Author: Leadership Tri-Cities Team (Page 2 of 7)

Session Day Recap: Education Day

January 11, 2024 / Leadership Tri-Cities Team

Class XXVII went back to school!

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.

Programs at Tri-Tech include:

Auto Body Technology

Cyber Security

Construction Trades

Radio Broadcasting & Audio Production

Welding Technology

Check out the full catalog for Tri-Tech here.

Private School panel

The class interacted with a private school panel:

Eric Haan, Principal of Bethlehem Lutheran

Lisa Jacobs, President of Tri-Cities Prep

Arlene Jones, Principal of St. Patrick’s

Karen Bjur, Principal of Liberty Christian

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.

The class had a conversation with:

Natalie Clemence, Vista Elementary
Robin Ellis, Highland Middle School
Joyce Donais, Kamikan High School

Meet a Leadership Tri-Cities Class 27 Member: Kevin Lewis

December 19, 2023 / Leadership Tri-Cities Team

Name: Kevin Lewis

Company: Visit Tri-Cities

Title: President & CEO

My Superpower is: Written words and expression

Six Questions with Kevin

Question 1: What excites you most about Leadership Tri-Cities?

Getting to know the behind-the-scenes workings of our community and the people who make things happen.

Question 2: If you could meet one person, who would it be?

God

Question 3: What word or sentence would people close to you use to describe you?

Enthusiastically purposeful.

Question 4: What is one project you would be excited to work on in the Tri-Cities?

Bringing an IRONMAN race here.

Question 5: My favorite spot in the Tri-Cities is:

Sacajawea River Trail

Question 6: Something that deserves more recognition in the Tri-Cities is:

Manhattan Project National Park

Tri-Cities LULAC Council President and LTC Class 1 Alumnus, Gabriel Portugal, to speak on January 5th during First Friday event

December 18, 2023 / Leadership Tri-Cities Team

Tri-Cities LULAC Council #47014 — Gabriel Portugal bottom right with red scarf .
Photo credit: Tri-Cities LULAC Council Facebook page.

“An informed community is a prepared community,” said Gabriel Portugal, a member of the original Leadership Tri-Cities class founded in 1994.

Born in Mexico, Gabriel is the founder and president of the Tri-Cities Washington LULAC chapter, and has been a fixture of community action in the Tri-Cities for decades. His experiences as a teenager in Mexico and a young adult in the United States shaped his activism.

“I left Mexico in ‘68 because of the government’s reaction to student protests.”

In 1968, students’ groups around Mexico protested the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) who had held power in Mexico for over 40 years. The students were advocating for greater political freedoms, democratic reforms, and an end to the repressive tactics used by the government. But, the government’s reaction to the protests were severe — a closure of schools across the country, and violence that culminated in the armed forces opening fire on a group of unarmed civilians at the Plaza de Las Tres Cultrals in Mexico City — killing hundreds of people in an event called the Tlatelolco Massacre.

“My family was worried…We thought we would only leave for a short time, but in 1971 another massacre (El Halconazo) was inflicted on students protests and I decided to stay and study in the United States.”

On a student visa, Gabriel studied at Washington State University and earned a degree in education. It was at WSU where he started to become active in community organizations, “At Pullman, I founded a theater — a music and dancing group — we performed in several places, like the Walla Walla penitentiary.”

During this time, he also worked on inviting high school Latino students’ groups to visit universities, so that they could see themselves as college students and open themselves to new ideas, career pathways, and economic opportunity.

“I was born into a critical situation as far as finances and having enough to survive. So, I was able to see that the two ways of living with the real poor and real wealthy.”

As a teacher, and later a principal, he soon found that the curriculum did not dedicate any substantial part of the curriculum to Latino or Chicano studies.

“This is a problem, particularly in times of crisis. To solve problems, people have to understand each other and their cultures.”

He became an original organizer of the Cinco de Mayo celebration in Pasco as a way to bring people together and educate the community.

In 1992, Gabriel started to host a weekly one-hour live radio show called Nuestro Pueblo at four Spanish Radio Stations in Tri-Cities, Granger, and Prosser. One segment would include a discussion with a local law enforcement official who would take questions from the Spanish-speaking public. Gabriel explained that for many Latinos their experience with law enforcement would cause anxiety and apprehension when approached by someone in uniform.

*Tri-Cities LULAC Council #47014 voter education event. Gabriel Portugal* is at center.
Photo credit: Tri-Cities LULAC Council Facebook page.

In 2015, Gabriel established the Tri-Cities Washington LULAC chapter as a way to proactively improve the community through economic empowerment and civic engagement. The Tri-Cities chapter is a non-partisan 501(c)(4) organization that works to empower the Latino community.

On January 5, 2024, Gabriel will present at the Leadership Tri-Cities First Friday event.

“I enjoyed my time with Leadership Tri-Cities and I am excited to be able to talk with the alumni and the public.”

Gabriel’s talk will cover how to empathetically understand cultural labels. “Often when you meet someone from another culture, you ask them to label themselves – Latino, Mexican, Chicano, Hispanic. But with that question, you are fragmenting a community.”

You can save your spot for Gabriel’s talk at the following link.

Bio of Gabriel Portugal

Gabriel Portugal is a retired schoolteacher/principal. Mr. Portugal believes an informed community is a prepared community. Bringing information and resources to the Spanish speaking community is omnipresent in all of Mr. Portugal’s endeavors. He strives to empower members of the Latino community to advocate for themselves and their families politically, economically, and educationally.

These are some of Mr. Portugal’s community involvement activities:

Appointed and served two terms as Commissioner of The Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs; 2003-2009.
One of the founders of the Washington State HLLO Hispanic Latino Legislative Organization known today as Latino Civic Alliance —LCA
Elected President of Community Health Center “La Clinica”; 1998-2000.
Elected President of Tri-Cities Cinco de Mayo Committee 1999-2006.
Appointed to the Pasco Police Advisory Committee 1996-Present
Elected Vice President of the Washington Association for Bilingual Ed. —WABE 1994-96
Leadership Tri-Cities 1994 Class I Graduate
Radio Host Volunteer; conducted a weekly one-hour live show in Spanish “Nuestro Pueblo” (1992-2010) at four Spanish Radio Stations in Tri-Cities, Granger, and Prosser Washington
Elected President of the Tri-Cities League of United Latin American Citizens LULAC Council #47014, 2016-Present
Appointed to serve as Commissioner on the City of Pasco Planning Commission Position No. 9, 2015-2018
Elected President of the Downtown Pasco Development Authority January 2019 -2022
Elected President of the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce December 2019-2021
Elected President of the Colima-Pasco Cooperation and Friendship Agreement (COPA) January 2020 -Present
Elected LULAC State Director, Washington State League of United Latin American Citizens, October 2022 – Present

Session Day Recap: Law and Justice Session Day

December 7, 2023 / Leadership Tri-Cities Team

Sgt. Jeremy Taylor of the Kennewick Police Department presented on the local SWAT team and took questions from Leadership Tri-Cities Class XXVII

On November 15, 2023, Class XXVII gained a deeper understanding of the Tri-Cities justice system during the Law & Justice session day.

The objective of this session was to gain a well-introduction to the issues facing the justice system and law enforcement in our region. Speakers addressed how their organizations provided services, build collaborative partnerships with other entities and solve challenges they face.

The session featured a comprehensive and engaging agenda courtesy of our Session Day Sponsor, Moon Security, and their president, Michael Miller. We also would like to thank Grace Kitchen for providing the session’s meals and to Judge David Petersen (LTC Class VI Alumnus) for putting together an engaging agenda.

Tri-City Regional Metro Drug Task Force

The first presentation of the day was given by Sgt. Isaac Merkl, of the Kennewick Police Department.

This task force was originally founded in 1988, and is comprised of officers from the Kennewick Police Department, Richland Police Department, West Richland Police Department, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and Franklin County Sheriff’s Officer.

One topic Sgt Merkl covered is the problem of fentanyl — since 2020, this drug has been the leading cause of overdose in our region and is a major problem.

Street Crimes, Gangs and SWAT

The next two presentations were given by:

Amber Hawkins, a Crime Analyst with the Pasco Police Department
Sgt. Jeremy Taylor of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team

Amber gave insight into the current gang activity level in the Tri-Cities and some of the strategies the department is using to solve the challenge.

Sgt. Taylor provided background into the SWAT team, equipment, and training his officers underwent.

Moon Security

In the afternoon, Michael Miller, President of Moon Security and long-time sponsor and supporter of Leadership Tri-Cities, gave a fun talk on his LTC and Moon Security background.

Moon Security is a family-owned business and has been in operation since 1957. It is a full-service security company providing services such as Patrol, Guards, Installation, Maintenance, and Monitoring.

Grace Kitchen and Love the Tri

Grace Kitchen provided a tasty lunch and an impressive presentation. They are a non-profit that offers hope and opportunity for lasting change to women survivors of trafficking, addiction, homelessness, and poverty.

Love The Tri then presented and provided gear to LTC class members. Love the Tri donates 100% of its profits from sales to local causes.

Afternoon Activities

The class had a full, eye-opening afternoon, which included:

Tour of Benton County Jail at the Justice — led by Lt. Joshua Shelton, Benton County Corrections
Presentation on Internet Crimes Against Children by Sgt. Jarin Whiby – ICAC task force with the Richland Police Department

Chiefs and Sheriffs Panel

The day’s final panel was with the Chiefs and Sheriffs around our community. They discussed law enforcement issues and how the different entities collaborate.

Thank you to:

Acting Chief Jared Kelly, West Richland Police Force
Chief Chris Guerrero, Kennewick Police Department
Deputy Chief Dave Neher, Richland Police Department
Chief Ken Roske, Pasco Police Department
Sheriff Tom Croskrey, Benton County
Sheriff Jim Raymond, Franklin County

Meet a Leadership Tri-Cities Class 27 Member: Karlee Hodges

November 14, 2023 / Leadership Tri-Cities Team

Name: Karlee Hodges

Company: Richland School District

Title: High School Science and AVID Teacher

My Superpower is: Making things happen

Six Questions with Karlee

Question 1: What excites you most about Leadership Tri-Cities?

Connecting, learning from, and growing with people who want to make positive changes in their lives and in our community.

Question 2: If you could meet one person, who would it be?

My grandma, Chieko.

Question 3: What word or sentence would people close to you use to describe you?

Determined and compassionate

Question 4: What is one project you would be excited to work on in the Tri-Cities?

Creating or supporting the development of new positive youth development programs.

Question 5: My favorite spot in the Tri-Cities is:

Chamna Natural Preserve

Question 6: Something that deserves more recognition in the Tri-Cities is:

The strength and power of our youth.

Session Day Recap: Human Needs and Services Day

October 30, 2023 / Leadership Tri-Cities Team

Carla Prock, Senior Manger at the Benton-Franklin Health District (our session day sponsor) and Class XX alumni speaks with Leadership Tri-Cities Class XXVII about the 2023 Community Health Improvement plan

On October 18, 2023, Class XXVII experienced a session of thought-provoking insights during their Human Needs and Services Day.

The focus of this session was to be introduced to the services and programs available to meet human needs in the community, the challenges these agencies face, and how they plan to improve their services in the future.

The session featured a comprehensive and engaging agenda courtesy of our Session Day Sponsor, the Benton-Franklin Health District. We also would like to thank Columbia Industries for providing the session’s meals.

Benton Franklin Community Health Alliance

Class XXVII started with a presentation by Carla Prock, a Class XX alum member and a Senior Manager of Healthy People & Communities at the Benton Franklin Health District.

In the presentation, Carla discussed the findings of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for 2023 -2025.

As noted in the report, “CHIP established the groundwork for addressing some of the most pressing public health challenges facing our bi-county region to foster more equitable health outcomes and well-being for all residents in our community.”

The four CHIP priorities included:

Housing and Homelessness
Behavioral Health
Access to Health
Community Partnership Development

Youth Homelessness in the Community

Omar Escalera is the Executive Director of Equity, Partnerships & Family Engagement Migrant Program in the Pasco School District, presented on Youth Homelessness.

At the national level, the McKinney-Vento Act is federal legislation that has been in effect since 1987 to support children and youth.

Mr. Escalera then discussed the challenges the District faces and the resources they have to ensure that children and youth experiencing housing instability can still access the educational system.

Support, Advocacy and Resource Center

The Support, Advocacy & Resource Center (SARC) is dedicated to providing trauma-informed crisis services and support to victims/survivors of crime, along with their families and others affected.

SARC’s Executive Director, JoDee Garretson, an LTC Class 2 Alumni, delivered a compelling presentation on SARC’s history and service.
SARC advocates for the rights of all crime victims, offering information, advocacy, crisis intervention, and treatment to those affected.

They promote victims’ choices in reporting, prosecution, safety, and more while also working to prevent violence.

Tri-Cities Residential Services

Paul Singer, an LTC Alumni from Class XX, and the Executive Director of Tri-Cities Residential Services, discussed their person-centered approach to teaching vital life skills and offering support to individuals with disabilities.

TCRS fosters self-esteem, personal growth, and self-sufficiency, enabling these individuals to function independently.

Their services encompass supported living and behavior support services.

B5 Learning Center

For over 13 years, the B5 Learning Center has delivered education classes and after-school programs for refugee families.

Theresa Roosendaal (Executive Director) and Tho Paw (Family Support Specialist) discussed the history and programs of the B5 Learning Center, “since our founding, we have helped more than 2,000 newcomers learn, grow, and thrive.”

The B5 Learning Center offers English and digital literacy classes to adults and after-school programs for K-8 and High School students.

Homeless & Poverty Panel

Two panelists discussed current challenges and services offered to alleviate homelessness and poverty in the Tri-Cities.

The panelists included:

Heather Shindehite, Ph.D., Program Director, Safe Harbor & My Friends Place
Debra Biondolilo, Humans Services Case Management Director, Tri-Cities Union Gospel Mission.

Columbia Industries

Columbia Industries is a mission-based organization dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities and other challenges.

Columbia Industries CEO, Michael Novakovich, a LTC Class 10 Alumni, spoke about the organization, “One of the core values at Columbia Industries is social inclusion – we want all our people to fell as if they belong to our community.

Youth Services Panel

There were three panelists who talked about youth services in the Tri-Cities.

The panelists included:

Brian Ace, Executive Director, Boys and Girls Club, Class XIII
Steve Howland, Executive Director, YMCA
Amber Gonzalez, Program Manager, Communities in School

Brian Ace finished up with a discussion of donor principles and non-profits.

Meet a Leadership Tri-Cities Class 27 Member: Jill Harvill

October 16, 2023 / Leadership Tri-Cities Team

Name: Jill Harvill

Company: Hanford Mission Integration Solutions

Title: Project Specialist

My Superpower is: Listening to understand

Six Questions with Jill

Question 1: What excites you most about Leadership Tri-Cities?

Our class of amazing professionals with varied experiences and backgrounds. I’m excited to get to know everyone better and work together!

Question 2: If you could meet one person, who would it be?

My great-great grandparents. I had the fortune to know my great grandparents as a child, but have heard so many amazing stories of their parents, I’d love to know them as an adult.

Question 3: What word or sentence would people close to you use to describe you?

Active

Question 4: What is one project you would be excited to work on in the Tri-Cities?

Improving awareness and access to community resources.

Question 5: My favorite spot in the Tri-Cities is:

My home!

Question 6: Something that deserves more recognition in the Tri-Cities is:

Everything locally owned! Farmer’s markets, restaurants and small businesses.

Meet a Leadership Tri-Cities Class 27 Member: Jessie Tomren

October 9, 2023 / Leadership Tri-Cities Team

Name: Jessie Tomren

Company: Mid-Columbia Libraries

Title: Community Libraries Director

My Superpower is: Making to-do lists and crossing things off

Six Questions with Jessie

Question 1: What excites you most about Leadership Tri-Cities?

The opportunity to get more in depth knowledge of our community both via the in-depth session days, but also through my classmates.

Question 2: If you could meet one person, who would it be?

Trevor Noah – I love his comedic and insightful view on life, especially with his unique experience of growing up in Apartheid South Africa.

Question 3: What word or sentence would people close to you use to describe you?

That being in a “helping” profession aligns with who I am.

Question 4: What is one project you would be excited to work on in the Tri-Cities?

Something impacting social issues (like people experiencing homelessness or addiction) or preparing our kids for success.

Question 5: My favorite spot in the Tri-Cities is:

Chiawana Park, the far west end that’s just beyond the edge of the grass. There’s a short clearing & path of sorts that the trees arch over… It’s also where my husband and I said our vows and eloped.

Question 6: Something that deserves more recognition in the Tri-Cities is:

bias here…Our libraries. They’re great, and everyone who is not using them should!

Leadership Tri-Cities Class 27 Community Project Request for Proposal (RFP)

October 4, 2023 / Leadership Tri-Cities Team

Do you run a Tri-Cities community agency? Need help tackling a pending project? Let’s team up!

Leadership Tri-Cities Class 27 is gearing up to complete their class project, and is accepting RFP’s from local agencies.

Download the RFP Guidelines here (or read below)

Leadership Tri-Cities Class 27 – Request for Proposal Download

Introduction and Purpose

Each Leadership Tri-Cities class is presented with the challenge of completing a “Class Project.” The LTC Class XXVII is seeking opportunities to serve our community via the application.

Want to see a previous project example?

Watch Class 26’s project with Domestic Violence Services of Benton and Franklin Counties below.

Review and Selection Process

All applications will go through a multi-phase approval process, including:

Proposals will be screened by the Leadership Tri-Cities Project Team
- All applicants will be notified by November 3, 2023 of the recommended project that is selected to bring to LTC Board of Directors for final approval
- The selected project will be voted on during the November 9, 2023 LTC Special Board Meeting

Proposal Content Requirements

Please note all applications submitted must have a project proposal that is shovel ready and a great need for the organization.

Provide a detailed written narrative of your proposed project that follows the outline below.

Narrative should not exceed one page. Your proposal should include a Budget Worksheet. This does not count towards the one page limit to your proposal.

Answer the following questions:

How will this project serve our community?
How many families or individuals will be positively impacted by this project?
How does this project support or provide service across lines of social diversity?
Is there funding available for the project or will funding need to be raised?
If funding needs to be raised, estimate how much needs to be raised.
How long as this project been needed for your organization.

Proposal Content Requirements

Please take note of the following project requirements to ensure the potential project is one that meets these guidelines:

Selection: The project must address a local community need in partnership with a community agency.
- A community agency is loosely defined as a 501c3, school district, municipality, county, or civic group with the primary or secondary goal of improving our community
- Must be feasible for completion within 120 days
- The project must not promote any religious or political overtones
Project Execution
- There must be an activity during the project execution that allows engagement of LTC class members to serve in the project.
- Must be completed within 120 days from date of approval by the LTC Board of Directors
- Any required permits, licenses, or insurance must be clearly identified
- Local, state, and federal guidelines will be adhered to throughout the project. Additional precautions appropriate to the project location should be communicated to the Project Team.

Project Submission

Proposals must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. PST on October 16, 2023 via email to Chris Mortensen at topher.mortensen@gmail.com

Questions? Contact Chris Mortensen, Class Project Manager, at topher.mortensen@gmail.com.

Session Day Recap: Community Health and Medical Services

September 30, 2023 / Leadership Tri-Cities Team

Kirk Harper, Chief Nursing Officer at Kadlec (our session day sponsor) speaks with Leadership Tri-Cities Class XXVII about the current trends in healthcare in the Tri-Cities

On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, Class XXVII participated in Community Health and Medical Services Day.

The focus of this session was to gain a better understanding of the medical and community health resources in our region.

The day had a full, rich agenda presented by our Session Day Sponsor, Kadlec.

Cadwell Labs Tour

Class XXVII started their day at Cadwell Labs with a tour of the 3rd largest global neurology company in the world.

Cadwell has all its core function located in the Tri-Cities and is global leader in 2 product lines.

To the left, you can see class 27 member Avonte Jackson (Grace Clinic Director) test diagnostic equipment.

Grace Clinic

Next, Mark Brault, the Grace Clinic CEO, stopped by to discuss the Clinic’s impact in the community, “We serve approximately 775 people a month who are at or below 200% of the poverty line.”

Grace Clinic provides free medical, dental and mental health services to uninsured adults in the Tri-Cities.

“Over 27,000 people in Benton and Franklin Counties are uninsured, and they need to have a medical option.”

Healthcare Education Panel

Panel discusses the current healthcare education landscape in the Tri-Cities.

The Tri-Cities has a robust medical education landscape, and Class 27 was updated by three leaders in the field:

Dr. Marie Cadwell Meyer: Assistant Dean at Pacific Northwest University (PNWU) and a practicing Family Physician
Dr. Katina Rue: Head of the Family Physician Residency Program at Trios Health.
Dr. Farion Williams: Associate Dean of Clinical Education at Washington State University-Tri-Cities

A worrying trend noted by each panelist is that many healthcare professionals left during COVID, and are continuing to leave. This trend is compounded by the difficulty in filling the talent pipeline back up due to limited residences and the costly nature of preparing new healthcare professionals.

Mental Health & Behavioral Health Panel

Panel discusses mental health services in the Tri-Cities.

Three panelists discussed the current mental health services in the Tri-Cities.

One key take-away — there is a severe lack of mental health providers in the Tri-Cities.

The panelists included:

Alexander Nelson: Director of Behavioral Health at Trios Health
Nathan David: Social Worker at Kadlec, and Mental Health Therapist at First Response Counseling
Mauricio Gomez: Director at Lourdes Counseling Center.

Hospital CEO Panel

Mark Holyoak, the CEO at Lourdes Health, describes opportunities and challenges Hospitals in the area are facing.

During the Hospital CEO panel, Class 27 heard from three chief executives of the three largest health facilities in the Tri-Cities.

The panelists included:

David Elgarico: Chief Executive Officer at Trios Health
Mark Holyoak: Chief Executive Officer at Lourdes Health
Kirk Haprer: Chief Nursing Officer at Kadlec

“We represent more than just ourselves,” said David Elgarico.

The three executives noted that each hospital does not standalone, but is part of a community.

David Elgarcio, the CEO at Trios Health discusses the importance of community in healthcare

SIGN Fracture Care

Jeanne Dillner, CEO, and Lori Maier, Fund Development Manager of SIGN Fracture Care talked about their about their impact in humanatrian fracture care.

SIGN Fracture Care is a Richland, Washington non-profit that has helped more than 411,000 patients around the world.

Their mission is to give the injured poor access to fracture surgery by donating orthopedic education and implant systems to surgeons in developing countries.

To the left, Class 27 member David Jordan (Supply Chain Services Manger at Energy Northwest)