Prosser Memorial Health is proud to announce Dr. David Carl as the new Chief of Staff starting January 2023. Dr. Carl, MD, leads Benton City Clinic’s Pediatrics department and previously held the position of Vice Chief of Staff. He is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, among many other professional certifications and associations.

“I am excited for the opportunity to lead Prosser Memorial Health during the time of growth. As always, our focus is on our patients and delivering high quality, affordable healthcare to our community,” said Dr. David Carl.

Outgoing Chief of Staff, Dr. Jared Clifford, Podiatric surgeon at Prosser’s Orthopedic Center, held the two-year position from 2021 to 2023. Grandview Clinic provider Dr. Jose Santa-Cruz, MD, will serve as the new Vice Chief of Staff. For more information, contact Chief Communications Officer Shannon Hitchcock in Prosser Memorial Health’s Community Relations office at 509.786.6601.

Yakima Federal Savings and Loan Association recently announced the promotion of six employees, effective January 1, 2023. 

Dan Gaulke has been promoted to Executive Vice President/Treasurer. Dan joined Yakima Federal as a management trainee fresh out of college and has over 32 years of service with the association. His job roles have included loan officer, internal auditor, Internal Audit Manager and Compliance Officer. 

Kyle Harrington has been promoted to Vice President/Accounting Manager. Kyle came to Yakima Federal in 2018 having previous experience with the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions. 

Lottie Biehl has been promoted to Assistant Vice President/Orchard Park Branch Manager. Lottie began her Yakima Federal career as a teller in the Downtown Yakima Branch in 1990. Lottie has been the manager at Orchard Park since May of 2022.

Tony Mayorga has been promoted to Assistant Vice President/Kennewick Branch Manager. Tony was hired as a Management Trainee in October of 2020 and has been the Kennewick Branch Manager for the past year.

Erin Thierolf has been promoted to Assistant Vice President/Human Resource Generalist. Erin joined Yakima Federal in 2003 as a Management Trainee. She moved to the Human Resource department in 2019 after leading the association’s Marketing efforts since 2012. 

Paul Crawford has been promoted to Assistant Vice President/Marketing Manager. Paul was hired as Marketing Manager in October 2018. His previous work experience included positions as Digital Director in the newspaper industry. 

Lourdes Health announced today that Mark Holyoak has been named its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective March 20. He joins Lourdes Health from Wilson Medical Center in Wilson, North Carolina, where he has served as CEO since 2018. 
 
“We are pleased to share that Mark will be serving the Pasco, Washington area through his leadership at Lourdes Health,” said Sandy Podley, president of Lifepoint Health’s Western Division, of which Lourdes Health is a part. “Mark’s vast operational and clinical leadership will undoubtedly be an asset to Lourdes and the entire Pasco community.  Mark began his healthcare career as a nurse, and he is passionate about supporting frontline caregivers. His track record in provider recruitment, patient satisfaction and improving quality care will serve our Lourdes Health patients and the entire Pasco community.” 

A seasoned healthcare administrator with significant operational and clinical experience, Holyoak has served in diverse leadership positions in North Carolina, Utah and Nevada. Prior to his role at Wilson Medical Center, Holyoak served as CEO of Castleview Hospital in Price, Utah for seven years and Chief Operating Officer (COO) for two years. He also previously served as Chief Nursing/Clinical Officer for Ashley Regional Medical Center in Vernal, Utah for ten years. 

“Mark is a proven leader, as evidenced by the operational, quality, patient satisfaction and recruitment achievements during his years in nursing and executive leadership roles in the health systems he has served,” said Julie Killian, chair of the Lourdes Health board of trustees. “His commitment to frontline caregivers underscore his achievements in advancing quality care at the hospitals he’s led previously. We are excited to welcome him to Pasco and look forward to working with him to continue to drive the positive momentum we have at Lourdes Health.” 

“I am looking forward to joining the beautiful Tri-Cities community and Lourdes Health,” said Holyoak. “I know how talented, passionate and resilient our people are, and I am committed to working alongside our co-workers and providers to ensure our hospital continues to provide the Pasco community with high quality healthcare.”

Holyoak earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology & Chemistry from Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.  He earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix in Salt Lake City, Utah.  He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Lifepoint Health Fleetwood Operational Excellence Award Winner. 

City of Richland offices and facilities will be closed to the public on Monday, January 16, 2023, for an all-staff training day. This includes Richland City Hall (Customer Service), Richland Community Center, Richland Public Library, and the City Shops. Essential services will continue such as police, fire, and trash collection. The Horn Rapids Landfill will also remain open. The Richland Community Center and the Library will remain closed through the evening as well. 

After a two-year hiatus, Washington State University Tri-Cities Carson College of Business announces the return of the Point to Success fundraising brunch on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Anthony’s at Columbia Point in Richland. 

The event, sponsored by Anthony’s at Columbia Point and Alaska Airlines, features a brunch, keynote presentation from a former Tri-Citian and prominent WSU alumnus, a live auction and games. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be dedicated to student support and faculty development to improve the Carson College of Business education program.

“We are looking forward to finally being back in person to support future Carson Cougs. This event benefits not only our students but the growth of the college through updating programming, creating workshops for our students and providing scholarships for Carson Cougs,” said Tim Baker, academic director of the Carson College of Business at WSU Tri-Cities.

The emcee for this year’s event is KNDU’s news anchor, Tracci Dial. The keynote speaker, Cole Morgan, is co-founder and chief executive officer of Snap! Raise, a comprehensive platform designed to help coaches, group leaders and administrators build programs that support students. Morgan was named the 2018 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Pacific Northwest and was a former quarterback for Washington State University Pullman.

Paul Carlisle, WSU Tri-Cities alumnus and chair of the Carson College of Business Board is excited about the event and what it means for students. “Tri-Cities Carson Cougs are the future of our workforce. It’s an exciting time to be supporting WSU Tri-Cities Carson College of Business,” he said.
​
Early bird ticket price is $100 per person until midnight on January 25, then pricing goes up to $125. Tickets include brunch and champagne.  Learn more about the event and purchase tickets at tricities.wsu.edu/ccbbrunch.

A $416,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce will help the Port of Pasco launch a master planning process for the future development of 460 acres at the Tri-Cities Airport-PSC.

The Port was one of six public entities to receive funding from a pilot grant program intended to increase the number of “project-ready industrial sites” in Washington. The Port intends, over time, to develop its land at the airport into an aerospace and advanced manufacturing center.

Grant funds will make it possible for the future development of the Aerospace Innovation & Manufacturing Center to accelerate. The Port has been exploring ways to develop the land and utilize it to attract advanced manufacturing employers that will generate high-wage jobs. The Port will provide $80,000 in local grant match. State grant funds must be spent by June 30, 2023.

“The Tri-Cities has a long history of successfully attracting an impressive roster of employers from the food processing and energy sectors. We believe the Tri-Cities Airport is the perfect location to welcome a fast-growing industry with a long legacy in Washington,” said Executive Director Randy Hayden. “Modern aerospace companies are developing impressive new technologies, designing and assembling futuristic flight vehicles for civil, commercial, and military markets. The right projects will be very successful in Pasco.”

Aerospace is rapidly evolving, including advancements in electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, private space exploration, vertical take-off and landing vehicles, autonomous flight systems, and uncrewed aerial vehicles. 

Manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics to support existing and emerging companies requires thousands of Tier 2 and Tier 3 companies. The Port believes the Tri-Cities Airport will develop a niche manufacturing center that attracts and caters to these companies.

“We are the third largest air carrier airport in the state with national and regional airlines operating here,” said Airport Director Buck Taft. “The AIM Center is an exciting opportunity to utilize the airport’s significant asset – available land immediately adjacent to the runway system. Our vision includes direct access to the flight line for these new companies to serve their corporate and air freight needs.”

The state’s pilot grant intends to spur development of industrial centers that result in the overall expansion of manufacturing in the state. In 2021 the Washington Legislature approved the Best Economic Strength Through Manufacturing (BEST) Act. The state set an ambitious goal of adding 300,000 new manufacturing jobs in 10 years.

For Pasco, the grant award will help the state and the region contribute to meeting the goal.

The Industrial Site Readiness grant is meant to fund preliminary engineering and site investigation that confirms a specific land area is ready to serve manufacturing companies. The Port intends to complete an extensive master plan. Site due diligence will include traffic impact analysis, phase 1 environmental assessment, geotechnical sampling, cultural and archaeological analysis, and a process for public engagement.

The Tri-Cities offers a high quality of life with 300 days of sunshine a year and a wide variety of outdoor activities. The region is home to more than 300,000 people. Tri-Cities is well known as the “Heart of Washington Wine Country.” 

“This is a great place to live, work, and play,” said Hayden. “The aerospace industry will be welcome here. Its workforce will enjoy a top tier quality of life.”

February is American Heart Month, and the Prosser Memorial Foundation will be hosting their annual Go Red for Women Luncheon to raise awareness and funds for the Foundation’s Women’s Health Fund. The Go Red for Women movement was started by the American Heart Association to advocate for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health.

The luncheon will take place on National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 3rd, at Desert Wind Winery and will consist of a gourmet heart-healthy lunch and wine. The event will also include PMH Board Certified Cardiologist, Dr. Karan Bhatti as a guest speaker and emcee Shae Frichette of Frichette Winery. All proceeds of this event will go towards the Women’s Health Fund at Prosser Memorial Health Foundation. Tickets are $75.00 and available for purchase at the foundation’s website, www.prosserhealth.foundation, on Eventbrite, or by calling Prosser Memorial Health Community Relations at 509.786.6601.

You can also visit the Prosser Memorial Health Foundation website to learn more about the Foundation and stay updated on their news and events.

Lourdes Health is pleased to announce that Carolyn O’Connor, MD, has accepted a position as a physician at Lourdes Occupational Health and will begin seeing patients in January 2023.  

“We are looking forward to Dr. O’Connor joining our team and to the high level of care she will provide for our patients and contracted businesses,” said Alana Pumphrey, Lourdes Occupational Health Clinic Manager. “Dr. O’Connor is well-skilled and has several years of experience treating patients and a diverse range of conditions.” 

Dr. O’Connor will see patients for pre-placement and post-offer physicals, diagnosis and treatment of work-related injuries, respiratory protection programs, hearing conservation programs, medical surveillance, fitness for duty, and more. 

She comes to Lourdes from Prosser Memorial Health Family Practice Clinic, where she practiced as a family medicine physician since 2017. Previously, she also practiced with Adventist Health Medical Center in Walla Walla and Klickitat Health Services in Goldendale. Dr. O’Connor completed medical school at Oregon Health Sciences University in 1994 and went on to complete her family medicine residency with Ventura County Medical Center. She is board certified in family medicine by the American Board of Family Practice. 

“Dr. O’Connor is going to be a wonderful addition to our team and excellent resource for our patients,” said Kevin Taylor, MD, Lourdes Medical Director. “Her experience and expertise will serve our patients and area employers well.” 

Dr. O’Connor practices at Lourdes Occupational Health, located at 9915 Sandifur Parkway in Pasco. Patients can schedule an appointment by calling 509.546.2222. 

Benton PUD offices in Kennewick and Prosser will open late on Monday, January 16 to enable employees to participate in a PUD-wide training.  Offices in Kennewick will open to the public at 8:30 a.m.  Offices in Prosser will open to the public at 9:30 a.m.

Crews are available if you experience an outage.  To report an outage, please give our outage line a call at 1-888-582-2176 or report through the SmartHub app.

Benton PUD has office locations at 2721 W. 10th in Kennewick and 250 N. Gap Road in Prosser.

Petersen Hastings is proud to announce that Cory Briggs, CFP®, AIF®, Senior Wealth Advisor is the firm’s newest shareholder. This addition to the ownership will bring Petersen Hastings’ total shareholders to eight.

“Petersen Hastings is committed to our growth goals and increasing our number of high performing shareholders helps us achieve those goals,” said Scott Sarber, CEO.  “We are very pleased to add somebody with Cory’s level of skill and experience.  Many financial firms never make it past their founding person, and as a result, lose their talented people.  We have a systematic process to promote and reward people to ensure a sustainable business well into the future.  This gives clients the stability of the advisor relationship that is so important to them.”

Meet the New Shareholder

Cory Briggs, CFP®, AIF® | Senior Wealth Advisor

Cory joined the Petersen Hastings team in 2016 after obtaining specialized financial experience through his tenure with Vanguard as an Equity Fund Financial Analyst. As a Senior Wealth Advisor at Petersen Hastings, he believes in teaching and working alongside clients so they better understand their financial situation and can achieve peace of mind.

Cory is recognized by Dave Ramsey as a SmartVestor™ investment professional for Tri-Cities and the surrounding area. He is also the Chairman of the Petersen Hastings Investment Committee. Cory holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Finance from Washington State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Central Washington University. He holds both CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designations.