Class 27 touring the Toyota Center with Calvin Dudney and Corey Pearson
On March 20th, Class XXVII got a crash course in Economic Development in the Tri-Cities.
The objective of the session was to provide an overview of the various economic development trends, programs, and needs of the community, as well as the needs of businesses—and their employees—that may be considering relocation to our area. Class XXVII participants also had the opportunity to learn more about the challenges our community leaders are facing and the steps they are taking to overcome these issues.
Finally, the goal was to increase awareness of community partnerships and ways we can all contribute to the enhancement and diversification of our community.
The session featured an immersive agenda courtesy of our three Session Day Sponsors:
Port of Kennewick
Port of Benton
Port of Pasco
We would also like to thank the Session Director, Shauna Sanders (Class III alumna), and Session Director -Shadow, Beau Ruff (Class XXVI alumnus), for organizing the agenda.
Stephen McFadden, Director of Economic Development and Marketing at Port of Pasco
The Agenda
The session included the following:
Economy and Workforce by Numbers – presented by Ajsa Suljic, Labor Market and Economic Analysis from the Employment Security Department
Introduction to Economic Development – presented by Karl Dye, President and CEO of TRIDEC
The importance of Air Transportation – presented by Buck Taft, Director of the Pasco Airport and Class XXIII alumnus
Local Transportation – presented by
Gabe Martin, Manager of Transit Planning with Ben Franklin Transit
Brian Lubanski, Senior Manager of Customer Experience with Ben Franklin Transit
Revitalizing the Waterfront and Transforming an Airfield – presented by Tim Arntzen, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Kennewick
Partnerships Foster Growth | Port of Pasco discussion – presented by Stephen McFadden, Director of Economic Development & Marketing with the Port of Pasco
PNNL Discussion – presented by Christina Lomasney, the PNNL Director of Commercialization
Port of Benton Overview – Diahann Howard, Executive Director of Port of Benton
Kennewick PFD, What Does it Mean To Me? – presented by
Calvin Dudney, Board President, Three Rivers Convention Center and Class IV alumnus
Corey Pearson Executive Director, Three Rivers Convention Center
Tour of Toyota Center & Three Rivers Convention Center – tourby
Calvin Dudney, Board President, Three Rivers Convention Center and Class IV alumnus
Corey Pearson Executive Director, Three Rivers Convention Center
Entrepreneurs – Meet Small Business & Developers
Brett Spooner, Founder at Gravis Law, Fuse and Solar Spirits
Scotty Smiley, Development Coordinator, Retter & Co. Sotheby’s
“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
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.
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
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.
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)
Our Mission
Leadership Tri-Cities assembles, develops and educates a diverse cadre of skilled leaders who will be catalysts for positive change in our community.
