20 under 40

November 8, 2012

20 40Proudly Sponsored By:

Buzzard & AssociatesWashington orthopaedic center

under

Class of 2012Chronicle’sThe

2 �• �20 Under 40 • A Specialty Publication of The Chronicle • November 8, 2012

Congratulations to the 2012 class of 20 Under 40. I am proud that our community holds so many dynamic leaders of such a young age. Each of these professionals cur-rently hold positions of influence in their field and as you will read they regularly con-tribute both professionally and personally for the benefit of our community.

I am happy that we can again present you this section in The Chronicle publicly acknowledging the younger people who are making a difference. These are leaders who are under forty years of age and are serving on non-profit boards or are volunteers in their churches, or making a differ-ence as part of another locally affiliated group. They are also outstanding

in their professional field of choice.These young people are connected by their passion to give back and

their love of this community. Without collaboration they almost unani-mously answered that what they love most about this area is the cooper-ation among neighbors. They are proud that we come together and help one another when the need arises.

We had many more nominations than we were able to acknowledge and we had a number of very qualified nominees who are just older than 40, prompting a new section in 2013 dedicated to them. If you know of a candidate in either the under 40 or the over 40 category please email me and nominate them for consideration next year.

These young people shine a light by their example. I thank them for what they contribute now and anticipate that we will see them recog-nized again. I look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future and the positive impact they provide to Lewis County.

Hometown Feelings Ring True For Local Leaders

Christine FossettPublisher

[email protected]

20 Under 40 • A Specialty Publication of The Chronicle • November 8, 2012 • �3

Peter Abbarno

Age: 37Town of residence: RochesterEmployer: Olson Althauser Samuelson & Rayan, LLPTitle: Associate AttorneyJob Description: Family law and general civil litigation

Community Involvement: Lewis County Bar Association vice president, secretary, and treasurer in 2012; president in 2013 Lewis County Bar Legal Aid board member since 2011University of Washington low-income Federal Tax Clinic volunteer attorney since 2010 Centralia Downtown Association board member from 2010-2011

Family: Wife Holly, daughter Sophia, stepson Tyler, stepdaughter Emilee

What do you appreciate most about our community? The people. When I moved to Lewis County people were eager to discuss the local history and culture. Some of the nicest and hardest working people live in this community. I also appreciated when people did not laugh too hard when this New Yorker thought a "shop" on a person's property was someone's business. The debate over "shop" versus "garage" ensued. Or, the look of confusion on my face when someone referred to their pickup truck as a "rig" a term I thought reserved for 18-wheelers.

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? My father, Anthony Abbarno, is an attorney back in Buffalo, New York. He is my mentor. He always encouraged me to try my best and fight for those who are unable to fight for themselves.

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: Prior to attending law school, I managed political campaigns and political non-profit organizations. I was the executive director of the Washington State Republican Party from 2001-2005, executive director of the Vermont Republican Party from 2000-2001, and media and policy coordinator for the New York State Assembly Republican Caucus from 1997-2000. Oh. . . and I collect comic books!

Describe a def ining moment of your career: Joining Olson Althauser Samuelson and Rayan. I love practicing in Lewis County. Moving to this community has opened the door to many new friendships and colleagues. It is also the place where I met my wife, Holly. I look forward to always being active in the community and giving back to a community that has already given me so much.


Brennan Bailey

Age: 22Town of residence: ChehalisEmployer & location: Vistas Northwest Real Estate, ChehalisTitle: Owner

Community Involvement: Vistas Northwest has held two Christmas toy drives providing gifts for just over 150 local children. Recently I broke a world record to help raise money for job creation in third world countries. I have held several fundraisers to raise money for people facing hard times in our community including a spaghetti feed, silent auction, and half-marathon run. I was also recently elected to the Chehalis School Board.

Family: Father Chris Bailey, Mother Tonya Bailey

What you appreciate most about our community? I love how willing people are to help out others in need. It has been amazing to see how many people donate to someone who they have never met.

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? There's no way for me to recognize just one inspirational person in my life. My dad has taught me everything I know related to business. My mom has taught me compassion and has been a big inspiration to me in my community service. My fiance, Ashley Nozsar, has taught me to slow down and try to focus on one thing at a time. Bob Spahr has taught me a great deal related to real estate.

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: I am an avid foreign currency trader.

Describe a def ining moment of your career: One defining moment of my career was having the opportunity to open my own real estate company at the age of 19.


Michael Bannan

Age: 27Town of residence: ChehalisEmployer: I-5 Toyota, Uhlmann FordTitle: Sales ManagerJob Description: New Toyota and pre-owned vehicle management

Community Involvement: United Way of Lewis CountyLewis County Special Olympics

Family: Father Patrick Bannan, mother Glynn Waller, stepfather Dennis Waller

What you appreciate most about our community? Lewis County is full of honest, hard working people. We are kind of like the rebel county in western Washington, we have our values and beliefs and we stick to them!

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? I am fortunate to have a handful of people in my life that are family as well as advisors. My stepdad, Denny, my mom, Glynn, our general manager, Chris Hardesty, my boss, Heidi, and her husband, Bob. I was told once to work harder than anyone else and be honest. It's that easy, but most people can't or won't do it.

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: I am the head coach of Lewis County's most legendary and prestigious bowling team, Team Incredibowl. We can be seen Monday nights in front of a sold out crowd at Fairway Lanes.

Describe a def ining moment of your career: In 2009 a national program called Cash for Clunkers was launched. It was a government program to encourage people to trade in older, less efficient vehicles toward more efficient replacement cars or trucks. The website for the program crashed frequently and the documentation that was required for each vehicle was intense making the entire process even more frustrating. It was stressful but we needed to do it so I jumped in and handled it until the program was completed.


Dusty Breen

Age: 33Town of residence: ChehalisEmployer: Lewis County Sheriff’s OfficeTitle: Detective SergeantJob Description: Supervises the detective division

Community Involvement: Most of my community work has been directly related to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO). In my teen years I volunteered as an explorer for the LCSO and also a youth prevention group named Teens Need Teens. During my employment with the LCSO I have helped with many community events and programs. I became an explorer advisor to give back to a program which helped me, and was able to mentor youth interested in law enforcement. I also continue to do various education talks in local schools and at youth summits, and assist programs like the Civil Air Patrol with their Basic Marksmanship Encampment.

Family: Wife Carrie (an administrative Secretary with the Sheriff's Office and also is the Washington Auxiliary Director for Wives Behind the Badge, a group supporting the spouses of law enforcement officers), daughter Kylee, 6, and son Wyatt, 3.

What you appreciate most about our community? My family has been part of this county's history for quite some time and I was born and raised here. The lifestyle here appeals to me. I like the small close knit communities and the strong relationships and ties we have with our neighbors. A good example of what makes this community great is the way everyone came together during our devastating floods over the past few years. This is not typical of what occurs in other areas and best illustrates our county’s roots and beliefs.

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? My greatest mentor would be retired Sheriff John McCroskey. When I was in middle school I met John. I was already interested in law enforcement, but he led me to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program when I was 14. Prior to him being elected, he was my explorer advisor and prepared me for a law enforcement career. He would continue to support and coach me up until his retirement. The most memorable advice he would give his employees was if you do the right thing, for the right reasons, you have nothing to worry about.

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: I think people would find it interesting I actually became employed at the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office when I was 18 with an age waiver. I owe retired Sheriff McCroskey, his administration, and the Lewis County Civil Service Commission a great deal of thanks for this opportunity, which began my career in the Corrections Bureau as a corrections officer. At 21 years old I became employed with the Operations Bureau as a patrol deputy and have remained in this bureau. I plan on continued employment with the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office until retiring at the end of my career.

Describe a def ining moment of your career: I can’t say I have one single defining moment of my career. During the last four years I have supervised the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division. During these years we have had some major incidents, to include several homicides and other high-profile cases. Our division has worked strongly as a team, and I have shared many victories alongside those I supervise. Together we have felt the reward of putting murderers, rapists, and other purveyors of evil in prison, which is a feeling one must experience to appreciate. My work with these dedicated employees is, and will continue to be, a defining time in my career path.


Derek Burger

Age: 32Town of residence: ChehalisEmployer & location: Edward Jones, 101 N Tower Ave. CentraliaTitle: Financial Advisor

Community Involvement: United Way of Lewis County - past president and current board member Centralia Rotary Club current member

Family: Wife Corina Burger, son Gabriel Burger, daughter Mirabel Burger

What you appreciate most about our community? The thing I appreciate most about our community is how we always seem to come together to help each other in a time of need. I remember talking to a FEMA representative right after the flood, and he told me that he had never seen a community that came together and helped each other like ours did. That made me proud to be from Lewis County.

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? I don't know that I can say that I have only one mentor. That being said, I took much inspiration from my mother. Being my mother, I'm sure there are more things I've learned from her than I can count, but one of the most important would be to never be afraid to challenge yourself.

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: When I finished college I wasn't sure what career path I would go down. I thought that maybe I could be a travel writer of sorts. I hitchhiked across much of Africa and Asia and never stayed in hotels, I only stayed with people I met along the way. Seeing how the rest of the world lives gave me a very humbling perspective on the life that we have here.

Describe a def ining moment of your career: I've worked at my profession for almost 10 years, but I don't know that there is one moment that defines my career. My career is defined by the relationships that I've built and the people that I've had the privilege to work for.


Aaron Dalan

Age: 37Town of residence: CentraliaEmployer: Northwest Pediatric CenterTitle: M.D.Job Description: Pediatrician

Community Involvement: My family and I attend Centralia Community Church of God and I have had the privilege of leading several classes and groups, both for adults and for children. I have also spoken to student groups and coaches about pediatrics, development and being a student athlete. Finally, I have been an assistant coach (my wife is the one who really knows how to coach) for junior sports teams.

Family: Wife Gena Dalan (science teacher at WF West High School), son Soren Dalan, second grade, daughter Julia Dalan, kindergarten

What you appreciate most about our community? I appreciate that in the Centralia-Chehalis area we can really get to know each other. The people I work with and the patients and families I see at the clinic I also interact with at church and school and soccer games. I joined NWPC knowing that my work would extend out of the clinic doors and into the community and I really do enjoy that aspect.

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? The bulk of my clinic training was with Dr. Nancy Schuette. She is a fantastic pediatrician and an equally fantastic teacher. One key approach she taught me is to listen and carefully assess and never assume. I also have the great opportunity to learn daily from my colleagues at NWPC.

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: I was a four-year letterman for the University of Washington football team and had a very brief stint with the Oakland Raiders.

Describe a def ining moment of your career: A defining moment for me was meeting a young man who was making destructive choices with substance use. I was able to speak into his life and then see him shift to making productive and successful life choices.


Rachelle Denham

Age: 35Town of residence: ChehalisEmployer & location: Security State Bank, south Chehalis branchTitle: Branch ManagerJob Description: Banking

Community Involvement: Chehalis-Centralia Chamber of Commerce ambassador. I actively attend ribbon cutting and monthly Business After Hour events in the community. (This is a great way to meet new people and deepen my current business relationships!)

Family: Husband Stacy Denham, son Colby Breckel

What you appreciate most about our community? What I love about this community is the small hometown feeling where you know your customers by name and not by a number. Your neighbors are your friends rather than the people you see at a distance.

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? Jill Otto is a very special friend and mentor to me. Jill would always encourage and guide me in such a positive way. I remember when we were discussing my career goals and she looked at me and said, “Rachelle you CAN and WILL succeed in whatever path you decide to follow as long as you are true to yourself, others and always give a 110%! You take away exactly what you put in”. Hard work does pay off.

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: I was crowned Queen of Alaska in 1977, in the prettiest baby contest in Kodiak, AK!

Describe a def ining moment of your career: A major defining moment (and career goal of mine) was when I got promoted to manager!


Christopher DuPont

Age: 39Town of residence: CentraliaEmployer: TransAltaTitle: Operations Manager

Community Involvement: Chamber of Commerce board member Attend fundraisers for United Way and Centralia College Foundation Family works with Salvation Army during the holidays

Family: Wife Angela DuPont, children Kayla DuPont, Riley Mallow, Logan Mallow, Suki DuPont

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? Lewis County has a great family atmosphere. From flooding to unemployment, it endures hardships seemingly on a disproportionate scale than the rest of the state — but we stick together and help one another. It feels like family.

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from them? My guardian growing up was a man named Warren Sirwaitis. He said a lot of things I cannot repeat, but a common theme would be something along the lines of, "how you feel is your fault". Other people, situations, traffic, etc... happen, but ultimately you decide how to respond.

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: I grew up in a town of 350 people in Wyoming. No stop lights, no movies, no golf. Everything we did was outdoors. I joined the Navy to see the rest of the world.

Describe a def ining moment of your career: Being promoted to operations manager. It’s a great responsibility, laden with opportunities to fail. I found out I love working with people and processes. It is at the same time scary to think back about how little I knew about my job when I took it. If it wasn't for blissful ignorance, I'd still be a supervisor.


Trevor Elliott

Age: 23Town of residence: ChehalisEmployer: Virgil R Lee & Son/Lovsted~WorthingtonTitle: Account ExecutiveJob Description: Personal and commercial insurance

Community Involvement: I am a community oriented person that loves doing my part and making a difference in people's lives on an individual basis. I serve on the Visiting Nurses Foundation Board of Directors, Lewis County Young Professionals Board of Directors, am a member of the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce, participate and assist with Vistas Northwest Real Estate’s Christmas Toy Drive, Lewis County Relay for Life, volunteer at WF West Track Events, lead young men's bible study at Bethel Church and am an incoming (Dec '12) GOP Precinct Committee Officer for Chehalis 05.

Family: Father Jerry Elliott, mother Debi Elliott

What you appreciate most about our community? I appreciate the ability of our community to pull together and care for one another. I've seen first hand through the '07 flood as people went out of their way to go above and beyond to help fellow members of the community in a time of need.

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? My mentor has been Larry Petersen. He has been with VR Lee for over 35 years and I have learned so much from him personally and professionally that has helped me early in my career. He is constant example of how working hard on a daily basis, treating clients the way one would like to be treated and adding a personal touch can set you apart.

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: A passion of mine that has become a hobby is sports. I love watching, talking and playing any and all sports. Lettering 9 times at WF West and playing a year of college football at Linfield College built character and memories that I carry with me every day. From morning basketball with the guys to volleyball in the backyard, I love spending my time with friends and competing.

Describe a def ining moment of your career: To this point in my career my defining moment would be my summer internship with Virgil R Lee in my senior year of college. I was the first college intern in the 88 year history of the company and I went on to receive the 2012 Central Washington University College of Business Intern of Year for my time at VR Lee before I was offered a full time position upon graduation!


Kelli Erb

Age: 35Town of residence: CentraliaEmployer & location: The Chronicle, CentraliaTitle: Design SupervisorJob Description: Graphic design

Community Involvement: Evergreen Playhouse board member, secretary Centralia Girls Softball Association board member Team United Fastpitch volunteerFords Prairie-Oakview Elementary PTO memberFiddlesticks Co-Op Preschool past board member

Family: Husband Andy, of 18 years, we were high school sweethearts — well, I was still in high school and he was in college, daughter Lexi, son Casey

What you appreciate most about our community? I love the support our community has for each other. Through the floods, downturn of the economy or fires, our community members step up and help those in need. I also love that I can go just about anywhere and see someone I know. Having a core group of friends, that I know will always be there for me and I will be there for them, is important to me — I don't know if you can find that in a big city. I love our small community, I like being able to go to the store and seeing someone I know. It's nice to have a community that supports one another. It's what makes living here so great.

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? Of course my parents, they have taught me how to love unconditionally. Throughout the years I have had many people that I have looked up to. From Tim Gilmore at Centralia High School, to Bob Leingang, a former business instructor at Centralia College. They were wonderful role models and taught me a lot while I was in school. This community has many leaders that are easy to look up. I look at Jenni Bodner, Liz Fuller, and Edie Stulken in our community. They have done so much for our community, and families in our community. It's leaders like them that make me think about how I can make an impact like they have on our community and other people’s lives.

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: I have always been interested in business, even as a young child. I was the kid on the street selling dead flowers, lemonade, or tickets to the air-band concert I had with the neighborhood kids. I have sold jewelry, rubber stamps, advertising and more. I have also been the coach of The Chronicle softball team for the last 5 years! Go Crushers!

Describe a def ining moment of your career: The defining moment in my career was when I switched from advertising sales and moved to the graphic design field. That is when I knew I loved my work. I liked sales, but I loved the creativity and artistic outlet that graphic design provides. Doing something different every day is exciting.


Lucy Page

Age: 35Town of residence: CentraliaEmployer: Santa Lucia CoffeeTitle: OwnerJob Description: Coffee roasting and retail shop

Community Involvement: Centralia Downtown Association memberHistoric Preservation Commission past member U-10 soccer coach (for my oldest daughter’s team)Jefferson Lincoln Elementary PTO memberSchool volunteer

Family: Husband Justin Page, daughter Lenora Page, 8, son Miles Page, 6, daughter Margaret, two weeks

What you appreciate most about our community? I appreciate that our community is just that — a community. The people who live here understand the importance of supporting one another in good times and bad, and by doing so we are all more successful. I can't imagine opening a business in a more supportive arena. I am so grateful to all of the people who have supported our efforts over the years. We really do have the best customers around.

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? My mentor is definitely my mom. She has taught me how to be confident in who I am and what I am capable of. As a single mother raising 4 children, she made sure we knew how to be self reliant, while keeping our family at the heart of our focus. She would always remind us to love our siblings, because they were the only people who would be there through thick and thin.

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: Besides running Santa Lucia, my husband and I also run Crystal Clear Window Cleaning and I have my own business, Confident Birth Doula Services. My passion is working with laboring moms and their families. Most of my spare time is spent either supporting families who have hired me as a doula, or working with the midwives at Around the Circle Midwifery as their birth assistant. I feel so blessed to be doing what I love all the time.

Describe a def ining moment of your career: A defining moment for me was leaving the public sector and going to work for myself. I had always been fearful of being self-employed, but now I'd never go back. It was a huge leap of faith at the time, especially since the economy was crumbling, but now I love being in control of my own destiny.


Amanda Price

Age: 36Town of residence: AdnaEmployer & location: Lewis County Assessor, ChehalisTitle: Deputy Assessor — Levy and AuditJob Description: Establish Property tax levies and perform audit

Community Involvement: Though my level/type of community involvement has changed with each aspect of my life, I work hard to focus on what stage I am in and how I can help with the resources I have. My focus currently is on my children and what I can do to help those in my community through them. I am the secretary of the Adna Elementary PTO for the last 4 years and have been involved in the different events over those. I have been involved with the Lewis County Employee's United Way campaign for 10 years in many different aspects. As things change and my family grows, my involvement will change again, moving back into a more active roll. I am a supporter of and have been involved with Miss Lewis County, Camp Fire for Boys and Girls, and United Way.

Family: Husband Scott Price, daughter Clara Price, 8, and son Jacob Price, 7

What you appreciate most about our community? The ability to reach out and help when needed. No matter how big or small. I love that wherever I go, I feel welcomed with a sense of family.

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? Because you go through life with many people that inspire you, look up to, or that have in one way or another made a large impact on you, I have a hard time saying that there is a single person that has mentored me. If I was to name one person that has made a big impact on me, I would have to say United Way of Lewis County executive director Debbie Campbell. From the day I met Debbie, I knew that she is the kind of person I needed to be. She encouraged me to strive for what I wanted and always backed me up when I need her support. I know that whatever I set out to accomplish, I will be able to tackle because I have determination, strength and the will to succeed, attributes I have always seen in her.

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: My friends would say I know how to do everything. When my friends want to make something, or need to figure out how to do something, they think of me. I would say that if you asked my friends the first thing that comes to mind they would say, “cupcakes!”. I love to make cupcakes and I think the reason why is because I love to see the looks on people’s faces when they get them — pure joy! An interesting fact about me is that no matter where I go, I will run into someone I know. It drives my family crazy. I have friends that will say, "well you must know my friend Amanda". Just makes me laugh!

Describe a def ining Career Moment of your career: I have worked for Lewis County now for over 12 years. The time has gone by so very fast. Because I still think of myself as "young", it is hard to think that I have hit that stage in my life to have a "career", or that I am a professional. I wake up each morning, get my kids ready for school, then get in my car and go to work. Yep I am one of those people now. A woman with a family and a career. I am not sure that I have had a defining moment in my career, but in my life, when I turned 35, I realized I am one of those people that I looked up to as kid, — A woman that has everything — a family, a circle of friends, a great job, and a very happy life.


Jordan Rinta

Age: 30Town of residence: Chehalis, although I'm currently in HondurasEmployer & location: Heart to Heart Children's Village - Puerto Cortes, HondurasTitle: TeacherJob Description: Volunteer teacher

Community Involvement: Most of my involvement has been through Bethel Church. I have been heavily involved in many lives of young people attending the Chehalis and Napavine school districts. I have also helped lead several efforts to serve and support families in need in Lewis County through the people of Bethel Church - through events such as: holiday meals, block parties, community service days, and others.

Family: Parents Gary and Sharon Rinta

What you appreciate most about our community? I appreciate the connectedness of our community. It's a good place to put down roots.

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? My biggest mentor has been my cousin Tyrone Rinta. One thing he taught me is "who you are is more important than what you do".

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: I recently resigned from my position as a pastor because I believe God asked me to go and invest in the lives of neglected, orphaned, and mistreated children in Honduras. Now I get the privilege of teaching these children to become future leaders of their country.

Describe a def ining moment of your career: A defining moment came when I realized I could be a part of changing the trajectory of 80 young lives in Honduras. All I had to do was let go of the security of a stable income and comfortable living.

I am keeping a blog while I’m abroad: jordanrinta.wordpress.comThe ministry I’m helping with is: h2hcv.org


Amanda Singleton

Age: 32Town of residence: RochesterEmployer & location: Rainier Connect, CentraliaTitle: Customer Care ManagerJob Description: Managing customer service, sales and quality assurance

Community Involvement: Relay For LifeRally Foundation (an organization that runs half and full marathons to raise money for childhood cancer research) United Way of Lewis CountyCentralia Chehalis Chamber of Commerce, board of directors, Ambassador presidentWorker Retraining Advisory Committee (a partnership between community colleges & technical colleges, like Centralia Community College, and Washington State WorkSource to provide job training for dislocated, unemployed workers and those who face imminent layoffs)

Family: Husband Ed Singleton, daughter Maggie Singleton, 5, son, Easton Singleton, 2 ½

What you appreciate most about our community? One of the things I love about our local community is the people it is made of. I love how some days I feel like I just stepped onto the set of the (80s) television show Cheers “Where everybody knows your name”. I had an assignment out of town for a few weeks and I didn’t realize how much I missed that until I was back in town and surrounded by all of those friendly and familiar faces!

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? I began working for Local Access in 1999, which was acquired by Rainier Connect in 2001. For the past 13 years I have had the opportunity to work closely with Mark Carrier, who was one of the original founders of Local Access in 1995 and remains with Rainier Connect today as our regulatory and compliance manager. I began with the company as a receptionist and soon reported to Mark while I held positions like customer care and database specialist and eventually was given the opportunity to join him as a member of our management team. I could go on and on about the things that Mark has taught me both personally and professionally, but if I had to choose just one it would be to be thoughtful and analytical. Anything worth doing is worth doing well, and applying these attributes has helped me to be successful with the opportunities I have been given both personally and professionally.

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: When I share with people that before having kids I did quite a bit of hunting with my husband (and have shot 3 deer and a bear) they always seem surprised. I will mostly likely hunt again one day when my kids are old enough to join us. We are lucky to have a such beautiful country around us and I truly enjoy the outdoors.

Describe a def ining moment of your career: The defining moment in my career at this point would be my own challenge to involve myself in the community. In the past I was always comfortable behind my desk in the office and on the phone, but after receiving a promotion to management I knew that wouldn’t be enough to be successful. Challenging myself to go out in the business community and become involved was intimidating but I have found it to be so rewarding. I have developed valuable relationships and have learned so much about our customers and our local community.


Annalee Tobey

Age: 33Town of residence: AdnaEmployer: Self-employed, Vitality MarketingTitle: Owner, Marketing ConsultantJob Description: Website content and social media manager

Community Involvement: Chehalis Community Renaissance Team marketing committeeDiscover Children's Museum committee

Family: Husband Carl, daughter Audrie, son Brayden

What you appreciate most about our community? It's all about the people! I am impressed time and again by the enthusiasm in our community to constantly work at bettering ourselves; not to accept mediocrity and grow to new heights. There is pride in our past and excitement about our future ... it's a community with a legacy. As younger generations become involved there is a sense of loyalty and responsibility that goes with this legacy.

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? Without a doubt my mom, Mary Kay Nelson, with whom I have the pleasure of working with side by side nearly every day. Along with how to tie my shoes and say my ABCs, she has taught me to be strong in spirit and in character, to persevere when the going gets tough, and to laugh and enjoy every minute possible in this life. She steadies me and believes in me. She has given me the courage to know I can make a difference! And where did I derive these traits? From my amazing grandparents, Ed and Jean Pemerl! I come from a line of community supporters and I will do my best to continue in their footsteps!

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: I married my high school sweetheart! Carl and I met in the Adna High School band playing the saxophone. Even attending separate colleges didn't faze us, and now we couldn't be happier raising our own kiddos in our Adna community.

Describe a def ining moment of your career: When I decided I was no longer a stay-at-home mom. I work out of my home, so there was the moment I realized this is more than a hobby, that I really have a need to help our community grow and that it might be time to hire a housekeeper.


Brittany Voie

Age: 24Town of residence: ChehalisEmployer: The ChronicleTitle: Web DeveloperJob Description: Print layout and design, web development

Community Involvement: EMERGE Leaders of SWW Steering Committee Chair Vice President of Lewis County Literacy Council Digital Marketing Manager for Lewis County Historical Museum Lewis County Concerts Board United Way Community Allocations Committee Member Founder of Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals (4CYP) Donated websites for the Youth Advocacy Center of Lewis County, Lewis County Concerts, Lewis County Historical Museum

Family: Husband Skyler Voie

What you appreciate most about our community? I love that we live in a growing community because I like to build things. I like to take ideas and turn them into tangible actions, structure and programs that affect and/or change people’s lives for the better. And, I mean that on many different levels, including and above and beyond basic needs. This community really lends itself to opportunities to get involved, make changes and participate in something bigger than ourselves and being involved with area non-profits has been very rewarding and gratifying.

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? Between people like my grandma Jo, Jonathan Meyer, Christine Fossett, Marie Panesko, Judy DeVaul, Debbie Campbell, Elaine Lawler and Dianne Dorey (among many others), I don’t know that I could choose just one. But, I think the biggest thing that stands out for me (that each one of these outstanding professionals exemplifies) is the idea that you really can “have it all.” You can be a spouse, parent (and foster parent!), and professional all at the same time. If you make your mind up to work hard, play harder, love like crazy and keep your priorities in check, you really can have the rewarding life that you envision for yourself and still find ways to give back to the community.

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: According to Washington State law, I have satisfied the requirements to qualify as an “expert witness” in blood spatter analysis (the perks of a criminal justice degree and taking classes with Professor Brad Borden).

Describe a def ining moment of your career: The defining moment of my career is really the story of how my career began. I was an anonymous blogger (a bored college student) on the original Lewis County Buzz and began defending a political candidate online that I felt passionate about. Long story short, I ended up working for that campaign and was later, because of my work with the campaign, offered a job on election night that landed me at The Chronicle. Later I was offered the position of Marketing Director with the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce, and then was fortunate enough to be offered the opportunity to come back to the company that gave me my career start - and I couldn’t be happier. I never would have guessed that a place existed where all my interests and talents could work so well together in an office environment with some of the most intelligent, supportive and critically thinking minds in the Pacific Northwest. But to know that I was hired by such a prestigious company for work that I had done anonymously as a 19-year-old college student is still a point of pride for me to this day and a story that I love to tell.


Stacy Wilson

Age: 39Town of residence: CentraliaEmployer: Security State BankTitle: Internal Auditor, CCBIA, CCBCOJob Description: Auditing

Community Involvement: Secretary/Treasurer of the Centralia-Chehalis Kiwanis Club, member since 2002 Advocate Foundation Board MemberBusiness Advisory Committee member for WF West H.S., Centralia H.S., and Centralia College since 1998 SALT (Serving And Laboring Together) coordinator & eScrip coordinator for Centralia Christian School ACS Relay for Life , Salvation Army Bell Ringing

Family: Husband Andy Wilson, daughter Lucy Wilson, 7

What you appreciate most about our community? I love the fact that this community doesn't wait around for someone (from outside it) to come help. We go out and help each other, we support each other, and quite often you see someone who is also struggling reaching out to help another.

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? Two come to mind. Tim Touhey, currently the Green Hill principal, was my business/marketing teacher at W.F. West. He actually referred me to the job opening at Security State Bank in 1990. Tim sparked my interest in the business world and in leadership. He helped me to learn to "let things roll off my shoulders" and not take it all to heart. (This is very helpful when people cringe as they see the auditor coming!) Second is Dwayne Aberle, Security State Bank's CEO. Dwayne has taught me so much I can't even begin to list it all. He has pushed me, mentored me, supported me, and been a sounding board. Dwayne has taught me that it is okay to get out of your comfort zone and that you have to stretch to accomplish things, not everything worthwhile in life is easy.

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: I like almost all arts and crafts. I enjoy sewing and teaching others how to sew. I love creating the costumes my daughter envisions and making dresses for her, as well as constructing quilts.

Describe a def ining moment of your career: In 1997, after 6 1/2 years with Security State Bank, I was selected for the Management Trainee Program. Once in management I set my sights on the job I wanted, Internal Auditor.


Congratulations Brittany & KelliWe’re proud to have you on our team!

Brittany Voie Kelli Erb


Dan Zandell

Age: 38Town of residence: OnalaskaEmployer & location: Brusco Tug & Barge, LongviewTitle: Compliance ManagerJob Description: Ensure regulatory compliance for land based and vessel operations. Develop and implement internal controls for compliance with industry standards and administer human resource and employee benefits programs.

Community Involvement: United Way of Lewis County board member, vice presidentFamily Forest Foundation board member, secretaryGifford Pinchot National Forest Resource Advisory Committee memberWashington Farm Forestry Association memberLeadership Lewis County, class of 2004Onalaska Youth Baseball Association, treasurerOnalaska Youth Sports coach

Family: Wife Kelly, son Cole, 9, son Lane, 7, Will and Kate twin son/daughter, 5

What you appreciate most about our community? No matter what challenges face our community, whether it be a flood, a family displaced by fire, or a struggling school district, this community always finds a way. We live in a community that knows how to pick itself up and how to work hard, a quality that is becoming less common every day.

Do you have a mentor and what is one lesson you have learned from him/her? My late grandfather, Earl Zandell, who taught me to “always have a project”. Learning that lesson wasn’t that fun when I was a kid, but being involved in a variety of community organizations and projects has become very rewarding.

Provide one hobby or fact that people would f ind interesting about you: Friends who grew up with me only know me by my nickname “Tug”. Right now they are wondering who “Dan” is.

Describe a def ining moment of your career: In 2009, I made the difficult decision to leave TransAlta, for whom I had worked for almost a dozen years, to take on a challenge with an employer in an industry entirely new to me.

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