“Red Mountain is a premier wine region in southeast Washington known for world class Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and other varieties.”
~Red Mountain AVA Alliance.
On February 21st, Class XXVII explored the rich agriculture industry of Eastern Washington which included a tour of Kiona Winery located on Red Mountain.
The objective of the session was to expose the LTC class to the issues and challenges faced by the industry in our region –including water, immigration, finance, technology, legislative/political and topical issues.
The session featured a comprehensive and engaging agenda courtesy of our Session Day Sponsor, AgWest. We would also like to thank Tri-Cities Chaplaincy for sponsoring the session’s meals, Wine Social for sponsoring the wine tasting part of the session, and to Jerry Cochran (Class XXIV) for putting together a full, diverse agenda.
The Agenda
The session included the following panels:
A presentation by Eamonn Roach (Roach & Bishop LLP) on Immigration, Labor, and Impacts on the AG Sector in the Columbia Basin
On January 24th and the 25th, class 27 met with a panel of government officials across Washington State.
During this multi-day session, Class 27 learned about city, county, and state government operations directly from elected and appointed leaders. The session included an overnight trip to Olympia, where class members experienced the State Capital during a legislative session.
The session featured a comprehensive and engaging agenda courtesy of our Session Day Sponsors, Benton PUD and Franklin PUD. We want to thank Jamie Harbert (Class XXI) for leading the class throughout the panel sessions.
First Day: January 24th
Leadership in Local Government
To begin the first day, the class heard from three local City Managers:
John Amundson, Richland City Manager
Lisa Beacon, Kennewick Interim City Manager
Adam Lincoln, Pasco City manager
The City Manager serves as the primary administrative leader for the different cities, overseeing its various operations and representing its interests. Their responsibilities, determined by the City Council, the City Charter, and state laws, encompass planning, directing, and managing all city activities.
This entails coordinating programs and services within city departments and with external agencies, ensuring financial stability, and providing expert policy guidance and administrative support to the Mayor and City Council.
Budgeting in Local Government
The class heard from Brandon Allen – the Finance Director for the City of Richland. Brandon previously worked at Trios Health as a Controller and the Utah State Commission as a senior auditor.
The class got a crash course in budgeting for city government. With the City of Richland, Brandon’s Finance Department manages the city’s finances, ensuring responsible handling and reporting. The City of Richland budget aligns with the City Council’s Strategic Leadership Plan – Seven Keys to Unlock the future.
County Government Overview
Michael Alvarez is the former Mayor of Richland and was elected as Commissioner for District 2 on January 1, 2023, encompassing Prosser, Benton City, and parts of Richland, Kennewick, Paterson, and Horse Heaven Hills.
A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, he now serves actively in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. His extensive community involvement includes various liaison roles, commission memberships, and volunteer positions, alongside a successful career in finance and dedication to his family.
He provided the class an overview of County Government describing how the board of county commissioners is the county’s legislative authority. The commissioners serve as the chief administrators for several important county operations and have some quasi-judicial duties. Top of Form
Government Collaboration | Fire & EMS Agencies
The next panel discussed how the different fire and emergency service agencies work together. The panel included:
Chief Kevin Crowley, Pasco Fire Department
Chief Chad Michael, Kennewick Fire Department
Chief Mike Harris, Franklin County Fire District #3
Getting Involved | Boards, Commissions, Committees and City Council
A panel consisting of city council discussed how the community could get involved in the boards, commissions and committees. The three panel members included:
Terry Christensen, Former Mayor, City of Richland
Gretl Crawford, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Kennewick
Blanche Barajas, Councilmember, former Mayor, City of Pasco
Tri-City Legislative Council Panel
Two chamber of commerce executives discussed the activity on the Tri-City legislative council. They included:
Lori Mattson, CEO Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce
Colin Hastings, Executive Director, Pasco Chamber of Commerce
The purpose of the Tri-Cities Legislative Council is to share resources and avoid duplication of efforts among the membership with respect to monitoring legislative information and events. The Tri-Cities Legislative Council provides a means to work cooperatively and speak with one voice for the Tri-Cities region on legislative issues.
Many Ways to Serve: Planning Committees
The final presentation from day 1 included a discussion with Matt Watkins the Executive Director with the Pasco Public Facilities District. Matt discussed the different ways that LTC class members could serve on the planning committees.
Second Day: January 25th
24th District Senator
In the first presentation of the day, Class 27 heard from Senator Kevin De Wege. The Senator is a resident of Lake Sutherland and serves as the Chair of the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee.
A Day in a Lobbyist Life
The class had a conversation with 2 lobbyists.
Bud Ziemore, WSCFF Lobbyist
Isaac Kastama, Water Street Public Affairs
The class learned how the two lobbyists persuade lawmakers to support specific polies and legislation that are favored by the groups they represent.
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Denny Heck is the Lieutenant Governor of Washington State. He was first elected in 2020, and has previously served as the first United States Representative of Washington’s 10th Congressional District. In 1993, he cofounded TVW, Washington State’s first statewide public affairs program – it’s goal was to provide the people of Washington State greater accessibility to their state government.
Office of the Secretary of State
During this fun visit with Steve Hobbes, the Secretary of State of Washington, the class got to create the official Seal for the State of Washington!
The primary responsibilities for the secretary state is to oversee elections, maintain official state records and regulate corporations and charities.
Senate Hearing
The class then moved to the Senate hearing room and listened into a few bills being discussed
Title: Director for Development – Individual Giving
My Superpower is: Staying positive during challenging times.
Six Questions with Timmy
Question 1: What excites you most about Leadership Tri-Cities?
Building relationships with my wonderful cohort members and learning about my leadership strengths and weaknesses.
Question 2: If you could meet one person, who would it be?
Malcolm Gladwell, I would love to get a cup of coffee with him and talk about episodes of his podcast Revisionist History.
Question 3: What word or sentence would people close to you use to describe you?
A warm, calm presence.
Question 4: What is one project you would be excited to work on in the Tri-Cities?
I would love to work on a project to help the homeless in the Tri-Cities.
Question 5: My favorite spot in the Tri-Cities is:
The Parkway in Richland is one of my favorite spots in the Tri-Cities. I really like going to Ethos Bakery & Cafe to get bread and going to the farmers market there on Fridays during the summer.
Question 6: Something that deserves more recognition in the Tri-Cities is:
My Superpower is: I have a high social IQ and can adjust my leadership (and personal) styles to work and get along with most personality types.
Six Questions with Max
Question 1: What excites you most about Leadership Tri-Cities?
To immerse myself into this community in which I call home and learn what makes it unique.
Question 2: If you could meet one person, who would it be?
My grandpa (dad’s dad) as he passed before I was born.
Question 3: What word or sentence would people close to you use to describe you?
A fun, reliable and passionate person.
Question 4: What is one project you would be excited to work on in the Tri-Cities?
I have a passion for basketball and underserved youth, so something that could incorporate both.
Question 5: My favorite spot in the Tri-Cities is:
The Parkway and Badger Mountain
Question 6: Something that deserves more recognition in the Tri-Cities is:
All of the great restaurants and food trucks we have. We have a lot of chain and fast food restaurants that dominate searches (and real estate), but we have so many great locally owned places that serve really great food.
My Superpower is: clearly articulating complex ideas.
Six Questions with Megan Biever
Question 1: What excites you most about Leadership Tri-Cities?
The opportunity to connect with other leaders around the commonalities of leadership as well as the struggles.
Question 2: If you could meet one person, who would it be?
I would love to meet the Obama’s. I think the lens through which they experienced the presidency would be fascinating.
Question 3: What word or sentence would people close to you use to describe you?
All in
Question 4: What is one project you would be excited to work on in the Tri-Cities?
I would love to work on a project that supported disability access in sport and recreation.
Question 5: My favorite spot in the Tri-Cities is:
Badger Mountain
Question 6: Something that deserves more recognition in the Tri-Cities is:
the unique hub it has become for experts in varying fields. It is often thought of as one small town when it is three major cities with vast resources and opportunities.
Leadership Tri-Cities Class 22 at Ohme Gardens. Brent Williams kneeling on the right.
Brent Williams is the co-founder of Reach Supported Living and a Leadership Tri-Cities class 22 alumnus. He started his business seven years ago, shortly after his Leadership Tri-Cities class graduation. The company has since grown from one local location to seven branches across three states – Washington, California, and Nevada.
“The growth has been a bit crazy, to be honest,” he said with a chuckle.
Brent, a father of 6, is an affable character who deeply cares for his family and the community.
“I moved to the Tri-Cities from Chicago in 2011. We didn’t have much at the time we moved – it was struggle. But, my wife is my rock and best friend, and got us through the hard times.”
Brent Williams (left) and Patrick Conrad (right) are Class 22 alumni.
He was working as a manager at a local supported living facility when he decided to apply for Leadership Tri-Cities.
“I was blessed to be sponsored by Tri-Cities Residential Services – they made such a difference in my life by giving me that opportunity.”
It was at the Class retreat and on the ropes course where he started to feel some connection with his new class.
“There were just really good, genuine people in the class, and I thought, if I take nothing else away from this experience, these conversations and connections are worth it.”
The class retreat provided a solid foundation for the entire LTC program.
Leadership Tri-Cities Class 22 graduation
“My confidence really started to develop over that year – I didn’t think that I was up to being a person at the front as a leader. But, being in that room, and learning, I think I just soaked up some of that confidence.”
Shortly after his Leadership Tri-Cities experience, a friend pitched a business idea about starting a Supported Living business.
“Before my LTC experience, I don’t think there’s any way I would have made that jump to being a business owner. But, going through the program really clarified things for me – and I knew I had the skills and knowledge of the Tri-Cities to be successful.”
Reach Supported Living helps developmentally disabled adults live in their homes with the support of professional care providers.
“Our goal is to empower our clients with life skills and in-home assistance. We want them to live a full life in their home,” he said.
You can hear Brent speak at the Leadership Tri-Cities Amplifying the Ripple Effect Breakfast Fundraiser on February 6th.
Question 1: What excites you most about Leadership Tri-Cities?
Growing my confidence both professionally and personally along with expanding my leadership skills.
Question 2: If you could meet one person, who would it be?
The 49ers head coach – Kyle Shanahan because keeping 53 people on track, motivated, feeling encouraged, and staying supportive and positive is something to look up to.
Question 3: What word or sentence would people close to you use to describe you?
I have been told I’m an empathetic person a time or two!
Question 4: What is one project you would be excited to work on in the Tri-Cities?
Getting a shelter that homeless or struggling families can be together in and not separated based on gender and/or age that also offers programs to help teach life skills.
Question 5: My favorite spot in the Tri-Cities is:
Howard Amon Park. I love walking along the river and the swinging benches.
Question 6: Something that deserves more recognition in the Tri-Cities is:
All the wonderful small and local businesses we are surrounded by! From coffee places to clothing stores to handyman services – our area is filled with talented individuals!
On December 14, 2023, the current LTC class met a diverse panel of educators and administrators from across the Tri-Cities.
The objective of the session was to look at how policy decisions on the state and federal level impact local schools and how educational leaders inspire a shared vision with their staff and community. The class also had the opportunity to interact with current students through tours of facilities and panel discussions.
The session featured a comprehensive and engaging agenda courtesy of our Session Day Sponsor, Yakima Federal. We would like to thank their Chief Lending Officer Ryan Siefken (in picture presenting) for welcoming the class, the Boys and Girls Club of Benton and Franklin Counties for sponsoring the session’s meals, and to Jennifer Behrends (Class XXV) for leading the class throughout the panel sessions.
Superintendent’s Panel
To kick off the day, the class heard from the three district Superintendents.
Michelle Whitney is the superintendent of the Pasco School District and is an LTC alumna of Class XVIII. Ms. Whitney has been a part of the Pasco School District for more than 26 years and began her journey as a Kindergarten teacher before becoming a School principal. Now, she oversees a district that has over 19,000 students and more than 2,500 staff and employees.
Dr. Shelley Redinger has been the Superintendent of the Richland School District since June of 2020. Prior to her time with RSD, she spent 8 years as the superintendent of the Spokane Public Schools which is the second largest school district in Washington State. In a recent open letter, Dr. Redinger discussed the variety of new classes and course offerings coming to the district including the addition of American Sign Language being added as a new World Language course.
In Kennewick, Dr. Traci Pierce has led a district of 19,200+ students and 2,200+ certificated and classified staff since January of 2020. Before she came to Kennewick, Dr. Pierce was a superintendent in the Lake Washington School District. In the 2023 community report, the KSD noted that a strategic pillar is that all community members are important collaborators – with that goal in mind, over 2,335 community volunteered in the schools/district in the 2021-22 school year.
Higher Education: Community Partnerships
The next panel included a discussion with the leaders of Higher Education institutions in the Tri-Cities.
Dr. Rebekah Woods is the President of Columbia Basin College (current class sponsor of Leadership Tri-Cities).
Since 1955, Columbia Basin College has been helping students learn English and prepare for college-level work, gain workforce skills, obtain an associate’s degree for transfer to a four-year university, or earn a Bachelors degree in on of their 8 programs. Dr. Woods “believes in the transformational power of an education and is committed to meeting the educational needs of the Tri-Cities…”
Dr. Sandra Haynes is the Chancellor of Washington State University – Tri-Cities. Dr. Hanyes holds a Ph.D. in Experimental Neuropsychology and holds a faculty position as a professor in the Department of Psychology at WSU. Her focus is on “Student Success, Research and Scholarship, Accessibility and Equity, Community Engagement, Campus Culture, and Institutional effectiveness.”
Tour of Tri-Tech
Paul Randall, the Director Tri-Tech, and Lisa McKinney (Class V), the Assistant Director guided the class through the diverse programs and a tour of Tri-Tech. Tri-Tech partners high schools to offer advanced technical and professional training.
The four private schools in the Tri-Cities center their mission and curriculum on faith-based education.
School Tour of Eastgate Elementary
The principal of Eastgate Elementary, Brittany Mercer, guided the class through a school tour. Eastgate’s mission is to provide a safe environment in which every student reaches his or her highest potential and is well prepared for success in secondary school education.
School Tour of Mid-Columbia Partnership
The Mid-Columbia Partnership’s mission is to ensure student success through personalized education, access to quality resources and innovative classes, and collaboration with families in a supportive educational environment. Travis Hatke, the Assistant Principal, guided the class during the tour, highlighting the school’s commitment to this mission.
Student Voice
After the tour of the MCP, the class came back to Tri-Tech for a fun discussion and demonstration with current students in the Kennewick and Pasco School Districts.
Thank you to the following students for giving us insight into your school:
Mallory Dupaquier, KSD
Annie Maltos, KSD
Meia Ng, PSD
Kimberly Joya Manzanarez, PSD
Samantha Quiroga, PSD
Teacher’s Panel
The final panel of the day took place with three teachers from the Kennewick School District.
