and the President�s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

The council develops standards and strategies for coordinating special needs transportation.

Arts Commission

Leann Johnson of Vancouver has been reappointed to a term effective July 29, 2008, ending July 28, 2011. Johnson is the director for equity and diversity at Clark College. She is a member of the NAACP and the Image de Region X Conference planning team. She served on the board of directors for the YWCA of Clark County and as a member of the Governor�s Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee.

Maureen Greeley of Olympia has been reappointed to a term effective July 29, 2008, ending July 28, 2011. She is the owner of Greeley & Associates, a communications firm in Olympia. Greeley is member of the Public Relations Society of American and the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Stephen Sneed of Seattle has been reappointed to a term effective July 29, 2008, ending July 28, 2011. Sneed is the managing artistic director of the Seattle Center for the city of Seattle. He is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and Actors Equity Association. He is also a board member for the Central District Forum for Arts and Ideas.

Elizabeth Conner of Vashon has been appointed to a term effective July 31, 2008, ending July 28, 2011. Conner is a self-employed artist. She serves on the services to artists committee at the College Art Association, and was a member of the Washington State Arts Commission statewide committee and president of the board of trustees for Vashon Allied Arts.

Robert Glatzer of Spokane has been appointed to a term effective July 31, 2008, ending July 28, 2011. Glatzer is a film critic for Spokane Public Radio, programming consultant to international film festivals and author. He was a member of the Spokane Arts Commission, Spokane Community Development Board, Artist Trust, and chair of the Governor�s Small Business Improvement Council.

The commission promotes the growth and development of the arts in the state, advises state agencies and officials on matters pertaining to the arts, and administers appropriations set aside for acquiring works of art for public buildings.

Board of Nursing Home Administrators

Cynthia Misner of Sedro-Woolley has been appointed to a term effective Aug. 7, 2008, ending May 28, 2011. Misner is the staff development coordinator at Life Care Center of Skagit Valley. She is also a CPR/first aid instructor at Mt. Baker Red Cross.

Mary Sue Gorski of Spokane has been reappointed to a term effective Aug. 7, 2008, ending May 28, 2013. Gorski is the chair of nursing and an assistant professor at Gonzaga University. She is a member of the American Nurses Association and Washington State Nurses Association, and previously served on the Washington State Nursing Home Quality Initiative Advisory Board.

Nathan Fergus of DuPont has been appointed to a term effective Aug. 7, 2008, ending May 28, 2013. Fergus is the director of operations at Summit Pacific Rehabilitation. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and National Association for the Support of Long Term Care.

The board serves to protect the public�s health and safety by regulating the competency and quality of nursing home administrators under the board�s jurisdiction.

Board of Trustees, Central Washington University

Daniel Sweeney of Ellensburg has been appointed as the student trustee to a term effective July 28, 2008, ending June 30, 2009. Sweeney is a junior at Central Washington University. He is the vice president of clubs and organizations on the Associated Students of Central Washington Board of Directors.

The board is the governing body for Central Washington University.

Board of Trustees, Eastern Washington University

Courtney Fleming of Spokane has been appointed as the student trustee to a term effective July 28, 2008, ending June 30, 2009. Fleming is a graduate student at Eastern Washington University. She works as a graduate assistant for EWU�s College of Business and Public Administration.

The board is the governing body for Eastern Washington University.

Board of Trustees, The Evergreen State College

Brittany Newhouse of Olympia has been appointed as the student trustee to a term effective July 28, 2008, ending June 30, 2009. Newhouse is a junior at The Evergreen State College. She recently served as a student representative on the Geoduck Union.

The board is the governing body for The Evergreen State College.

Board of Trustees, Western Washington University

Hannah Higgins of Bellingham has been appointed as the student trustee to a term effective July 28, 2008, ending June 30, 2009. Higgins is a senior at Western Washington University. She is part of the program support staff for the Western Washington University Foundation.

The board is the governing body for Western Washington University.

Capital Projects Advisory Review Board

Cynthia Cooper of Olympia has been reappointed to a term effective July 29, 2008, ending July 28, 2012. Cooper is the director of the Washington State Office of Minority and Women�s Business Enterprises. She received the Advocate of the Year award from Women�s Business Enterprise Council-Southeast in 2006, and an Outstanding Managerial Performance Award from the state of Connecticut.

David Johnson of Bonney Lake has been reappointed to a term effective July 29, 2008, ending July 28, 2012. Johnson is the executive secretary for the Washington State Building and Constructions Trade Council.

John Lynch of Olympia has been reappointed to a term effective July 29, 2008, ending July 28, 2012. Lynch is the assistant director for engineering and architectural services in the Department of General Administration.

The board was created in the Department of General Administration to provide an evaluation of public capital projects construction processes, including the impact of contracting methods on project outcomes, and to advise the Legislature on policies related to alternative public works delivery methods.

Emergency Medical Services/Trauma Steering Committee

Chris Martin of Bothell has been appointed to a term effective Aug. 4, 2008, ending Aug. 15, 2009. Martin is the administrative director of emergency services at Harborview Medical Center. She is a member of the Emergency Nurses Association, Society of Trauma Nurses, and is president of the Central Region Trauma Board.

The committee reviews the requirements for pre-hospital emergency and ambulance services throughout the state and the proposed administrative rules relating to emergency medical services. It also reviews regional emergency management plans and recommends changes as well as advises on rules for poison information centers.

Fire Protection Policy Board

Michael Ciraulo of Battle Ground has been appointed to a term effective July 17, 2008, ending April 15, 2011. Ciraulo is the mayor of the city of Battle Ground. He has more than 20 years of experience in fire service and serves as the division chief of Clark County Fire and Rescue.

The board sets policy on fire protection matters, as well as advises and assists the chief of the Washington State Patrol and the state�s Fire Marshall on fire protection matters and in developing a budget.

Governor�s Council of Economic Advisors

Jeffrey Chapman of Seattle has been appointed to a term effective Aug. 5, 2008. Chapman is the research director of the Washington State Budget and Policy Center.

The council advises the governor on state financial matters, including the state budget, tax policy, the issuance of debt and debt management, cash management, and other fiscal matters that reflect upon the overall financial condition of the state.

Governor�s Industrial Safety and Health Board

Don Coovert of Sumner has been appointed to a term effective July 31, 2008, ending Dec. 31, 2008. Coovert is the safety director of John Korsmo Construction. He is the Associated General Contractors southern district committee chair, and has served as co-chair and chair for the Governor�s Industrial Safety and Health Board Construction Panel Committee and chairperson for Construction Safety Day.

The board is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to prevent industrial injuries and occupational diseases among employees in the state, as well as promote the efficient, safe, healthful and productive operation of industry within the state. The board functions in an advisory capacity to the governor.

Hanford Area Economic Investment Fund Committee

Gary Karnofski of Richland has been appointed to a term effective July 30, 2008, ending June 28, 2011. Karnofski is the manager of HAMMER/Hanford Training�s Strategic Planning and Business Management. He was the chair of the Richland Planning Commission, president of Agri-Business Commercialization and Development Center, and a member of the Richland Parks and Recreation Commission and the Benton-Franklin Health Planning Council.

The committee accepts loans or grants that will expand and diversify local industry and create living wage jobs in Benton and Franklin counties.

Hispanic Affairs Commission

Lourdes Salazar of Bellevue has been reappointed to a term effective Aug. 2, 2008, ending Aug. 1, 2011. Salazar is the program coordinator for the probation division of the city of Bellevue. She is a member of the American Parole and Probation Association, the Directors of Volunteers in Agencies Association, and president of the Eastside Latino Leadership Forum.

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

Home Care Quality Authority

Jesse Magana of Vancouver has been reappointed to a term effective Aug. 8, 2008, ending July 1, 2011. Magana serves on the Disability Resource Center board in Vancouver, and was a member of the Governor�s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment.


Veronica Thomas of Cathlamet has been appointed to a term effective Aug. 8, 2008, ending July 1, 2009. Thomas is a member of numerous boards and organizations, including the Southwest Washington Area Agency on Aging advisory council and Governor�s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment.

The Home Care Quality Authority regulates and improves the quality of long-term, in-home care services by recruiting, training and stabilizing the work force of individual providers.

Interagency Committee of State Employed Women

Christina Aravena of University Place has been appointed to a term effected July 31, 2008, ending June 30, 2010. Aravena is a human resources consultant at the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development. She has volunteered as a member of ICSEW�s health and wellness committee.

Kim Anensen of McCleary has been appointed to a term effective Aug. 7, 2008, ending June 30, 2009. Anensen is a grants manager at the Employment Security Department. She has served as a board member on the ESD Mutual Aid Foundation, ESD Adopt-A-Family and the ESD Wellness Committee.

The committee examines and defines issues pertaining to the rights and needs of women employed in state government and makes recommendations to the governor and state agencies with respect to desirable changes, especially in the areas of education, training and career development.

Oil Spill Advisory Council

Scott McCreery of Bellingham has been appointed to a term effective July 31, 2008, ending Aug. 2, 2012. McCreery is a senior engineer at BP Cherry Point Refinery. He serves on the Northwest Straits Citizen Advisory Commission and Puget Sound Council.

Ted Willhite of Seattle has been appointed to a term effective July 31, 2008, ending Aug. 2, 2009. Willhite is a lawyer at the Law Office of Ted R. Willhite, PLLC. He is a member of the Washington, King County and American Bar associations, and served on the Washington State Trial Lawyers Board of Governors. Willhite was the chair of the admiralty law section of the American Trial Lawyers of America.

Chad Bowechop of Neah Bay has been reappointed to a term effective Aug. 3, 2008, ending Aug. 2, 2012. Bowechop serves as oil spill analyst and ocean policy adviser for the Makah Tribal Council and previously served as the policy analyst for the Makah Indian tribe located in Neah Bay, where he was in charge of oil spill prevention and response issues.

Stuart Downer of Everett has been reappointed to a term effective Aug. 3, 2008, ending Aug. 2, 2012. Stuart is an officer in the Inland Boatmen's Union of the Pacific Marine Division of the ILWU. He is a member of the spill prevention, preparedness and response team committee and the oil transfer advisory committee in the Department of Ecology.

Jeff Shaw of Ferndale has been appointed to a term effective Aug. 12, 2008, ending Aug. 2, 2012. Shaw is a marine superintendent for the Northwest branch of Polar Tankers, a subsidiary of ConocoPhillips Marine, where he is responsible for coordinating and monitoring the operational performance of vessels calling within the Puget Sound. Prior to the merger of Conoco and Phillips in 2001, Jeff served in a variety of maritime managerial positions with ARCO Marine.

Charles Sheldon of Seattle has been appointed to a term effective Aug. 12, 2008, ending Aug. 2, 2011. Sheldon began serving as the managing director of the Port of Seattle�s Seaport Division in 2002. He served as director of the capital improvement program at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The primary purpose of the council is to maintain the state�s vigilance in the prevention of oil spills to marine waters while recognizing the importance of improving preparedness and response.

State Board of Health

Karen VanDusen of Clinton has been reappointed to a term effective July 31, 2008, ending July 1, 2011. VanDusen is the director of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at the University of Washington. She is a member of the American Academy of Sanitarians, Inc., Campus Safety Health and Environmental Management Association, National Environmental Health Association, Washington State Environmental Health Association and the Washington State Public Health Association.

The board is the primary entity for state health policy development, and is required to produce a biennial report delineating the state�s health priorities.

State Independent Living Council

Diane Hansen of Elk has been appointed to a term effective Aug. 7, 2008, ending Sept. 30, 2010. Hansen is the owner of U Centered Solutions. She is a member of the state Rehabilitation Council for the Blind, and has served on the Traumatic Brain Injury Council.

The role of the council is to develop, sign and submit the State Plan for Independent Living, as well as monitor, review and evaluate its implementation. The board also coordinates activities with the State Rehabilitation Council, State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind and other councils that address the needs of the disabled population.

State Rehabilitation Council

Sharey Cleveland of Elmer City has been appointed to a term effective July 22, 2008, ending Sept. 30, 2010. Cleveland is a vocational rehabilitation program manager for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

The role of the council is to review, analyze and advise the general vocational rehabilitation programs of responsibilities under the Rehabilitation Act. The council also develops and reviews the preparation of reports, needs assessments and evaluations.

Washington State Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission

James Synder, D.C. of Spokane has been reappointed to a term effective July 31, 2008, ending June 30, 2012. Snyder is the owner of Audubon Park Chiropractic. He serves as a Fellow at the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists, regent at the Sherman College of Chiropractic, consultant for the Department of Labor and Industries, and member of the Washington State Chiropractic Association.

Lew Estabrook, D.C. of Woodinville has been reappointed to a term effective July 31, 2008, ending June 30, 2012. Estabrook is a chiropractor and owner of Northwest Chiropractic Center. He is a member of the Washington State Chiropractic Association and the North America Spine Society.

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.

Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission

Susan Wong of Seattle has been appointed to a term effective Aug. 7, 2008, ending June 30, 2012. Wong is an instructor at the Nursing Assistant Training Institute and a staff development and infection control program coordinator at Kin On Health Care Center. She is a member of the Jefferson Community Center Advisory Council Board.

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