Jennica Machado is the Economic Development Manager for Thurston County. She serves as a public advocate, community collaborator, and project manager, helping Thurston County engage in opportunities to enhance the vitality of the local economy. Prior to working in local government, she worked exclusively in the non-profit sector. Jennica brings experience in workforce development, economic development, and non-profit management.

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Amy Buckler is the Assistant City Manager of Centralia. She is passionate about public service and ensuring that all people in our community have access to economic opportunity. Amy brings experience in visioning and strategic planning, housing, economic development and regional collaboration.

Bridget Lockling is the Director, Finances and Administration for Washington State Association of Counties.  Since 2006, Bridget been working in accounting in the employment and workforce development field.  She most recently worked for PacMountain Workforce Development Council as the Director of Finance and Administration and prior to that the Finance Manager at South Central Workforce Council.  She brings a wealth of experience in workforce non-profit accounting.

Aaron Steele is Principal of Steele Capital Management, a financial planning company.  Aaron has been in the financial services industry since 1994 and worked many years in the commercial banking industry in Olympia before starting his own firm.  Aaron brings a wealth of experience and financial acumen to  Morningside and has previously served as Secretary/Treasurer and Chairman of the Board.

Alana Neal is an HR Manager at Intercity Transit. She has been in Human Resources for over twenty years and has experience with labor and employee relations, reasonable accommodations, and risk management to include high risk employment decisions. Before Intercity Transit, she spent twenty years at Washington State Department of Transportation. She is passionate about ensuring opportunities to enhance diversity in the workplace.

Brad Hooper is the Director of Career & Technical Education (CTE) at North Thurston Public Schools.  He has held a similar position at the Olympia School District, and been in the field of CTE as an instructor since 1992.  The CTE programs are as numerous as they are diverse, ranging from Animal Science to Welding and Visual Design, all designed to instruct students with the ability to join the workforce upon high school graduation.  Since many individuals with disabilities take advantage of CTE courses to prepare them for work, Brad brings that perspective to the organization.

Brett  DeRousie is an Office Assistant II at Washington State DSHS, Economic Services Administration, a position he has held for nineteen years;  prior to that he worked at Desco Audio and Video for fifteen years.   Brett is an important stakeholder in the work we do.  He volunteers for every event and has been on interview panels for years.  He is also involved in advocacy work on behalf of individuals with disabilities.  Brett is active in the Fraternal Order of Eagles, where he is on their state membership board and he has been elected to the Eagles Hall of Fame.

Jason Robertson is the owner of JRO + CO (J Robertson and Company), which is a full-service strategic planning and public communications firm based in Olympia, Washington. They work with public, non-profit and private-sector clients focuses on building vibrant communities and shaping sustainable organizations. They design and deliver high-profile community and economic development programs, public engagement initiatives and complex feasibility studies.  He is a strong advocate for Morningside in the community and abroad.

Michael is the Executive Director of the Thuston EDC.  He is responsible for the overall direction and management of the organization. Prior to being named Executive Director of the Thurston EDC in 2004, Michael served as the Vice-President of the Snohomish County Economic Development Council from 1992 – 2003. Michael’s career has spanned over 25 years in economic development.