Board Members
President - Rick Sass
A seasoned management executive with more than 20 years experience in the print media industry. He worked most recently as Circulation Marketing Director for the Puget Sound Business Journal, and previously as General Manager/Pacific Northwest at USA Today, the nation’s largest newspaper. A founding member, Rick worked at USA Today for 22 years, in a variety of sales, operations and analytical positions including more than 12 years as Regional General Manager in charge of sales and distribution operations for territories in the Midwest and Seattle.
Treasurer - Walt Giesen
Over 25 years of CFO / Controller expertise, leading accounting and financial operations while actively participating in developing and executing key operational plans and strategy. Extensive experience with GAAP reporting, audit management, financial systems and controls, financial analysis, payables and purchasing, HR, A/R credit and collections, cash management, risk management, debt financing, executive team management, fixed asset management, state and local taxes, and payroll.
Membership - Jim Bridges
Operations Management Executive with a portfolio of success building operations, customer service and inside sales departments for industry-leading organizations (Eddie Bauer, Helly-Hansen, Onvia.com). P&L and startup experience. In-depth knowledge of both B2B and B2C environments. Familiarity with all channel marketing functions including e-commerce, online sales, catalog operations, and retail distribution. Inspirational leader/mentor able to guide cross-functional teams to peak performance, build vital infrastructure and implement intelligent process improvement and cost reduction initiatives that significantly enhance profitability and revenue growth.
Operations - Larry LaMotte / Tam Kammin
Larry LaMotte - Larry is an entrepreneur - nothing glamorous, just Free Enterprise in action. He got a degree in Architecture from the University of Oregon in 1987. He got experience in construction. He often had night jobs in restaurants to pay for his education or supplement his entrepreneurial endeavors. He started 6 businesses, ranging from Re-Development to Facilities Management, Quality Assurance, and most recently, Online Retail and Internet Development. He is an active networker, Board Member, husband for 25 years to his wonderful wife, Kimberly, with whom “road trips” are a favorite, and an avid exerciser.
Programs - TBD
VALUE INITIATIVES
Personal Development - Chuck Reiling
RE/MAX Residential Specialist, ABR, CDPE, ePro, Realtor© - Chuck and his partner wife Diane work as a dedicated husband and wife team to help clients buy and sell their homes in greater Seattle’s eastside and near west side neighborhoods. Chuck is the author/presenter of What’s Really Going On In The Real Estate Market, a seminar delivered to over 600 people in the past two years. He has been a Vice President for several companies, and continues to maintain his network of executive and professional contacts through such organizations as Northwest Entrepreneur Network, MIT Enterprise Forum and The Executive Network of Seattle, as well as serving on the Leadership Council for the Harbor Club / American Cancer Society benefit auction for Camp Goodtimes, a summer camp for kids with cancer.
Social Engagement - Sharon Gillespie
Sales Leadership Executive with over 25 years experience in driving sales and developing leaders. Sharon has built and led sales teams in all aspects of fast changing and highly competitive Fortune 20 companies. Experienced in people and project management she has experience in launch or revitalizing brands, process improvement, client relations, learning/development. She has lead teams, turnaround underperforming teams, built teams and managed P/L.
Community Service - Rick Freedman
Professional Development - TBD
Business Development – TBD
Career Development – TBD