Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 24, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Announces Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Gov. Gary Locke today announced the following appointments to state boards and commissions:

Arts Commission

Leann Johnson of Vancouver, Elaine Grinnell of Sequim, Silvia Maria Lazo of Spokane, and Bill McKay of Richland have been appointed to terms ending July 28, 2007. Johnson is manager of cultural services for the city of Vancouver. Grinnell is a retired counselor with the Port Angeles School District. Lazo is the director of a performing arts company, SL Production Company. McKay is dean of Arts & Humanities at Columbia Basin College.

Benjamin Moore of Seattle, Cheryll Leo-Gwin of Redmond and Charlene Curtiss of Seattle have been reappointed to terms ending July 28, 2007. The Arts Commission promotes the growth and development of the arts within 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.

Freight Mobility & Strategic Investment Board

Cliff Benson of Snohomish has been reappointed to a term ending June 30, 2008.

Rebecca Francik of Pasco and Eric Johnson of Centralia have been appointed to terms ending June 30, 2008. Francik is a Pasco city councilmember. Johnson is a Lewis County commissioner. The Freight Mobility & Strategic Investment Board designates strategic freight corridors within the state, reviews and evaluates freight mobility funding applications and makes recommendations to the governor and Legislature on projects that will enhance freight mobility.

Professional Educator Standards Board

Martha Rice of Yakima has been reappointed to a term ending May 31, 2005. The Professional Educator Standards Board advises state policymakers on issues related to the preparation, certification and ongoing professional development of educators in Washington state and administers the basic skills and subject knowledge tests required for teacher certification and the state’s alternative routes to teaching program.

Public Employees’ Benefits Board

Yvonne Tate of Seattle has been reappointed to a term ending Oct. 1, 2005. The Public Employees’ Benefits Board designs and approves insurance benefit plans for state employees and retirees, the higher education system, political subdivisions and all employees of school districts.

Real Estate Commission

Paul Chiles of Bellevue has been reappointed to a term ending Aug. 14, 2010. The Real Estate Commission examines and licenses real estate brokers and salespeople; holds educational conferences; and administers examinations once a month at 12 locations throughout the state.

Spokane County Boundary Review Board

Phyllis Meyer of Spokane has been appointed to a term ending Jan. 31, 2007. Meyer is a former member of the city of Spokane Planning Commission. The Spokane County Boundary Review Board is mandated by state legislation. The board has jurisdiction over municipal annexations, incorporations, disincorporations and creation or annexation of certain special districts. The board also has jurisdiction over extensions of sewer and water services outside the city or district.

Interagency Committee for State Employed Women

Robyn Bradshaw of Tacoma has been appointed to a term ending June 30, 2006. The mission of the Interagency Committee for State Employed Women is to enhance the quality of life of state employed women by promoting good working conditions, improving employment opportunities and providing training.

Yakima Valley Community College Board of Trustees

Patricia Whitefoot of White Swan has been appointed to a term ending Sept. 30, 2007. Whitefoot is a paraeducator coordinator with Education Service District 105. The Yakima Valley Community College Board of Trustees serves as the college’s governing board.

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