Whitney LaMarche
Director of Engineering
Veolia Nuclear Solutions

Whitney LaMarche is the Director of Engineering for Veolia Nuclear Solutions-Federal Services, LLC.  She has a B.S. in Chemistry from Western Washington University and a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering-Material Science from Washington State University. She is currently a member of the Tri-City Chamber of Commerce, Columbia Basin College Foundation, and American Chemical Society- Richland Section.

In her current role as the Director, her primary responsibilities include responding to requests for quotation for task order-based contracts, resource programming and management of their task assignments, and acting as the interface between project manager, project resources and the customer. From a business line perspective she develops, monitors and measures progress against contract budgets, schedules and resources.  and ensures projects are to the customer’s expectations.  She establishes, maintains, forecasts and trends budgets against fiscal year and calendar year forecasts providing business line representation to senior staff, customer, and contract management. 
​
Prior to her current role Ms. LaMarche worked as a chemist supporting research on ion-specific media for Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Relief (patent pending), ground water remediation of radio nuclides, Savanah River tank waste, detritiation experiments, and nanocrystalline cellulose foams. While pursuing her master’s degree, she concurrently worked as the lab safety coordinator at WSU organizing and approving safety guideline institution of all graduate and post doc research plans, and served on committee as the Unit Level Safety, Health and Security Committee Chair.  

Vicki Monteagudo
Designated Broker and Owner​
Century21 Tri-Cities

​​Vicki Monteagudo is the Owner and Designated Broker of Century 21 Tri-Cities and Principal of NAI Commercial Tri-Cities and has been a Licensed Realtor in the State of Washington since 2002. Vicki specializes in land acquisitions and community developments. Her lateral leadership focuses on development product planning and creating New construction selection processes and contractual procedures. Furthermore, she is an accredited New construction advertising and marketing expert.

As a third-generation Tri-Cities resident, Vicki has a strong desire to share the Greater Tri-Cities Metropolitan region with others and help it grow. After graduating as the salutatorian from Pasco High School in 1999, she attended Columbia Basin College and Washington State University. In addition to being a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Society, she held several corporate internships with General Motors, United Way, and the Columbia Valley Wine Association. Moreover, she has two daughter, Stella and Claire, 7 and 6 years old. 

Vicki is an award-winning, multi-million dollar producer, earning elite accolades for her distinctive and innovative marketing strategies. She has collected several Marketing and Merchandising Excellence (MAME) awards for her creative marketing techniques and websites. Congruently, she is a Top Ranked Agent in Washington State for the volume of listings sold, as well as being nationally ranked. Her Century 21 Tri-Cities brokerage is currently ranked #1 in the State of Washington and ranked #17 in the nation for overall sales volume. Vicki also received the International President’s Elite Circle of Distinction Award and the Centurion Awards consecutively for several consecutive years.

Trish Herron
Community Affairs and Protocol Director​
​Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

​​Trish Herron is the Director of Community Affairs and Protocol at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The Community Affairs and Protocol office is responsible for ensuring PNNL and Battelle are viewed as economic, intellectual and social assets to the Tri-Cities and other key communities in which we live and operate. She manages programs that ensure strong and enduring community engagement, philanthropy and employee volunteerism.
 
Her team of 12 staff, plan, coordinate and lead high-level visits and events that are critically important to building the Lab’s national, regional, and local reputation while expanding advocacy for PNNL’s science and technology.
 
Trish joined PNNL in 2015 as a Senior Community Affairs Consultant and moved into a Team Lead role in 2019, overseeing eight staff. Prior to that, she was the Communications Manager and an Economic Analyst Business and Tourism Development Specialist at the City of Richland. She also worked as a Public Information Specialist for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
 
Trish currently serves on the Visit Tri-Cities Board of Directors where she also chairs the “Excellence in Service Award” program, and the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She represents TRIDEC on the Tri-Cities Legislative Council and is part of Leadership Tri-Cities Class of XXVI.

Stephanie Williams
Executive Director, Ancillary Services
​​Kadlec

​Stephanie Williams joined Kadlec in July 2012. She has served on the executive team since 2016 and in the role as Executive Director for Ancillary Services since 2018. She has operational oversight of several departments including clinical nutrition, diagnostic imaging, education and experience, laboratory, language services, food service, therapy services, and others. Her bachelor’s degree concentrated on psychology and sociology and she holds a master’s degree in organizational management. She started her health care career as a licensed social worker in mental health case management in the early 1990s, moved into positions focused on marketing and business development, and has advanced into local and regional roles in marketing and operations. Ms. William’s guiding purpose throughout her career has been a passion for helping others. This core value is what inspired her to seek out leadership roles where she could make a difference by affecting policies and practices that better serve those in need. She works collaboratively with others throughout Kadlec to understand and improve operational processes and the overall experience of Kadlec’s patients, caregivers and providers.

Shae Frichette
Co-Owner​
​Frichette Winery

Shae Frichette, co-founder of Frichette Winery, is a native South Carolina girl who had dreams of pursuing acting. After graduating from her South Carolina high school, she embarked on a solo cross-country journey to Los Angeles, where she found work as an actress in the theater. She later worked “in corporate America” as a trainer in leadership development, she says. During this time, she met her future husband and co-founder, Greg. Together, they began to plot a new career and life in wine. After marrying, they decided to let fate determine where they would raise a family. A coin toss determined they would relocate to Washington State and enter into the wine business.

In 2011, Shae and Greg launched Frichette Winery in Benton City, Wash., in the Red Mountain AVA. In 2013, the couple opened a tasting room with 605 cases of 2011 vintage wine for sale. Today, Frichette is a 2,000-case, independent boutique winery offering seven different varietals including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sémillon. Its wines are available in the tasting room, at events for wine club members, and in various Pacific Northwest restaurants and shops.​

Roschel Bladow
Senior HR Manager​
​AgriNorthwest

​Roschel Bladow is an experienced Human Resources Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the farming industry. Skilled in onboarding, talent management, human resources, performance management, and employee engagement. She graduated from Eastern Washington University and most recently Walden University with a Masters in Human Resources Management.

Meghan Rose
Founder & CEO
​​Iron Mountain Management, LLC

​As a consultant and small business owner, Meghan Rose provides strategic management counsel and leadership to clients across the U.S. Her expertise blends technical knowledge, business strategy, political acumen, patience, ethics, and accuracy to solve problems and achieve strategic and tactical objectives. A talented communicator, Meghan’s superhero strength is translating difficult technical concepts and complex ideas into something that can be broadly understood. She also excels at helping others communicate effectively. In addition, Meghan is an experienced project manager and team building expert; she leads teams of experts across diverse disciplines—including engineering, construction, research and development, human resources, and technical and marketing communications. Meghan achieved a B.S., Political Science from Portland State University, and she is a certified Project Management Professional.

Megan Hughes
Assistant Winemaker/Enologist
Barnard Griffin Winery

​Megan officially joined her parents, Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard, in the family business after graduating in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Viticulture and Enology from Washington State University. At present, she oversees the majority of Barnard Griffin's white wine production, working side-by-side with her father on a daily basis.
​
Megan currently sits on the board of the Association of Washington Business and is a member of the Washington Winegrowers Association and the Washington Wine Technical Group. Megan also volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club and Junior Achievement, striving to be a resource for young women in the community who are interested in the wine industry and other STEM fields. 

Katherine Sierra-Kelly
Senior Managing Attorney
​​Gravis Law

​Katherine Sierra-Kelly was born into a military family and settled in the Tri-City area in 1994. She is a graduate of Upper Columbia Academy, and Walla Walla University where she graduated cum laude in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. She spent a year with Americorp where she helped needy families in Seattle before attending  Seattle University’s School of Law where she graduated in 2007 with her Juris Doctorate.
​
Katherine returned home to the Tri-City area after being admitted to the Washington State Bar in 2007 and began working at Chvatal Law Office with her focus being on family law.  She moved to Gravis Law, PLLC in 2017 and her practice continues to focus on family law and mediation.  She is currently living in Richland with her husband and three boys.  Katherine is an avid Seattle Seahawks Season Ticket Holder and enjoys spending time working out in the gym to keep up with her three boys.

Jodi Henderson
Manager of Communications & Government Relations
​​Benton PUD

Jodi Henderson is the Manager of Communications & Government Relations at Benton PUD.  Jodi joined Benton PUD in 2010 and has worked in Communications & Government Relations and Finance & Business Services.  Prior to joining Benton PUD, Jodi spent over a decade in health care and held positions in both state government and private industry.  Jodi is a graduate of Western Washington University and Leadership Tri-Cities Class XXI and is a member of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

Jessica Schneider, MD
Founder & CEO
​​Empowered Health Institute

​Dr. Schneider is the CEO and founder of Empowered Health. She is board certified in Internal Medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine and has completed a fellowship in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona studying under Andrew Weil, MD. She also has training through the Institute of Functional Medicine at Cleveland Clinic and the Kalish Institute.

Dr. Schneider grew up locally in Richland and graduated from Hanford High School. She received a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry from Washington State University Honors College, graduating summa cum laude.  She completed medical school and residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin and has clinical experience working at large medical centers, both locally and in Milwaukee. 
​
Dr. Schneider was recognized as a “Young Professional Award Recipient” for professional achievement through the Tri-Cities Journal of Business in 2020. She received an "Entrepreneur of the Year" award from the Richland Rotary Club in 2021 for her work at Empowered Health. She is active in local organizations, serving as a board director for Gesa Credit Union and the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Dee Gray
Communications Director
​​JACOBS

​​Dee Gray is currently the Communications and External Stakeholder Director for the Jacobs North American Nuclear unit. Dee has more than 30 years of experience at DOE sites in leadership, management, and strategic direction of diverse program organizations. She served as Communications Director and Chief of Staff on the Hanford Plateau Remediation Contract and most recently served as vice president of resource management and strategic planning prior to moving into her current role. Ms. Gray holds a BS in English and Communications and an MBA

Cynthia Vaughn
Owner & Director
Magnolia Music Studio

​Cynthia Vaughn (she/her) is founder and director of Magnolia Music Studio (Colorado 2008, Washington 2014-present). In nearly 40 years as a voice teacher, she has established nine independent studios across the country and was on the voice faculties of Colorado State University, Cedarville University in Ohio, ArtConnects International in Urbino, Italy, and The Arvada Center for the Arts in Colorado. She has compassion and a joy for teaching that encompasses singers at all levels and ages. Her voice students include high school and college students; professional singers, actors, and recording artists; music educators; singer/songwriters; retirees; and community singers.

Cynthia Vaughn is a respected singer, voice teacher, author, and clinician. Vaughn and the late Meribeth Dayme, PhD, co-authored The Singing Book (1st, 2nd, 3rd editions 2004-present), a leading college voice class textbook and song anthology published by W.W.Norton & Co NY/London (North American and International editions). Vaughn was one of “57 experts from across the US” selected as a contributing author for The Voice Teachers Cookbook: Creative Recipes for Teachers of Singing (Meredith Music Resource, 2018). Vaughn is Associate Editor for Independent Voices for National Association of Teachers of Singing Inter Nos, NATS biannual member publication (2018 to present.) In the 1990s Vaughn wrote the “Currents” column for NATS Inter Nos, focusing on current pedagogy trends and the new internet technology. During that time Vaughn was also a writer and editor for the original New York based Classical Singer Magazine, contributing 40+ articles and interviews. One of those interviews was with the legendary voice pioneer and author Meribeth (Bunch) Dayme, PhD, author of Dynamics of the Singing Voice. This was the beginning of a twenty year friendship and collaboration that continued until Dr. Dayme’s death in 2019. Cynthia Vaughn and Matthew Hoch compiled and edited "The Essentials of CoreSinging: A Joyful Approach to Singing and Voice Pedagogy" by Meribeth Dayme (1938-2019), due to be released in Spring 2022 by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Cynthia Vaughn, soprano, has performed professional opera, operetta, music theater, oratorio and concerts in New York, Chicago, Cincinnati, San Francisco, Washington, and her home state of Colorado. holds her MA in Vocal Performance from San Jose State University, her BA in Vocal Performance from California State University East Bay, and completed doctoral coursework at University of Northern Colorado.

Chauné Fitzgerald
Founder & CEO
​Salon Remedi/TressFX Beauty

Chauné Fitzgerald is an award-winning community leader, activist and influential business owner for over 20 years. Chauné is firmly committed to education,  public service, community involvement and entrepreneurship.  She is a sought after public speaker, delivering inspiring addresses to business development, social justice, activism and global citizenship -our shared human experience.
 
Chauné is a graduate of Troy State University obtaining a Master of Science MBA degree with emphasis on Organizational Leadership and  Business Management. Chauné is a native of Illinois and graduate of  Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management -HCM
 
Chauné  has a Master of Cosmetology license in Washington State and is a world renowned International Instructor in the beauty industry and stylist for Miss Teen, Miss USA and ‘Miss Universe Pageants.

Chauné is the founder and CEO of  Women of Wisdom (WOW Tri-Cities) which supports equity, economic development and bridging the gaps of social, justice and economical disparities among low-income and marginalized communities.
 
Chauné's Community Engagement & Equity Leadership includes her nomination as Commissioner on African American Affairs, The MYTRI 2030 Inclusion Council -Member, Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce Board Member,  The Links, Tri-Cities, WA |VP Member Development, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusive Consultant, TABOR 100- Member and Win With Black Women- Member.
​
Chauné is a southern -girl at heart, migrating from Chicago to Georgia then Washington and is the proud mother of three children and the wife of Eric Fitzgerald, Nuclear Engineer -Hanford site in Richland WA.

Amy Basche
Chief Operations Officer
​​Hanford Mission Integration Solutions

​​Amy Basche first worked at Hanford as part of the re-start of the 242-A Evaporator Facility. In more than 30 years since, she’s held roles as a training coordinator, manager for Tank Farm contractors and strategic planner. In the last decade, Basche served in a variety of executive management roles. She has an MBA from City University and is a diehard Gonzaga Bulldogs fan. She runs on coffee, enjoys party planning and tracing her ancestry. Basche has been a classroom volunteer for Junior Achievement for more than 20 years and served on the JA Board of Directors for eight years. She also serves on the board for the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Alma Feil
VP of Business Development​
HAPO Community Credit Union

Alma Feil is the VP of Business Development with HAPO Community Credit Union, she started her credit union career in 2001, while attending nursing school. She has served in many positions over the years. She brings a great depth of knowledge and service within the financial industry to help you navigate your finance throughout all stages of your life. Alma is active in the community, including Chamber and serves on several other boards and committees. She and works closely with local business and real estate developers to support growth within Tri-Cities and surrounding areas.

Alma was raised with the credit union philosophy of people helping people and is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives.

When she is not serving her members, or supporting the CU movement, you can find her traveling with her family and doing extreme outdoor activities.