Veterans, Human Services Levy Advisory Boards to hold first business meeting- King County

Feb. 21, 2007

Veterans, Human Services Levy Advisory Boards to hold first business meeting

Citizen members of two new advisory boards created by the Veterans and Human Services Levy will hold their first business meeting on Feb. 22, 2007 in Seattle. Members of the Veterans Levy Oversight Board and the Regional Human Services Oversight Board will come together to begin the work of board organization and levy implementation oversight. Board members attended an orientation earlier this month.

The boards are the result of a ballot measure approved by King County voters in November 2005 that will generate $13.3 million annually for six years to help veterans and their families and others in need. It will also fund regional health and human services, including housing, homelessness prevention, mental health and substance abuse services and employment assistance.

"The convening of these two new citizen advisory boards marks an important step forward in the implementation of the Veterans and Human Services Levy, and moves us closer to providing much-needed housing and supportive services for veterans, their families and others in need," said Executive Sims. "The levy proceeds will help to open doors to healthier and more productive lives for many in our region, and these two oversight boards will play an important role in that process."

As required in the levy ballot language, King County Councilmembers recommended to Executive Sims the names of citizens from their council districts to serve on each of the two citizen boards, with three additional members for each board to be selected by Executive Sims to serve as at-large members. Each nominee must complete the council's regular review and confirmation process. Two slots remain open, and a few members are still awaiting final confirmation hearings but are attending the meetings.

The two new oversight boards will be responsible for reviewing procurement plans for housing and services prior to selection and contracting, reviewing progress on achieving outcomes and access to services, reviewing funding decisions, and submitting reports to the county council and the executive. Information on board activities, including meeting agendas are available at your.kingcounty.gov/dchs/levy.

"King County is grateful to the men and women who answered our call and have offered their time, energy and expertise to the county as we move forward with the implementation of the Veterans and Human Services Levy," said King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson, developer and prime sponsor of the ordinance creating the 2005 levy ballot measure. "I look forward to working with these individuals in the months and years ahead as we create housing and new programs for our service veterans and their families and others in great need."

For more information, call Sadikifu Akina-James, Veterans and Human Services Levy Project Manager, at 206-205-6360.

Veterans Levy Oversight Board Membership

Vince Schmitt, Council District One, nominated by Councilmember Bob Ferguson. Mr. Schmitt has served as the State Commander of the American Legion, as a board member of the Snohomish County Veterans Assistance Board, and was formerly employed by the Pike Place Market. He has experience in budget management, writing and implementing organization mission statements, and creating by-laws.

Robert Stephens, Jr., Council District Two, nominated by Councilmember Larry Gossett. Mr. Stephens has served as President of the Garfield Community Center Advisory Council, as Vice-President of the Central Area District Council, and is a retired schoolteacher and counselor. His resume includes membership in the Model Cities Task Force, through which programs such as the Odessa Brown Health Clinic and the Madrona Dance Studio were developed; and he has worked with the Washington State Reformatory helping prisoners to return to community life. Mr. Stephens left the Armed Forces in 1968.

Stanley Gunno, Council District Three, nominated by Councilmember Kathy Lambert. Mr. Gunno served with the U.S. Air Force from 1977 until his retirement in 1996. He received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Meritorious Service medal, the Humanitarian Service medal, and the National Defense Service medal. He is currently a self-employed general contractor and volunteers with disabled veterans and their families. Mr. Gunno is serving his second term on the King County Veterans' Program Advisory Board and has also served on the Washington State Disabled American Veteran's organization. He is a lifetime member of the Air Force Association.

Francisco Ivarra, Council District Four, nominated by Councilmember Larry Phillips. Mr. Ivarra served with the American Division 196 th Light Infantry Brigade during the Vietnam Conflict and was awarded a Purple Heart. Upon returning from Vietnam, he earned his M.A. from Western Washington University, and worked on his Ph.D. at Stanford University. His academic career focused on bilingual education and diversity studies at various community colleges and universities. Mr. Ivarra is a long-term member and former office holder of the American G.I. Forum, the largest Hispanic veteran's organization in the nation. In 2002, he helped the Hispanic Congressional Caucus plan the first summit on Hispanic veteran's issues in Washington D.C.

Sgt. First Class Lorin Bannerman, Council District Five, nominated by Councilmember Julia Patterson. Sgt. Bannerman has 22 years of experience with the Washington Army National Guard, including twelve months of combat duty in Iraq. He is the recipient of the Bronze Star, an Army Commendation medal, and three Army Achievement medals. He is employed as a food broker, managing product lines for eleven different food buyers that purchase over $5 million annually. His work experience includes marketing, contract compliance, account sales, and planning sales strategies.

Frank A. Selden, Council District Six, nominated by Councilmember Jane Hague. Mr. Selden is a practicing attorney with a private practice. He identifies himself as a disabled veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and cares deeply about veterans receiving the benefits to which they are lawfully entitled. Mr. Selden currently serves as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the Washington Army National Guard (WANG), and holds the rank of First Lieutenant. His active duty with Operation Iraqi Freedom spanned from November 2003 – April 2005, and he has also served in the Intelligence branch of the WANG. He is a published author, including a book published last year on Iraqi operations.

Kathleen Lewis, Council District Seven, nominated by Councilmember Pete Von Reichbauer. Ms. Lewis is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Many members of her immediate family, including her father, brother, and husband are military veterans, and the veteran culture is woven into her family life. Professionally, Ms. Lewis is a jeweler and owns a small business in Auburn. She also serves on the White River Valley Museum Board.

Ronald Forest, Council District Eight, nominated by Councilmember Dow Constantine. Mr. Forest served two terms in the Vietnam Conflict, from 1966 to1968. He is a current member of a Vietnam Veterans chapter. Mr. Forest served on the Kent Civil Service Commission from 1990-1994, and was a member of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission from 1993-2003. He is a retired carpenter, a 42-year member of the Carpenter's Union, and served as the Business Agent and Business Manager of his local chapter. He is a current member and past president of the King County Veterans' Advisory Board.

Stephen Barchet, Council District Nine, nominated by Councilmember Reagan Dunn. Dr. Barchet is a retired Rear Admiral, having served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years. He is currently the managing partner of Benefit Payment Solutions, which consults on matters of electronic financial message interchange, and developed a public domain health care plan (HP4Life). Dr. Barchet was a member of the editorial board of Managed Care Outlook, the principal investigator of the 1995 study of Medical Savings Account Programs funded by the J.W. Murdock Charitable Foundations. His post-military work has focused extensively on improving the efficiencies of all types of health care systems.

Douglas Hooper, County Executive nominee. Mr. Hooper served with the U.S. Navy from 1960-1980, and upon leaving the Navy, was employed by the Boeing Commercial Airplane Company until his retirement in 2001. He worked with the Boeing Employees Good Neighbor Fund for 20 years, was a loaned executive to United Way, and serves as a Human Services Commissioner for the City of Bellevue. He is a current member of the King County Veterans' Program Advisory Board.

William Wood, County Executive nominee. Mr. Wood served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1971. During his tour of duty, he was Chief Warrant Officer and a helicopter pilot in Vietnam for two years, and was an observation pilot along the East/West German border for the next two years. Mr. Wood has served as member of the King County Veterans' Program Advisory Board for the past ten years and is a former chair. He is a member of Seattle Chapter 102 of the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Veterans Service Foundation of Washington (a non-profit organization that works to improve the condition and social welfare of veterans). Mr. Wood earned an MBA degree following his military service, and before retiring, had 21 years experience in banking and finance, focusing on international and investment banking.

Roger Welles, County Executive nominee. Mr. Welles served in the U.S. Navy as a medical corpsman from 1968-71, including serving in Vietnam. He is a four-year member of the King County Veterans' Program Advisory Board, and serves as Vice President, Chapter Delegate, and Chapter Service Officer of the Seattle Chapter 102 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He has volunteered with American Legion Post 160, the Northwest Wheelchair Games, the Veterans' Legislative Coalition, the World War II Memorial Committee, and as a sponsor at McNeill Island Corrections Center. After serving in the military, Mr. Welles worked for Anheuser Bush and as a studio mechanic/stage hand.

Regional Human Services Levy Oversight Board Membership

Edith Nelson, Council District One, nominated by Councilmember Bob Ferguson. Ms. Nelson has extensive experience as a social worker, and has served previously on the King County Children and Family Commission and the King County Women's Advisory Board. She has reviewed numerous human services grants for the city of Shoreline, United Way of King County, and the U.S. Department of Health.

Dorry Elias-Garcia, Council District Two, nominated by Councilmember Larry Gossett. Ms. Elias-Garcia serves as the Executive Director of the Minority Executive Directors Coalition of King County and has over 20 years of experience in administering human services programs. She is experienced in budget management, fund development, and contract negotiations, and has worked to establish effective relationships with a broad group of stakeholders. Her particular passion is working with individuals from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. She has also worked in programs that focus on minority youth in the greater Seattle area.

Kathleen Hadaller, Council District Five, nominated by Councilmember Julia Patterson. Ms Hadaller served on the Advisory Committee for the initial Human Services Program for the City of SeaTac, and went on to serve two terms during this formative period. As a registered nurse, she has worked in hospitals and has provided in-home day care. Ms. Hadaller also brings a personal connection with veteran's issues as her father served in the military during the Vietnam Conflict.

David Baum, Council District Six, nominated by Councilmember Jane Hague. Mr. Baum is a self-employed computer programmer, and describes himself as an "independent community activist." He recently worked with council staff to develop solutions to issues related to Tent City Four, a temporary encampment for homeless individuals on the Eastside.

Anne Baunach, Council District Seven, nominated by Councilmember Pete Von Reichbauer. Ms Baunach has served on several committees and boards in the Auburn area, including the Auburn Arts Commission, which she currently chairs, the Mayor's Community Center Task Force, and the Auburn Citizens for Schools, which she currently co-chairs.

Doris P. Tevaseu, Council District Eight, nominated by Councilmember Dow Constantine. Ms. Tevaseu is currently employed by Microsoft as an Inside Security Solutions Specialist. Her work history includes sales and business development, strategic planning, marketing, and training within technical environments. Ms. Tevaseu currently serves as a councilmember for the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council.

Kevin Bernadt, County Executive ad hoc nominee representing Seattle/North King County. Mr. Bernadt describes himself as a deaf and disabled person who has been a recipient of human services, and is interested in representing the disabled community while serving on the board. He is a current member of the King County Board for Developmental Disabilities. Mr. Bernadt is currently completing an MBA program at the University of Washington.

Joe Ingram, County Executive ad hoc nominee representing East King County. Mr. Ingram has personally experienced being homeless and is passionate about homeless issues, serving as volunteer at East King County Tent City sites. He serves on two subcommittees of the Committee to End Homelessness in King County, as well as the State Advisory Council on Homelessness, the Salvation Army William Booth Center Advisory Committee, and the State of Washington Mental Health Transformation Grant, where he is co-chair of the Homeless Committee. A veteran with service during the Vietnam Conflict, Mr. Ingram is a member of the King County Veterans Program Advisory Board.

Kimberlee G. Archie, County Executive ad hoc nominee representing South King County. Ms. Archie is currently the project manager for "Making Connections," a project funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation that works to improve the outcomes for families and children in tough or isolated neighborhoods. The guiding principle for the program is that children do better when their families are strong, and families do better when they live in communities that help them to succeed. Ms. Archie has also worked for the Renton Area Youth and Family Services and as the director of SOAR ( United Way of King County).

King County Executive, Ron Sims County news Executive initiatives Executive offices Biography Contact information King County Executive Office Ron Sims, King County Executive 701 Fifth Ave. Suite 3210 Seattle, WA 98104 Phone: 206-296-4040 Fax: 206-296-0194 TTY Relay: 711	KING COUNTY HOME \| NEWS \| SERVICES \| DIRECTORY \| CONTACT King County Executive, Ron Sims King County Executive You're in: King County Executive, Ron Sims print Feb. 21, 2007 Veterans, Human Services Levy Advisory Boards to hold first business meeting Citizen members of two new advisory boards created by the Veterans and Human Services Levy will hold their first business meeting on Feb. 22, 2007 in Seattle. Members of the Veterans Levy Oversight Board and the Regional Human Services Oversight Board will come together to begin the work of board organization and levy implementation oversight. Board members attended an orientation earlier this month. The boards are the result of a ballot measure approved by King County voters in November 2005 that will generate $13.3 million annually for six years to help veterans and their families and others in need. It will also fund regional health and human services, including housing, homelessness prevention, mental health and substance abuse services and employment assistance. "The convening of these two new citizen advisory boards marks an important step forward in the implementation of the Veterans and Human Services Levy, and moves us closer to providing much-needed housing and supportive services for veterans, their families and others in need," said Executive Sims. "The levy proceeds will help to open doors to healthier and more productive lives for many in our region, and these two oversight boards will play an important role in that process." As required in the levy ballot language, King County Councilmembers recommended to Executive Sims the names of citizens from their council districts to serve on each of the two citizen boards, with three additional members for each board to be selected by Executive Sims to serve as at-large members. Each nominee must complete the council's regular review and confirmation process. Two slots remain open, and a few members are still awaiting final confirmation hearings but are attending the meetings. The two new oversight boards will be responsible for reviewing procurement plans for housing and services prior to selection and contracting, reviewing progress on achieving outcomes and access to services, reviewing funding decisions, and submitting reports to the county council and the executive. Information on board activities, including meeting agendas are available at your.kingcounty.gov/dchs/levy. "King County is grateful to the men and women who answered our call and have offered their time, energy and expertise to the county as we move forward with the implementation of the Veterans and Human Services Levy," said King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson, developer and prime sponsor of the ordinance creating the 2005 levy ballot measure. "I look forward to working with these individuals in the months and years ahead as we create housing and new programs for our service veterans and their families and others in great need." For more information, call Sadikifu Akina-James, Veterans and Human Services Levy Project Manager, at 206-205-6360. Veterans Levy Oversight Board Membership Vince Schmitt, Council District One, nominated by Councilmember Bob Ferguson. Mr. Schmitt has served as the State Commander of the American Legion, as a board member of the Snohomish County Veterans Assistance Board, and was formerly employed by the Pike Place Market. He has experience in budget management, writing and implementing organization mission statements, and creating by-laws. Robert Stephens, Jr., Council District Two, nominated by Councilmember Larry Gossett. Mr. Stephens has served as President of the Garfield Community Center Advisory Council, as Vice-President of the Central Area District Council, and is a retired schoolteacher and counselor. His resume includes membership in the Model Cities Task Force, through which programs such as the Odessa Brown Health Clinic and the Madrona Dance Studio were developed; and he has worked with the Washington State Reformatory helping prisoners to return to community life. Mr. Stephens left the Armed Forces in 1968. Stanley Gunno, Council District Three, nominated by Councilmember Kathy Lambert. Mr. Gunno served with the U.S. Air Force from 1977 until his retirement in 1996. He received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Meritorious Service medal, the Humanitarian Service medal, and the National Defense Service medal. He is currently a self-employed general contractor and volunteers with disabled veterans and their families. Mr. Gunno is serving his second term on the King County Veterans' Program Advisory Board and has also served on the Washington State Disabled American Veteran's organization. He is a lifetime member of the Air Force Association. Francisco Ivarra, Council District Four, nominated by Councilmember Larry Phillips. Mr. Ivarra served with the American Division 196 th Light Infantry Brigade during the Vietnam Conflict and was awarded a Purple Heart. Upon returning from Vietnam, he earned his M.A. from Western Washington University, and worked on his Ph.D. at Stanford University. His academic career focused on bilingual education and diversity studies at various community colleges and universities. Mr. Ivarra is a long-term member and former office holder of the American G.I. Forum, the largest Hispanic veteran's organization in the nation. In 2002, he helped the Hispanic Congressional Caucus plan the first summit on Hispanic veteran's issues in Washington D.C. Sgt. First Class Lorin Bannerman, Council District Five, nominated by Councilmember Julia Patterson. Sgt. Bannerman has 22 years of experience with the Washington Army National Guard, including twelve months of combat duty in Iraq. He is the recipient of the Bronze Star, an Army Commendation medal, and three Army Achievement medals. He is employed as a food broker, managing product lines for eleven different food buyers that purchase over $5 million annually. His work experience includes marketing, contract compliance, account sales, and planning sales strategies. Frank A. Selden, Council District Six, nominated by Councilmember Jane Hague. Mr. Selden is a practicing attorney with a private practice. He identifies himself as a disabled veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and cares deeply about veterans receiving the benefits to which they are lawfully entitled. Mr. Selden currently serves as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the Washington Army National Guard (WANG), and holds the rank of First Lieutenant. His active duty with Operation Iraqi Freedom spanned from November 2003 – April 2005, and he has also served in the Intelligence branch of the WANG. He is a published author, including a book published last year on Iraqi operations. Kathleen Lewis, Council District Seven, nominated by Councilmember Pete Von Reichbauer. Ms. Lewis is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Many members of her immediate family, including her father, brother, and husband are military veterans, and the veteran culture is woven into her family life. Professionally, Ms. Lewis is a jeweler and owns a small business in Auburn. She also serves on the White River Valley Museum Board. Ronald Forest, Council District Eight, nominated by Councilmember Dow Constantine. Mr. Forest served two terms in the Vietnam Conflict, from 1966 to1968. He is a current member of a Vietnam Veterans chapter. Mr. Forest served on the Kent Civil Service Commission from 1990-1994, and was a member of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission from 1993-2003. He is a retired carpenter, a 42-year member of the Carpenter's Union, and served as the Business Agent and Business Manager of his local chapter. He is a current member and past president of the King County Veterans' Advisory Board. Stephen Barchet, Council District Nine, nominated by Councilmember Reagan Dunn. Dr. Barchet is a retired Rear Admiral, having served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years. He is currently the managing partner of Benefit Payment Solutions, which consults on matters of electronic financial message interchange, and developed a public domain health care plan (HP4Life). Dr. Barchet was a member of the editorial board of Managed Care Outlook, the principal investigator of the 1995 study of Medical Savings Account Programs funded by the J.W. Murdock Charitable Foundations. His post-military work has focused extensively on improving the efficiencies of all types of health care systems. Douglas Hooper, County Executive nominee. Mr. Hooper served with the U.S. Navy from 1960-1980, and upon leaving the Navy, was employed by the Boeing Commercial Airplane Company until his retirement in 2001. He worked with the Boeing Employees Good Neighbor Fund for 20 years, was a loaned executive to United Way, and serves as a Human Services Commissioner for the City of Bellevue. He is a current member of the King County Veterans' Program Advisory Board. William Wood, County Executive nominee. Mr. Wood served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1971. During his tour of duty, he was Chief Warrant Officer and a helicopter pilot in Vietnam for two years, and was an observation pilot along the East/West German border for the next two years. Mr. Wood has served as member of the King County Veterans' Program Advisory Board for the past ten years and is a former chair. He is a member of Seattle Chapter 102 of the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Veterans Service Foundation of Washington (a non-profit organization that works to improve the condition and social welfare of veterans). Mr. Wood earned an MBA degree following his military service, and before retiring, had 21 years experience in banking and finance, focusing on international and investment banking. Roger Welles, County Executive nominee. Mr. Welles served in the U.S. Navy as a medical corpsman from 1968-71, including serving in Vietnam. He is a four-year member of the King County Veterans' Program Advisory Board, and serves as Vice President, Chapter Delegate, and Chapter Service Officer of the Seattle Chapter 102 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He has volunteered with American Legion Post 160, the Northwest Wheelchair Games, the Veterans' Legislative Coalition, the World War II Memorial Committee, and as a sponsor at McNeill Island Corrections Center. After serving in the military, Mr. Welles worked for Anheuser Bush and as a studio mechanic/stage hand. Regional Human Services Levy Oversight Board Membership Edith Nelson, Council District One, nominated by Councilmember Bob Ferguson. Ms. Nelson has extensive experience as a social worker, and has served previously on the King County Children and Family Commission and the King County Women's Advisory Board. She has reviewed numerous human services grants for the city of Shoreline, United Way of King County, and the U.S. Department of Health. Dorry Elias-Garcia, Council District Two, nominated by Councilmember Larry Gossett. Ms. Elias-Garcia serves as the Executive Director of the Minority Executive Directors Coalition of King County and has over 20 years of experience in administering human services programs. She is experienced in budget management, fund development, and contract negotiations, and has worked to establish effective relationships with a broad group of stakeholders. Her particular passion is working with individuals from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. She has also worked in programs that focus on minority youth in the greater Seattle area. Kathleen Hadaller, Council District Five, nominated by Councilmember Julia Patterson. Ms Hadaller served on the Advisory Committee for the initial Human Services Program for the City of SeaTac, and went on to serve two terms during this formative period. As a registered nurse, she has worked in hospitals and has provided in-home day care. Ms. Hadaller also brings a personal connection with veteran's issues as her father served in the military during the Vietnam Conflict. David Baum, Council District Six, nominated by Councilmember Jane Hague. Mr. Baum is a self-employed computer programmer, and describes himself as an "independent community activist." He recently worked with council staff to develop solutions to issues related to Tent City Four, a temporary encampment for homeless individuals on the Eastside. Anne Baunach, Council District Seven, nominated by Councilmember Pete Von Reichbauer. Ms Baunach has served on several committees and boards in the Auburn area, including the Auburn Arts Commission, which she currently chairs, the Mayor's Community Center Task Force, and the Auburn Citizens for Schools, which she currently co-chairs. Doris P. Tevaseu, Council District Eight, nominated by Councilmember Dow Constantine. Ms. Tevaseu is currently employed by Microsoft as an Inside Security Solutions Specialist. Her work history includes sales and business development, strategic planning, marketing, and training within technical environments. Ms. Tevaseu currently serves as a councilmember for the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council. Kevin Bernadt, County Executive ad hoc nominee representing Seattle/North King County. Mr. Bernadt describes himself as a deaf and disabled person who has been a recipient of human services, and is interested in representing the disabled community while serving on the board. He is a current member of the King County Board for Developmental Disabilities. Mr. Bernadt is currently completing an MBA program at the University of Washington. Joe Ingram, County Executive ad hoc nominee representing East King County. Mr. Ingram has personally experienced being homeless and is passionate about homeless issues, serving as volunteer at East King County Tent City sites. He serves on two subcommittees of the Committee to End Homelessness in King County, as well as the State Advisory Council on Homelessness, the Salvation Army William Booth Center Advisory Committee, and the State of Washington Mental Health Transformation Grant, where he is co-chair of the Homeless Committee. A veteran with service during the Vietnam Conflict, Mr. Ingram is a member of the King County Veterans Program Advisory Board. Kimberlee G. Archie, County Executive ad hoc nominee representing South King County. Ms. Archie is currently the project manager for "Making Connections," a project funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation that works to improve the outcomes for families and children in tough or isolated neighborhoods. The guiding principle for the program is that children do better when their families are strong, and families do better when they live in communities that help them to succeed. Ms. Archie has also worked for the Renton Area Youth and Family Services and as the director of SOAR ( United Way of King County).
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