APPOINTMENT 

• Larry Mattson has been named director of the state Department of Ecology’s Office of Columbia River. This office seeks to meet current and future water needs in the Columbia Basin, ensuring that the region is prepared to respond to droughts and protect water supplies for fish, communities and farms. Mattson most recently worked overseeing renewable energy grants at the state Department of Commerce. He also has worked as an environmental manager for the state Department of Transportation. He previously served as executive director for the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments, was a Yakima City councilman and served as Yakima mayor pro tempore.

AWARDS & HONORS

Four Pacific Northwest National Laboratory engineers received awards at the annual American Institute of Chemical Engineers meeting:

Austin Bachman, chemical engineer, earned best presentation and best abstract in the graduate student and early career investigations session 1.

Christian Alvarez, chemical engineer, was runner-up for best presentation and best abstract for a presentation he gave in the nuclear engineering division’s graduate student and early career investigations session 2.

Heather Sabella, systems engineer, presented her team’s work, winning the third best presentation in the nuclear engineering division’s graduate student and early career investigations session 2.

Megan Higley, mechanical engineer, was awarded third place at the nuclear engineering division graduate student and early career investigations session 1.

•   Pasco School District systems technician Jamie Blank recently received a North Star Award from Superintendent Michelle Whitney. Blank was nominated for the award by teacher Jaki Gosch, who said he went above and beyond to resolve a challenging phone issue that disrupted communication with the school secretary. He remained persistent, tested multiple solutions over several days and kept staff informed throughout the process.

• Ruth Livingston Elementary School has been recognized as a 2024 state Elementary and Secondary Education Act distinguished school by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Awarded for exceptional student performance and academic growth, it marks the first time in over seven years that a Tri-Cities school has received this recognition. As part of this recognition, Ruth Livingston Elementary will receive a $15,000 award, which will be used to further enhance student learning.

• Gabriela Whitemarsh, a bilingual math teacher at Pasco High School, has been named Pasco School District’s 2025 Crystal Apple Award winner. The award recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, innovation and dedication to student success. Whitemarsh has been with Pasco High School for eight years and officials said she has made a profound impact on students throughout her tenure. She will receive a $1,500 prize, a Crystal Apple award and additional recognition during an award ceremony on March 20.

• Geochemist Kevin Rosso was honored as a Battelle Fellow, the highest recognition at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for leadership and accomplishment in science. He joins six other current Battelle Fellows at PNNL in an honor that less than 0.5% of PNNL scientists achieve during their careers. Rosso is internationally known for his fundamental research on how energy flows among minerals, solutions and microorganisms.

• Jason Johnson, a financial advisor at 509 Wealth Management in Kennewick, has been recognized as a top financial advisor and included in LPL Financial’s Summit Club Program. He serves clients across the Pacific Northwest and beyond providing comprehensive wealth management services, including investment management, retirement planning, tax planning, charitable giving and estate planning. Johnson has been affiliated with LPL Financial, a leading wealth management firm, for two years.

• Baker Boyer’s Tri-Cities manager Elisabeth Holt has been honored as Baker Boyer’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year. She spent her time volunteering at 13 organizations in the Tri-Cities including 2nd Harvest, Elijah Family Homes, Senior Life Resources, Trios Health and more.

• Rama Devagupta of Kennewick has been named a winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This award is given to teachers who show dedication in improving STEM education. Devagupta has been an educator for 17 years. She has spent the last 10 years at Southridge High School in Kennewick teaching biology, honors biology, advanced placement biology and forensics to students of all grades, and has been an adjunct chemistry faculty member at Columbia Basin College for the last 14 years.

DONATIONS

• United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties received two grants to support local kids:

A $36,000 grant from the CLA Foundation through CliftonLarsonAllen’s Community Action Fund will enable more than 250 chronically-absent middle schoolers to connect daily with AmeriCorps mentors through the Attendance Matters program.

A $5,000 grant from BMO Bank N.A. will be used to enhance student success and encourage a positive path toward graduation through the Attendance Matters mentorship program in nine local middle schools.

• Circle K’s West Coast Business Unit and Global Finance Team donated $100,000 to American Red Cross for California wildfire relief efforts. The funds were raised through the West Coast Fuel Day Pop-up held on Jan. 16 across California, Washington and Oregon.

NEW HIRE

• Columbia Ability Alliance has hired Tiffinni Halka as the community center programs manager. She has 15 years of teaching experience and a background in life enrichment coordination and activity program management. Halka will focus on expanding the Community Center’s offerings, strengthening relationships with clients and continuing to foster an environment where each individual can find joy, empowerment and a sense of belonging.

• The Support, Advocacy & Resource Center has hired Tomasa Riojas as a sexual assault advocate. She has earned her Bachelor of Science in behavioral health science and is currently working toward her master’s degree in social work at Grand Canyon University. She has worked in public education and with at-risk youth and minority groups.

• The Port of Kennewick has hired Philline Go as its new senior accountant. The position was previously held by Jennifer Roach, who is retired after holding the position for 15 years. Before joining the port, Go worked as a contractor for five months and worked closely with Roach, Chief Financial Officer Nick Kooiker and other port staff to ensure a smooth transition.

• The Richland School District has hired Travis Belisle as the new executive director of finance. Prior to joining the district, he held roles in the financial services departments at the Grandview and Wahluke school districts, as well as Educational Service Districts 105 and 123. Belisle is also a U.S. Navy veteran who served for four years before transitioning to civil service for the U.S. Department of Defense.

• Petersen Hastings Wealth Advisors has hired Olivia Ransier as the new client service specialist. She previously worked in banking and financial services, where she cultivated her skills in client representation and service excellence. Ransier is also a graduate of Columbia Basin College with an Associate of Arts degree.

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