Submitted by Thurston Economic Development Council
The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) installed new officers on its Board of Directors this month. Heather Burgess, Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, PLLC, stepped down as President after serving a two-year term. Mark Steepy, KPFF Consulting Engineers, who served formerly as President-Elect, will serve as President from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024.
“Heather Burgess has been an exceptional President, providing unwavering leadership during one of the most challenging periods in our organization’s history,” said Michael Cade, Thurston EDC Executive Director. “Her expertise in navigating the pandemic’s economic fallout has been invaluable. Under her stewardship, we were able to adapt, pivot and emerge stronger, and more resilient than ever. As we move forward, we will draw inspiration from Mark’s visionary blueprint for a sustainable and equitable economy.”
Complementary leadership positions are fulfilled by Michael McGauly of StraderHallett PS serving as Secretary/Treasurer and Carrie Whisler with Olympia Federal Savings serving as President-Elect. The EDC also welcomed Councilmember Jim Cooper, City of Olympia, and Mayor Joe DePinto, City of Yelm, as new members to the board.
Thurston EDC is the lead economic development agency for Thurston County, cultivating a dynamic, diverse, resilient, and sustainable economy by expanding opportunity, attracting investment, and retaining talent. The EDC and its Board of Directors is a mix of leaders from the private and public sectors and from urban and rural Thurston County. Board members are elected by the investors of the EDC.
Re-elected and returning to the Board this year are:
· Councilmember Peter Agabi, City of Tumwater
· Reid Bates, Express Employment Professionals
· Marc Daily, Thurston Regional Planning Council
· Commissioner Joe Downing, Port of Olympia
· Commissioner Gary Edwards, Thurston County
· Brian Fluetsch, Sunset Air
· Mayor Wayne Fournier, City of Tenino
· Daryl Fourtner, Heritage Bank
· Jessica Jensen, Jensen Milner | Cap City Law, PS
· Dan Jones, North America Talk
· Nancy LaPointe, Navigate Financial
· Cecelia Loveless, Multicare Foundation
· Deputy Mayor Malcolm Miller, City of Lacey
· Evan Parker, Kidder Mathews
· Annette Pitts, Experience Olympia & Beyond
· Dr. Timothy Stokes, South Puget Sound Community College
· Tony Taylor, Leaders Lead the Podcast
· Chris Woods, Boys & Girls Club
· Shina Wysocki, Chelsea Farms
