CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com
Your Vote Is Your Voice!
by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston County Chamber
Olympia Proposition No. 1 – Workers Bill of Rights
This November, voters in the City of Olympia will decide on Olympia Proposition No. 1, an “Ordinance Concerning Labor Standards for Certain Employees.” The proposal, also called the “Workers Bill of Rights,” would establish new requirements around work scheduling, shift notification, time between shifts, minimum wage, workplace safety, posting of rights, antiretaliation protections, and enforcement through fines and administrative rulemaking.
If approved, the Thurston Chamber anticipates the ordinance will add significant new rules, regulatory processes, and recordkeeping requirements for employers operating within city limits. Many believe these changes would increase costs, create additional burdens for businesses, and make Olympia less competitive for future investment and economic development compared to other municipalities and regions across the state.
This August, the Thurston Chamber Board of Trustees voted to oppose the 2025 City of Olympia Proposition No. 1 relating to a citizens’ initiative “Fair Wages, Fair Schedules, A Workers’ Bill of Rights” that will appear on the November 2025 general election ballot.
In the coming months, the Chamber will work to educate and inform members about the impact Proposition 1, if passed by the voters in Olympia, will have on businesses, non-profits, and the community.
2025 Voters’ Guide
Voting is one of the most powerful ways to shape our future. To help you make informed decisions this November, we asked candidates running for key offices in Thurston County to share their perspectives on improving quality of life in Thurston County. This year’s guide includes contested races for Port Commissioner, Lacey City Council, Olympia City Council, Tumwater Mayor, Yelm Mayor, and Yelm City Council. As you read, consider which candidates best reflect your priorities and vision for Thurston County.
Candidates Reception & Forum –September 10
Mark your calendar for the Meet the Candidates Reception & Forum on Wednesday, September 10, at Saint Martin’s University, Norman Worthington Center. This event is your opportunity to meet and engage with candidates in high-profile races, including: Port Commissioner District No. 2: Jerry Toompas and Bob Iyall, and Port Commissioner District No. 3: Krag Unsoeld and Anthony Hemstad.
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER
“ I feel like they’re personally invested in my success. ”
Between Sisters Boutique, Yelm
H
eidi Potter was rst introduced to OlyFed while serving on a local board’s nance committee. When she opened Between Sisters Boutique, choosing a bank was easy—she already knew the caring team at the Yelm branch.
What sets OlyFed apart for Heidi is their genuine commitment to relationship banking. The team knows her by name, asks about her grandkids and truly understands the local community—because they’re a part of it, too.
For Heidi, it’s more than banking — it’s partnership and a sense of belonging. She’s seen rsthand how mutual means more with OlyFed!
BANKING THAT’S MUTUAL
Heidi Potter, Owner Between Sisters Boutique, Yelm
September 2025
Visit thurstonchamber.com/events or scan the QR code for more info about all upcoming Thurston Chamber events.
After Hours
Join our host, Well 80 at 514 4th Ave, Olympia, WA 98501 on Thursday, September 4 at 5:30 p.m. for a special Thurston Young Professionals Networking Event. Enjoy bites and beverages as you expand your network! All are welcome – feel free to invite other 20 to 30-year olds so they can expand their networks! Thurston Young Professionals is sponsored by KGY Media Group.
Join our Business After Hours host Great Wolf Lodge at 20500 Old Hwy 99 SW, Grand Mound, WA 98531 on Thursday, September 18 at 5:30 p.m. for mingling and networking with other business professionals, a door prize business card drawing, beverages and appetizers. Business After Hours is a great opportunity to expand your network, and it is proudly sponsored by ROXY 94.5
Join the Chamber on Wednesday, September 10 at 11:15 a.m., at Saint Martin’s University’s Norman Worthington Center at 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503 for a special Meet the Candidates Forum featuring the Port Commissioner candidates, with moderator Renee Radcliff Sinclair. Register at thurstonchamber.com/events. Thank you to our sponsors, Hometown Property Management, Morningside, South Puget Sound Community College.
IN THIS ISSUE
Thurston County Voter's Guide p. 6
Candidates in local races answer two questions about their plans to improve the quality of life in Thurston County, if elected.
Thurston County Food Bank Welcomes New Executive Director p. 19
John Ficker brings decades of experience in nonprofit leadership at a time when food banks across the state brace for potential funding cuts and rising demand.
Caught in the Lens p. 20
Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see all of the great smiles that make up our membership!
THURSTON COUNTY
Voter’s Guide
Your vote is your voice— make it count.
With Proposition No. 1 and critical local races on the ballot, this November is an important moment to help shape the future of Thurston County.
QUESTIONS FOR PORT COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES:
Q1: Voters graded Thurston County as a place to live with a “C+” in the Chamber’s 2025 Quality of Life Index. What are your top three priorities for improving this grade?
Q2: What are the greatest opportunities for the Port to meet its economic development mission, and how will you support the opportunities if elected?
QUESTIONS FOR CITY COUNCIL AND MAYORAL CANDIDATES:
Q1: Voters graded Thurston County as a place to live with a “C+” in the Chamber’s 2025 Quality of Life Index. What are your top three priorities for improving this grade?
Port Commissioner, District 2
Bob Iyall* Jerry Toompas
Olympia City Council
Pos. 4 ^
Wendy Carlson
Port Commissioner, District 3
Anthony Hemstad
Krag Unsoeld
Clark Gilman* Olympia City Council Pos. 6 »
Justin Stang
Robert Vanderpool*
Q2: What role should the city play in advancing local economic prosperity, and how will you support this role if elected?
Lacey City Council
Pos. 4 ^
Charles Beck
Maren Turner
Olympia City Council Pos. 7 ^
Paul Berendt
Caleb Gieger
Lacey City Council Pos. 6 ^
Ryan Siu Evette Temple
Tumwater Mayor ^
Lance Brender Leatta Dahlhoff
Lacey City Council Pos. 7 ^
Carolyn H. Cox* Michael Ron Steadman (current Pos. 6 incumbent)
Tumwater City Council Pos. 5 ^
Rachelle Martin
Meghan Sullivan
Yelm Mayor ^
Joe DePinto*
JW Foster
Yelm City Council
Pos. 3 ^
Griselda Arias
Joshua Crossman*
Yelm City Council Pos. 5 ^
Brian G. Hess*
Kayla Russell
Yelm City Council Pos. 6 ^
David Johnstone* Nicole Sims
* Incumbent
^ Four year term
» Short + Four Year Term
Port of Olympia, Port Commissioner, District No. 2 Bob Iyall (INCUMBENT)
Q1: Voters graded Thurston County with a “C+” as a place to live in the Chamber’s 2025 Quality of Life Index. What are your top three priorities for improving this grade?
Improving quality of life means investing in clean water, job creation, and public space. The Budd Inlet Cleanup, Habitat Conservation Plan, and Destination Waterfront all support sustainable development that strengthens our economy, protects natural resources, and enhances Thurston County’s long-term quality of life.
Jerry Toompas
My top three priorities are investing in green infrastructure and clean energy projects, expanding union jobs and apprenticeship programs, and ensuring rural and underserved communities like Yelm, Rochester, and tribal areas get fair access to Port resources instead of prioritizing Olympia developers.
Q2: What are the greatest opportunities for the Port to meet its economic development mission, and how will you support the opportunities if elected?
Port of Olympia, Port Commissioner, District No. 3
The Port’s biggest opportunities are the Budd Inlet Cleanup, the New Market Habitat Conservation Plan, and the Destination Waterfront. These projects will drive economic growth, restore our environment, and create lasting public benefit. I’ll ensure they are delivered with transparency and community input.
Q1: Voters graded Thurston County with a “C+” as a place to live in the Chamber’s 2025 Quality of Life Index. What are your top three priorities for improving this grade?
Q2: What are the greatest opportunities for the Port to meet its economic development mission, and how will you support the opportunities if elected?
The Port must lead on climate and equity by supporting clean energy, living-wage jobs, and community-owned development. I will fight to stop giveaways and redirect Port investments toward rural towns, marginalized communities, and small businesses that build long-term prosperity without harming public trust.
Anthony Hemstad Krag Unsoeld
Diversifying economy, creating more family wage jobs addressing affordability crisis; Pursuing new transportation opportunities including electric aircraft and hydrofoil passenger ferries; Turning the Port Peninsula into a community gathering point, developing more of it to its “highest and best use” attracting all to its amenities.
The Port can help grow existing and recruit new Thurston County employers, diversify international trade products/partners and attract investment into our communities. As The World Trade Center Tacoma’s President/CEO I helped expand trade and attract about $500 million in investment. I can help here too.
First, collaborate with local artisanal and innovative businesses to locate near the marine terminal and airport. Second, expand recreation by allowing waterfront access and completing Port peninsula trails. Finally, launch marine habitat restoration to preserve environmental resources for future generations.
The Port uses property taxes to subsidize business losses. I propose decreasing tax collections, so Port businesses begin to operate more efficiently. Port activities must pay for themselves, leaving property tax revenue for the private sector to decide how to allocate these funds.
Lacey City Council
Pos. 4 (FOUR YEAR TERM)
Q1: Voters graded Thurston County with a “C+” as a place to live in the Chamber’s 2025 Quality of Life Index. What are your top three priorities for improving this grade?
Q2: What role should the city play in advancing local economic prosperity, and how will you support this role if elected?
Lacey City Council
Pos. 6 (FOUR YEAR TERM)
Q1: Voters graded Thurston County with a “C+” as a place to live in the Chamber’s 2025 Quality of Life Index. What are your top three priorities for improving this grade?
Q2: What role should the city play in advancing local economic prosperity, and how will you support this role if elected?
Charles Beck Maren Turner
Homelessness is a major issue to be addressed. For those suffering from mental health issues, a priority is to look at better treatment options. For those who get caught with drugs, a priority may be drug court. Another priority is to send them to jail.
I support creating a climate where businesses can grow and prosper. Streamlining the permitting process will help our local economy improve. By expanding our tax base through job growth and economic development, we can forgo the need to increase taxes.
Ryan
Affordable, Accessible Housing – adds stability, workforce retention, and a sense of community; Seniors/Growing Older – Amplify senior contributions, expand person-centered services; Economic Development – Attract innovative businesses, support existing small enterprises, grow our ecosystem, reform the B&O tax system.
Convener/Co-Investor: Lacey must act as a convener and co-investor—advancing prosperity through partnerships, shaped by residential voices, and not just policy. I will support this by activating coalitions, and responsibly resourcing community priorities that strengthen our business ecosystem and long-term resilience.
Siu Evette
My top three priorities are increasing affordable housing, improving transportation infrastructure, and supporting local businesses. These priorities are interconnected and must be implemented in a way that decreases carbon emissions and increases climate resiliency. Only collaborative solutions that invite participation will bring sustainable progress.
Every city function, from public safety to street maintenance, impacts economic growth. I would advocate for expanding mixed use zoning and creating city-wide marketing initiatives to encourage new business development. I would also promote regional cooperation to strengthen and expand the social safety net.
Temple
A. Housing Attainability
B. Public Safety
C. Transparent Governance
I would like to see more public-private partnerships focus on incentives for small businesses, green industries and family wage jobs. As a Council member, I will work to streamline permitting, and provide a clear process for business growth.
Lacey City Council
Pos. 7 (FOUR YEAR TERM)
Q1: Voters graded Thurston County with a “C+” as a place to live in the Chamber’s 2025 Quality of Life Index. What are your top three priorities for improving this grade?
Q2: What role should the city play in advancing local economic prosperity, and how will you support this role if elected?
Olympia City Council, Pos. 4 (FOUR YEAR TERM)
Q1: Voters graded Thurston County with a “C+” as a place to live in the Chamber’s 2025 Quality of Life Index. What are your top three priorities for improving this grade?
Q2: What role should the city play in advancing local economic prosperity, and how will you support this role if elected?
Carolyn H. Cox (INCUMBENT)
Using the levers of government to achieve housing people can afford. Thoughtful planning and zoning that preserves, to the extent possible, what we love about Lacey: trees, inviting green spaces, beautiful parks. Doubling down on our efforts to make Lacey a welcoming, inclusive, equitable city. When business owners feel over-taxed and under-supported, they leave. Government should help with fee waivers, tax breaks, and promotion, but balance is needed for the city to thrive. What gets cut and who loses out when income from fees and taxes shrinks?
Wendy Carlson
My top priorities are reducing homelessness, expanding access to affordable housing, and improving public safety. These are the core issues impacting livability, and I’m committed to practical solutions that build a safer, more vibrant Olympia for everyone.
The city should foster economic growth by supporting local businesses with balanced employer/worker rules, streamlining permitting, and revitalizing downtown. I’ll champion policies that attract employers, enhance walkability, and make Olympia a vibrant hub of opportunity, innovation, and community life.
Michael Ron Steadman
(CURRENT POSITION 6 INCUMBENT)
No response. No response.
Clark Gilman (INCUMBENT)
Priorities for improving quality of life in Thurston County include: building parks and recreation facilities, like Yelm Highway soccer fields; growing regional government cooperation for efficiency and to hear all voices; and focusing on downtown Olympia as Thurston County’s arts, culture, and tourism hub.
Creating broadly shared prosperity and local interdependence are our best opportunities to bolster Olympia’s evolving economy. Let’s continue Olympia Strong efforts for business support, reduce B&O tax on small businesses, and continue to invest in public anchor institutions like the Armory and Hands On.
Olympia City Council
Pos. 6 (FOUR YEAR TERM)
Q1: Voters graded Thurston County with a “C+” as a place to live in the Chamber’s 2025 Quality of Life Index. What are your top three priorities for improving this grade?
Q2: What role should the city play in advancing local economic prosperity, and how will you support this role if elected?
Olympia City Council, Pos. 7 (FOUR YEAR TERM)
Q1: Voters graded Thurston County with a “C+” as a place to live in the Chamber’s 2025 Quality of Life Index. What are your top three priorities for improving this grade?
Q2: What role should the city play in advancing local economic prosperity, and how will you support this role if elected?
Justin Stang Robert Vanderpool (INCUMBENT)
Housing comes first, more of it, at every price point. We also need a vibrant downtown that supports small businesses, builds community connection, and changes outdated perceptions. Expand investments in public safety and behavioral health so downtown feels safe, inclusive, and livable for everyone. The city must lead on economic prosperity by supporting small businesses, improving infrastructure, and ensuring housing and transit access. I’ll push for policies that create opportunity, spark innovation, and build strong partnerships between workers, employers, the city, and our community.
Quality of life improvements must begin with 1.) working-class affordability & economic stability, 2.) increased city-wide accessibility through density infill, and 3.) fund alternatives to high market rate housing costs. We have to raise basic standards of living, while reducing costs.
We have to tackle both the cost of living and income inequality to manage the affordability crisis. I worked on, for example, an Housing Affordability Emergency Ordinance to lower costs to construct housing and fought to ensure our bus drivers got a fair contract.
Paul Berendt Caleb Gieger
Olympia must be more affordable. I'll prioritize affordability, homelessness solutions, and smart investments. I support public safety, parks, sidewalks, and infrastructure investments-ensuring Olympia remains livable, equitable, and responsive. We can build a city that supports both community needs and a thriving local economy. Olympia must support small businesses, boost tourism, invest in affordable housing, and leverage public-private partnerships. With bonding authority, the City can fund key upgrades. Council decisions must prioritize affordability-for both residents and businessesto ensure inclusive, long-term economic growth and a vibrant, resilient community.
Supporting working people and the unhoused by (1) investing in public, below-market housing; (2) raising wages through the Workers’ Bill of Rights; and (3) reimagining downtown by increasing density and prioritizing walkability and accessibility over car-centric design.
Affordability creates economic prosperity— not the other way around. I will support direct investment in public housing, explore providing local, mom-and-pop developers to access capital they need to build affordable multi-family housing, and examine lowering residential and commercial rents through a vacancy tax.
Tumwater Mayor (FOUR YEAR TERM)
Q1: Voters graded Thurston County with a “C+” as a place to live in the Chamber’s 2025 Quality of Life Index. What are your top three priorities for improving this grade?
Q2: What role should the city play in advancing local economic prosperity, and how will you support this role if elected?
Tumwater City Council
Pos. 6 (FOUR YEAR TERM)
Q1: Voters graded Thurston County with a “C+” as a place to live in the Chamber’s 2025 Quality of Life Index. What are your top three priorities for improving this grade?
Q2: What role should the city play in advancing local economic prosperity, and how will you support this role if elected?
Lance Brender Leatta Dahlhoff
My goals are to strengthen the economy through locally owned businesses, industries, and farms; facilitate publicprivate partnerships to rehabilitate the Olympia Brewery; and promote policies that will keep Tumwater a safe and affordable small town where families thrive.
City government represents the will of the people: reinforce our economic independence by not selling out to megachains; attract living-wage jobs; conserve our ecology; encourage more affordable, quality housing and safe communities; and bring local businesses and community members together to solve problems.
Rachelle Martin
My top three priorities are: investing in infrastructure like sidewalks and expanded transit; improving public health and safety with police body-worn cameras and stronger environmental code enforcement; and managing growth responsibly by advancing Capitol Boulevard and Brewery District plans—all guided by transparent, community-driven leadership. Tumwater should foster local economic prosperity by supporting small businesses, investing in workforce development, and streamlining permitting. If elected, I’ll champion inclusive policies, collaborate with regional partners like the Chamber, and prioritize sustainable growth that strengthens our economy and quality of life for all residents.
Meghan Sullivan
There needs to be enhanced transparency and accountability with our tax dollars. The cost of living for most people is oppressive. There need to be rental and worker protections against exploitation. The homelessness crisis is pervasive and needs to be adequately addressed.
Community prosperity is impossible without jobs that pay a thriving wage. Any other measure that a municipal government attempts will only mask the real issue which is that people need to be paid enough to live in the community that they inhabit.
As a longtime public health leader and Chamber initiative partner, I believe 1) expanding housing access and affordability, 2) investing in smart development and infrastructure projects, and 3) collaborating to advance health and wellbeing of working families and seniors will improve everyone's quality of life. The city should proactively support inclusive, sustainable growth by investing in infrastructure, streamlining processes, and fostering strong partnerships with local businesses. I'll prioritize equitable economic opportunities, climate-resilient development, and regional collaboration to ensure Tumwater's growth benefits all members of our community.
Yelm Mayor (FOUR YEAR TERM)
Q1: Voters graded Thurston County with a “C+” as a place to live in the Chamber’s 2025 Quality of Life Index. What are your top three priorities for improving this grade?
Q2: What role should the city play in advancing local economic prosperity, and how will you support this role if elected?
Joe DePinto
(INCUMBENT)
I feel Yelm’s quality of life is higher than some of our big city neighbors. As Mayor, my focus has been on increasing public safety, providing more recreational opportunities, and prioritizing infrastructure/transportation projects. Also, I have never raised property taxes, increasing the quality of life. Yelm plays a supportive role in helping businesses succeed. We’ve changed a lot since the last administration, with an entirely new planning department that’s focused on customer service. We’ve reduced permitting time and now have regular business stakeholder meetings to get feedback on city impacts.
Yelm City Council
Pos. 3 (FOUR YEAR TERM)
Q1: Voters graded Thurston County with a “C+” as a place to live in the Chamber’s 2025 Quality of Life Index. What are your top three priorities for improving this grade?
Q2: What role should the city play in advancing local economic prosperity, and how will you support this role if elected?
Griselda Arias
We have a good thing going on out here on the prairie and my intention is to keep that special feeling alive by connecting with our residents to work on their priorities: affordable housing stock, improved traffic flow, better support for our schools.
Every business owner should feel welcome at City Hall and have a real partner in achieving success. We can smooth the path for establishing their business and help them connect with the local and county chambers, the EDC and other resources to help them thrive.
1. Affordable housing so families and seniors stay rooted. 2. Reliable regional transit linking jobs, schools, and health care. 3. Welcoming community spaces for youth and veterans that strengthen safety and belonging. Together these actions lift Thurston County’s Quality-of-Life grade and future outlook.
The city must be an active partner by streamlining permits, extending infrastructure, and championing workforce training so entrepreneurs grow good-paying local jobs. I’ll push pragmatic zoning reforms, broadband expansion, and smart incentives that keep dollars circulating in Yelm instead of commuters driving elsewhere.
Joshua Crossman
(INCUMBENT)
Yelm is the fastest-growing city in Thurston County because families are drawn to our conservative values and strong community. To improve quality of life, I’ll focus on responsible growth, support for public safety and families, and expanding small business and job opportunities locally.
The city should foster a pro-business environment by cutting red tape, supporting local entrepreneurs, and investing in infrastructure. I’ll champion policies that attract jobs, protect small businesses, and ensure Yelm grows in a way that reflects our community’s values and strengthens local prosperity.
Preferred Cleaning
Danielle Sutherland Chief Executive Officer
Yelm City Council
Pos. 5 (FOUR YEAR TERM)
Q1: Voters graded Thurston County with a “C+” as a place to live in the Chamber’s 2025 Quality of Life Index. What are your top three priorities for improving this grade?
Q2: What role should the city play in advancing local economic prosperity, and how will you support this role if elected?
Yelm City Council
Pos. 6 (FOUR YEAR TERM)
Q1: Voters graded Thurston County with a “C+” as a place to live in the Chamber’s 2025 Quality of Life Index. What are your top three priorities for improving this grade?
Q2: What role should the city play in advancing local economic prosperity, and how will you support this role if elected?
Brian G. Hess (INCUMBENT)
In Yelm and Thurston County, I’ll focus on: 1) Supporting local businesses and community programs; 2) Improving infrastructure—sidewalks, parks, and roads; 3) Expanding public safety staffing and resources to ensure a safer, stronger community; 4) Promoting affordable housing to ensure a thriving, inclusive community. The City should foster a business-friendly climate, invest in infrastructure, review municipal codes to encourage growth - not hinder, and support new and expanding businesses with creative incentives. I’ll support local businesses, expand growth opportunities, and strengthen Yelm’s economy—benefiting both our city and Thurston County.
David Johnstone (INCUMBENT)
My top priorities are improving transportation infrastructure to reduce congestion, ensuring responsible growth that balances housing and business needs, and enhancing public safety. These actions will improve livability, support economic vitality, and strengthen our community’s overall quality of life.
The city should foster a business-friendly environment through streamlined permitting, infrastructure investment, and workforce development partnerships. I will advocate policies that encourage local entrepreneurship, attract sustainable businesses, and create jobs while preserving Yelm’s unique character and community values.
Kayla Russell
No response. No response.
No response. No response.
Nicole Sims
Morningside Adopts 32-Hour Work Week
In August 2025, Morningside transitioned to a 32-hour work week (32HWW) for full-time staff. Why? This strategic move was made to:
• Ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery to our clients
• Strengthen recruitment and retention to build a resilient workforce
• Maintain fiscal health amid rising wages and inflation pressures
• Combat State budget constraints under our fee-for-service model
Importantly, employee wages and individual medical benefits remain unchanged.
This decision was informed by successful models in similar organizations, including San Juan County, and reflects a growing movement toward better professionalpersonal life balance in mission-driven workplaces.
How Does it Benefit our
Clients?
Consistent staffing is crucial for our clients, many of whom thrive with stable, familiar support. Reducing turnover strengthens relationships, improves communication, and enhances service quality.
How Does it Benefit our Staff?
We believe in supporting professional-personal life balance to avoid burnout and encourage our employees to recharge, pursue personal passions, and continue to be healthy, thriving members of society. We've found that people do their best work when they're happy and refreshed. It also allows us a way to pay people more per hour, with our limited funds from our fee-for-service contracts with county and state partners.
What’s Next?
We are actively backfilling positions to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. Our teams are also tracking performance metrics to evaluate the impact of this initiative and ensure it continues to meet the needs of our clients, partners, and organization.
Let’s Collaborate
Curious about our 32HWW experience or considering it for your team? We’re happy to share insights. Visit www.morningsideservices.com or find us on Indeed to explore jobs and partnerships. If you value purpose, time, and well-being, let’s connect!
ABOUT MORNINGSIDE EVERYBODY WORKS, EVERYBODY WINS
QUALITY CLIENT SERVICES • RECRUITMENT & RETENTION • FISCAL HEALTH
Founded in 1963 and headquartered in Olympia, WA, Morningside is a mission driven 501(c)3 non-profit organization, dedicated to providing training, coaching, and employment services that build the self-sufficiency and self-esteem of people with disabilities. It currently provides services to individuals in seven counties across Western Washington.
Thurston County Food Bank Welcomes JOHN FICKER as Executive Director
The Thurston County Food Bank (TCFB) is thrilled to announce the appointment of John Ficker as its new Executive Director. As food banks across the state brace for potential funding cuts and rising demand, John brings decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and an unwavering commitment to serving the community.
John joins TCFB from the Adult Family Home Council and has previously served with Senior Services for South Sound, Community Youth Services, and TOGETHER!. He is a recognized leader in the field of social services, known for his collaborative spirit, inclusive approach, and ability to drive strategic growth.
“Coming to work at the Thurston County Food Bank is a great opportunity to give back to my community,” said John. “I am humbled to be selected for this important position. What drew me here is the clarity of the mission and the organizations stellar reputation.”
John steps into leadership during a time of significant uncertainty. TCFB, which has served as a cornerstone of support for thousands of families, children, and seniors across the region, is beginning to feel the
effects of important funding cuts at a time when inflation continues to strain household budgets and food insecurity is rising.
“I am very aware that I am joining this team at a time when funding is at risk and demand for our services is continuing to grow,” said John. “To meet these challenges, I look to my favorite part of our mission: eliminate hunger in the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor. That means we must come together—as donors, volunteers, and advocates—to continue supporting the thousands of families, children, and seniors who rely on us.”
As Executive Director, John will lead TCFB’s operations and strategic direction, ensuring the organization remains responsive, resilient, and rooted in the community. His focus will include maintaining strong partnerships, expanding outreach,
and securing sustainable funding to support essential services.
“As I continue to learn about the complex and far-reaching programs TCFB provides, I’m also eager to get out into the community, meet our partners, and grow our reach,” said John. “This is a moment for bold collaboration and renewed commitment to our mission.”
The Thurston County Food Bank is confident that under John’s leadership, the organization will continue to rise to meet the evolving needs of the community with compassion, innovation, and purpose.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an interview with John, please reach out to: Amanda Munoz, Development Director, Thurston County Food Bank at (360) 352-8597 or amandam@tcfb.org.
Keep up with the Thurston Chamber happenings – ribbon cuttings and the networking events. Find more at the Chamber's Facebook page – fb.com/thurstoncountychamber.
Thurston Chamber to Host 4th Annual Future of Work in October
Get ready to rethink, refresh, and revolutionize your approach to the workplace at the upcoming regional Future of Work!
The Thurston County Chamber invites businesses, educators, and students to the Future of Work, a half-day event on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Saint Martin’s University, dedicated to building the skills and strategies essential for tomorrow's workforce. Now more than ever, collaboration between industry leaders, education professionals, and career seekers is critical. The Future of Work provides a platform to share insights, analyze workforce trends, and develop actionable pathways for success.
This year's keynote speaker is Jon Girod, Founder & CEO of Quail Homes and Founder of Careers in Construction NW. With over 30 years in construction and community development, Girod has led innovative partnerships between businesses and schools, creating hands-on training opportunities and clear career pathways into the skilled trades. He will share proven strategies for closing workforce gaps, building strong education-employer collaborations, and developing a roadmap for workforce success.
For Businesses:
• Identify and address skills gaps to strengthen organizational capacity.
• Leverage opportunities for growth and innovation.
• Build relationships with educators and fellow business leaders.
For Students & Educators:
• Learn how local industries are eager to connect with schools.
• Engage directly with business leaders about career pathways.
Date: Wednesday, October 8, 8:30 a.m.– 1:30 p.m.
Location: Saint Martin’s University –Norman Worthington Center
Scan the QR Code below for tickets and sponsorship information.
"This event is more than a conference–it's a call to action," said David Schaffert, President/CEO of the Thurston County Chamber. "When businesses, educators, and students work together, we can create a stronger, more resilient workforce for our community."
The Power of People!
“It does not feel like I am going to work everyday, it feels like I am going to be with family.”
