FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 16, 1996

Lowry names Goldmark, Davis to WSU Board of Regents

OLYMPIA -- Gov. Mike Lowry today appointed Peter Goldmark of Okanogan to the Washington State University Board of Regents.

"I eagerly look forward to having Peter on this board," Lowry said. "Peter brings a wealth of knowledge in research, natural resources and agriculture. His expertise in these issues will add a valuable dimension to the college's future as a leader in agricultural sciences."

Goldmark, 49, fills a vacancy on the board created by the term expiration of Robert Crow.

"My goal is to represent the agriculture interest on the board and to increase communication between the agriculture industry and the university," Goldmark said. "I also will work to emphasize agriculture research and communication between the community of eastern Washington and the university."

Goldmark, who owns and operates Double J Ranch in Okanogan, earned a doctorate degree in molecular biology at the University of California, Berkeley. He also founded a biotechnology research laboratory in Okanogan.

Goldmark served briefly as director of the state Department of Agriculture in 1993, then went on to serve as chairman of the Governor's Council on Agriculture and the Environment. He is a member of the advisory board for the Washington State Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources. Goldmark currently is the president of the Douglas/Okanogan Counties Association of Wheat Growers and is a member of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers. He also has served as chairman of the Okanogan County Regional Planning Commission.

Today Lowry also reappointed Richard A. (Dick) Davis of Spokane to the board. Davis, 60, is president and chief executive officer of Pentzer Corporation, a private investment company in Spokane. Davis has 20 years of service with Pacific Northwest Bell (now US West Communications), serving as head of sales and marketing in Washington and Oregon. He was chief of staff to former Gov. Booth Governor, under whom he also directed the state departments of Labor and Industries and Office of Financial Management.

He has served as an advisor to the Washington State Investment Board, and is currently the chairman of the Association of Washington Business.

For more information, contact the Governor's Communications Office at 360-753-6790.