The Port of Tacoma commission elected Don Johnson as Commission President for 2010 and welcomed Don Meyer, who was sworn in today as a commissioner. Meyer's professional experience includes 10 years as executive director of the Foss Waterway Development Authority, where he was responsible for creating economic development opportunities along Tacoma's downtown waterfront. He also worked 14 years in Port senior management, including deputy director. Previous professional experience includes three years as deputy director of the state Office of Financial Management and four years as director of program research for the state House of Representatives. The Spanaway resident has been a trustee of Pierce College since 2003, and has served on the boards of the Metropolitan Development Council, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Executive Council for Greater Tacoma and the LeMay Museum. He also is a member of Tacoma Rotary #8.

York Enterprises has promoted Dan Watsek to production manager. Watsek brings 30 years of remodeling experience to the position. He will be managing every aspect of production, with an emphasis on customer service and building a team of remodelers that work together to produce quality projects. Watsek is a multi-talented carpenter specializing in cabinetry. He is a Certified Graduate Remodeler, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, and Certified in Infrared Imaging for Building Purposes.

The Federal Way Chamber of Commerce recently announced that Merle Pfeifer is the Volunteer of the Year. Pfeifer said he shares this honor with his wife and staff for giving him the support that enables him to volunteer. Pfeifer is on the ASA National Mechanical Operations Committee which improves the independent automotive industry by promoting national standards, ethics and operating procedures. At a local level, he is the current president of Pierce County ASA Unit, which promotes the same issues, as well as giving back to the community through the Kids First Program and the Lights On Program. He is actively involved in the Washington ASA local and state government affairs committees. The chamber noted that Pfeifer does not volunteer for recognition or personal gain; he does it because it is the right thing to do.

Shirl Aronson, Broker and CEO of Keller Williams Realty Olympia is the 2009 recipient of the Thurston County Realtors Association "Long Time Realtor Spirit Award." Aronson has been a licensed broker since 1979. She has served on the Professional Standards Committee and as the chair person of the Association Mediation Committee. She's been active in fund raising for a number of local charities as well as serving on the Association's Annual Holiday Charity Auction committee.

Luis Valderrama recently joined Commencement Bank in Tacoma as a credit analyst. Luis has more than 10 years of business experience, and a master's degree in business administration from Saint Martin's University.

Parametrix has hired Darold Woodward PE as a senior electrical engineer in the Sumner office. Woodward has 20 years of experience in the design and implementation of electrical, SCADA and control systems for water, wastewater, and electric utilities. Woodward will focus on electrical, controls and SCADA for water/wastewater design projects, as well as be involved in the development of projects that increase the sustainability of client operations and facilities. Parametrix also hired Charlie Dougherty PE as a senior water supply and treatment engineer in the Bellevue office. Dougherty specializes in water infrastructure projects, including project planning and development, water treatment plant design, pipelines, reservoirs and pump stations. He will be responsible for oversight and coordination of water projects throughout all Parametrix offices.

SiteCrafting announced the promotions of Michael Pierce and Mandi Webster-Martin. Following reviews of their respective tenures at SiteCrafting, both were found to have excelled in their previous positions, demonstrating dedication to service and quality. Pierce has been promoted to Art Director. In this position, his responsibilities are expanded to include management of the design process, quality output and design communications for clients. Promoted to Marketing Coordinator, Webster-Martin's new responsibilities include supporting a growing number of strategic marketing initiatives as well as event planning and community relations.

Mason County PUD No. 3 won its fifth consecutive award for the quality of its financial reporting on the operation of the Shelton-based utility. PUD 3 was awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2008 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

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