Picture above: Enjoying summer in my dream car with my husband Rich and darling grandgirls Jaylee and Aubree--honk when you see me!
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Education
Central Valley High School, Spokane Valley, WA High School Diploma (Linda Hatcher--Class of 1971) Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA B.A. General Studies and Certificate in Public Relations Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA M.A. in Organizational Leadership Association of Washington Cities, Olympia, WA Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership Employment 1993 to Present: Executive Director of a nonprofit 501(c)3 prevention focused organization dedicated to the safety, health, and well-being of our community with an emphasis on youth. Being responsible for all fiscal and program operations with staff and professional partnerships has given me organizing experience, skills and knowledge that have all enhanced my work on City Council. Previous: 18 Years Working in Finance/Business Services Past Volunteer Experience Central Valley Schools, Spokane Valley, WA 1986 to 2006: Volunteered at Ponderosa, Horizon, and University High in classrooms, PTA/PTG, and active in U-Hi Booster Club, Sports Parents Groups and Senior All Nighters Boy Scouts of America, Grizzly District, Spokane Region, WA 1993 to 2006: Parent volunteer for Cub Pack 455 and Scout Troop 420 in support of son Nate and his fellow scouts' journey from Tiger Scouts through Eagle Scout, also served as a District Merit Badge Counselor WA State Governor’s Council on Substance Abuse, Olympia, WA 2002 to 2010: Gubernatorial appointment to work with business leaders, school officials, legislative members, state department representatives, and community members to make recommendations for the state-wide strategies to reduce the impact of substance abuse in WA State Big Brothers Big Sisters, School Program, Spokane Valley, WA 2002 to 2006: Participated in the Lunch Buddy Mentoring Program with a wonderful young child for five years at Progress Elementary Spokane Valley Police Department and Spokane County Sheriff's Office's Citizens Academy--Spokane Valley, WA 2011: Attended the Crime Prevention Unit's weekly sessions about our law enforcement strategies, departments, training and opportunities for citizens to be involved including the importance of reporting crime. Spokane Valley Park and Library Project—Spokane Valley, WA 2013: Citizen Member on the steering committee for expansion of the Balfour Park site to provide space for the Spokane Valley Library and a community park. Having worked with volunteers, City Staff and Library leaders, I now see this project coming to fruition as a Councilmember. |
Current City Council Committee/Organization Roles
LOCAL: Committee Assignments within City of Spokane Valley:
Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC), Spokane County, WA Newly appointed to serve as the second City of Spokane Valley council member (with Mayor Ben Wick) on the regional council. SRTC is responsible for planning for transportation in the area covered by Spokane County. STATE: Association of Washington Cities (AWC), Olympia, WA AWC's mission is to serve our members through advocacy, education and services. AWC is a respected voice of cities and towns before the Legislature, Congress, government agencies and others. We are the leader in providing valuable services and continuing education for our membership'. (AWC Website) 2019 to Present: Elected to the AWC Board of Directors serving as At-Large Cities in Eastern Washington Representative 2019 to Present: AWC Federal Legislative Committee 2020 to Present: Chair of the AWC Large Cities Committee 2020 Member of the AWC Equity AdHoc Committee NATIONAL: National League of Cities (NLC), Washington DC NLC is the oldest and largest national organization representing municipal governments in the United States. Their mission is to strengthen and promote cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance.' (NLC website) 2019 to Present: Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee serving second term 2021 to Present: Reimagining Public Safety in the Nation Task Force serving with 19 other elected officials from across the nation 2021 to Present: Council on Youth, Education and Families Favorite Quote “My philosophy is simple. When you see something that is not fair, not right, not just, then you have a moral obligation to say something, to do something, stand up, speak out. Be optimistic, don’t get lost in a sea of despair, but be bold, be courageous, and all will work out”. U.S. Congressman John Lewis |