Kristine Aadland, 31
Owner
Aadland Dental
Nominated by: Dellan Redjou
Just three years after graduating from dental school, Kristine Aadland opened her own practice, Aadland Dental in Vancouver. But Kristine had no plans to own a run-of-the-mill dental office. She had her own, unique vision.
Sticking to her belief that whole body health comes from the inside out as well as the outside in, Kristine developed a wellness center and opened up a fitness and nutrition studio adjacent to her dental practice, called Fusion Fitness & Nutrition.
In addition to operating a successful practice, Kristine provides free dental services at Clark Community College and the Free Clinic, where she is a valued board member.
Kristi Baker, 38
Executive Director
SW Washington Child Care Consortium
Nominated by: Jada Rupley
As the executive director of the Southwest Washington Child Care Consortium, Kristi Baker oversees 1,600 children in 26 child care centers in Clark County. More than 200 employees staff the nonprofit’s centers, providing quality care to infant through school age children.
While many child care centers require full-time enrollment, Kristi has led efforts to provide part-time care options at the SWCCC, allowing struggling families to continue to access quality child care.
In a letter supporting Kristi’s nomination as Accomplished and Under 40, Educational Service District 112 Human Resources Director Karen Schwartzrock said, “Because of Ms. Baker, thousands of local children have – and will continue to have – quality child care and rich early learning experiences.”
Matthew Bisturis, 29
Associate
Schwabe,Williamson & Wyatt
Nominated by: Cheri Martin
It’s not unusual for Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt attorney Matthew Bisturis to volunteer his time to assist those who cannot afford legal services. Matthew believes everyone should have equal access to our justice system regardless of his or her background or means.
Active in both the Washington State and Clark County Bar Associations, Matthew has volunteered for the YMCA Government Mock Trial Competition, coaching students who are interested in the judicial system. In addition, he gives his time to the Washington Small Business Development Center and to students at WSU Vancouver.
A graduate of Leadership Clark County, Matthew is a member of the Board of Directors of the Parks Foundation of Vancouver and Clark County.
Jeff Creagan, 32
President
Bella Villa Homes Corp
Nominated by: Serena Creagan
At 32 years of age, Bella Villa Homes President Jeff Creagan is an accomplished custom homebuilder and land developer who has found success despite an economy that has challenged his industry, to say the least.
In addition to building beautiful homes, Jeff has developed lots in subdivisions all over Clark County.
“Due to the number of Bella Villa homes under construction, Jeff is obviously providing many jobs to the people of Southwest Washington,” writes Melissa Miller, senior escrow officer at Fidelity National Title, in her nomination letter for Jeff. “He values and cultivates strong working relationships and friendships with both clients and employees, recognizing how important each is to his business and success.”
Clay Foster, 29
Patient Services Manager
Rebound Orthopedics and Neurosurgery
Nominated by: Michelle Braunsten
It has been quite the journey for Clay Foster during his 11 years at Vancouver’s Rebound Orthopedics. After all, his career at Rebound started with a seasonal entry-level position as an administrative assistant. Today, Clay is the company’s patient services manager, a position that requires him to manage schedules and clinic preferences for more than 40 providers and more than 45 employees.
Laura Dimmler, director of Pacific University’s Masters of Healthcare Administration program, witnessed Clay graduate in 2010 with a 3.98 GPA – the highest in his class.
“Clay exhibits the characteristics of a leader and life-long learner because he is interested in personal growth and gives back to his profession and community,” she said.
Jason Green, 39
Vice President
CBRE, Inc.
Nominated by: Marina Firdlyand
Jason Green joined CB Richard Ellis in 2004 after nine years of commercial real estate experience in Los Angeles. Since joining CBRE, Jason has been involved in the sale or lease of more than 2.2 million square feet worth approximately $180 million in consideration. In fact, Jason was ranked a “Top 5” producer for his office in 2009 and 2010.
“We were excited to nominate Jason because he is a high achieving employee who contributes to the team spirit of our company and provides excellent service to his clients,” said CBRE Executive Director Mike Wells.
Jason is a member of CBRE’s African American Network Group and a member of the firm’s Occupier Community Group.
Billy Henry, 20
Executive Director
NWABA
Nominated by: Jamie Dotson
In 2007, at the age of 16, Billy Henry formed the Northwest Association of Blind Athletes. Billy, who is legally blind himself, realized there was a lack of sports and physical activity opportunities for the visually impaired, and he wanted to make a difference.
In just four years, Billy has ensured that his dream has become a reality, as the Northwest Association of Blind Athletes has become a productive and much-needed organization within the community.
“Billy’s work to establish the NWABA exemplifies his passion for helping others,” writes Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart. “Through his work and sheer force of will, he is making out community better for sighted and sight impaired alike.
Devin Jackson, 28
Assistant Vice President
Regents Bank
Nominated by: Tami Nesburg/Greg Usselman
As an assistant vice president at Regents Bank, Devin Jackson is responsible for managing a large portfolio of local business relationships within the Vancouver community. However, it’s the relationships Devin holds outside of work that make him truly accomplished.
In addition to his current enrollment in Leadership Clark County, Devin is involved in a number of community organizations including the Fort Vancouver Library Foundation and the Big Brother program.
In nominating Devin for this honor, Regents Bank Senior VPs Tami Nesburg and Greg Usselman said, “Devin is a strong advocate for community involvement and consistently strives to better those around him…”
Phoebe Krueger, 33
Relationship Banking Officer
Pacific Continental Bank
Nominated by: Kristy Weaver
“Phoebe [Krueger] is engaged, engaging and totally committed,” said Sharon Pesut, executive director of Community Choices, in describing the 33 year-old relationship banking officer at Pacific Continental Bank.
The bank’s Senior Vice President Kristy Weaver nominated Phoebe for Accomplished & Under 40, crediting her exuberance and poise for the recent success of the bank’s ethics training for nonprofits.
Speaking of nonprofits, one of Phoebe’s volunteer passions is Dress for Success, which helps women in Southwest Washington prepare for work and achieve self-sufficiency.
Former supervisor Douglas Lehrman, executive director of Educational Opportunities for Children and Families predicts, “She will help move this community forward in significant ways and has already made a strong mark.”
Charmaine Lightheart, 36
Community Banking Relationship Manager
First Independent
Nominated by: Jessica Lightheart
Charmaine Lightheart coaches many of our local small businesses through her new position as community banking relationship manager with First Independent Bank.
In further support of community, Charmaine leads school supply collections for Share House’s backpack drive and for Evergreen School District. She serves as corporate coordinator for the March for Babies campaign, and as a board member for CDM Long-Term Care Services.
In supporting Charmaine’s nomination, CDM Executive Director Eric Erickson said, “I have had many board members in ten years with CDM, but hers is the first example I use when asked how our board has contributed to the community and our clients.”
Michelle McIlvoy, 35
Student Involvement Manager
WSU Vancouver
Nominated by: Nancy Youlden
A 35-year-old new mom, Michelle McIlvoy is no stranger to working with young people. As the student involvement manger at WSU Vancouver since 2007, this dyed-in-the-wool Cougar has worked with hundreds of younger Cougars, mentoring them in the many facets of student and community leadership.
Michelle’s work encompasses guiding the leaders of numerous student life organizations, student government leadership and student clubs on the Salmon Creek campus of more than 3,000.
“Michelle is talented, ethical and passionate about her work developing students as individuals and as leaders,” said her nominator, WSU Vancouver Vice Chancelor of Student Affairs Nancy Youlden.
Joseph Ridinger, 32
Financial Advisor
Ameriprise Financial Services
Nominated by: Stephanie Hadley
Financial advisor Joe Ridinger contributes to the community by passionately mentoring others. The 32-year-old is a past president of Young Professionals of Vancouver, having worked enthusiastically to rebuild their scholarships for local college students.
Joe has recently been active in founding a new Vancouver chapter of Business Networking International, where local businesses can forge relationships to help each other to grow.
In his business dealings at Ameriprise Financial Services, Joe’s branch manager praises his “givers gain” attitude, seeking not simple sales, but always to “help others first” through “unwavering ethics and keen intellect,” adding genuine value to his clients’ lives.
Tonya Rulli, 37
Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Clark County Prosecutor
Nominated by: Pat Beckett
A 37-year-old Clark County senior prosecuting attorney, Tonya Rulli often takes her advocacy for children outside the office, serving as a volunteer and member of the board for Children’s Center.
In nominating Tonya for Accomplished & Under 40, Pat Becket, Children’s Center’s executive director, described Tonya as “a determined and tenacious advocate for child victims of abuse, an engaged and concerned citizen of Vancouver, a woman with a compassionate heart who works quietly and steadfastly with those who have suffered the greatest loss.”
In addition to her work with Children’s Center, Tonya is passionate about local politics, and has worked to support families of deployed U.S. Marines.
Sara Scheetz, 28
Vice President
At Your Place Senior Care
Nominated by: Stephanie Hadley
Sarah Sheetz is a dynamic 28-year-old role model not only to her two young sons and to her community through multiple volunteer efforts, but also to other young professionals and entrepreneurs.
Sarah continuously takes her creative marketing ideas from concept to reality, contributing to the success of numerous local charities, as well as her growing in-home senior care business, At Your Place Senior Care LLC, where she is vice president. She founded the business, which now employs 45 people in Clark County, in 2006 with her mother, and has recently acquired a sister company, Angelbrook Senior Living LLC.
Sarah is also the current president of Young Professionals of Vancouver.
Nicole Schmidt, 30
Interior Designer, Lead AP
Nicole Helene Designs
Nominated by: Victoria Cooper
Local media love the work of Nicole Schmidt, and the company she co-owns, Nicole Helene Designs. Her hotel designs can be enjoyed from Sedona to Tahoe, Mexico to Maui, the Oregon Coast to Vancouver’s Heathman Lodge.
Nicole’s interior designs have taken awards locally in Top Projects, Parade of Homes, and Fall Home and Garden Show.
“She lights up a room with her presence, and brings calm and reason to even the most challenging situations,” said her nominator and business partner, Victoria Cooper.
A member of the Clark County Building Industry Association board of directors, Nicole is also a leader in the charity event Serving Up Style, which benefits Lupus research.
Erik Selden, 29
Assistant Vice President
Columbia Bank
Nominated by: Billy Henry
An assistant VP at the Vancouver office of Columbia Bank, Erik Selden has made a career of donating his time to help others.
Erik joined the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes Board of Directors in 2010. Since that time, he has contributed greatly to the overall success of the organization.
In nominating Erik, Billy Henry, NWABA’s executive director, wrote:
“His [Erik’s] leadership has helped to increase fundraising and development, branding, public awareness and programs through Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.”
In addition to working with the NWABA, Erik is a member of the Rotary Club of Greater Clark County and Young Professionals of Vancouver.
Jase Stefanski, 39
President-REALTOR &
Mortgage Broker
Cascade Home Loans
Nominated by: Phil Starr
A 39-year old husband and father of six, Jase Stefanski has kept his small business, Cascade Home Sales & Loans, alive and successful over the last six years. That alone speaks to his skills in business and financial management, as well as the ability to genuinely connect to people through customer service as realtor, broker and president of his company.
As a falconer, private pilot and world traveler, Jase has learned to value natural resources, as well as human resources.
State Representative Ed Orcutt remarked especially on Jase’s “desire to do what was best for the land he owned and managed,” and further desire to do what is best for “everyone in his community.”
Mike True, 32
Chief Operating Officer &
Chief Financial Officer
Fort Vancouver Nat’l Trust
Nominated by: Bruce Davidson
No matter which of his diverse passions 32-year old Michael True is supporting, he makes sure it operates at its fiscal best, serving as many people as possible on the resources available.
Michael has a history of serving complex organizations, from a large community church, to the regionally and nationally treasured Fort Vancouver National Trust, where in less than one year he went from finance manager to chief financial officer to chief operating officer.
Michael, a current Leadership Clark County student, is now overseeing the operations of the Pearson Air Museum and the redevelopment of the properties in the Historic Reserve, critical to Vancouver’s past, and future.
Brandon Vick, 27
Sales & Marketing
Vick Landscaping
Nominated by: Troy Van Dinter
An Eagle Scout, graduate of Leadership Clark County and VBJ Top Projects award winner, Brandon Vick has accomplished a great deal at a young age.
In addition to helping make Vick Landscaping one of the county’s leading landscaping firms as its sales and marketing manager, Brandon has given his time to organizations like Habitat for Humanity. He is also a member of the Washington State Association of Landscape Professionals and the Building Industry Association of Clark County.
“I’m excited to see what lies ahead for Brandon,” wrote Ryan Hart, district director for Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler. “I have no doubt that he will make a difference in the community as a servant and a leader.”
Mason Walker, 30
President
Audigy Group
Nominated by: Amit Gosalia
Perseverance, tenacity and leadership: These are just a few of the terms that come up time and time again when people are asked to describe Audigy Group’s Mason Walker.
Appointed president of the company earlier this year, Mason has provided significant influence in the formation and development of all things Audigy.
In nominating Mason for Accomplished & Under 40, Brandon Dawson, CEO of Audigy Group, said, “If you are looking for a dynamic representative of the under 40 crowd, look no further. Mason Walker has the personal values, business skill and social consciousness that make him the perfect candidate for this important award.”
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