MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS

HEATHER ROSENTRATER, CHAIRPERSON

President and Chief Operating Officer, Avista Utilities

Heather Rosentrater is president and chief operating officer at Avista Corp., where she’s responsible for overseeing Energy Delivery, Energy Resources, Enterprise Technology and Customer Solutions. She is the first female President in the company’s history.

Heather started with the company in 1996 as a student engineering technician for Avista Labs, a fuel cell subsidiary business that was later sold. In 1999, Heather joined Avista Corp. as an electrical engineer and was quickly promoted to leadership roles that have built her expertise across both Avista’s electric and natural gas businesses. She’s managed departments and projects in electric transmission and distribution, system operations, natural gas supply, and business process improvement before being named Vice President of Energy Delivery in 2015. By 2019, Rosentrater was named Senior Vice President of Energy Delivery and Shared Services. And in 2022, her responsibilities expanded to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Heather is a registered Professional Engineer and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Gonzaga University. She serves on the board of directors for Spokane’s 2nd Harvest and YWCA. In addition, she is a member of Gonzaga University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science Executive Council.

CARL SOHN, PAST BOARD CHAIRPERSON

Vice President, BMC and Advising, AgWest Farm Credit

Carl Sohn has a background in agricultural business and a commitment to helping others that is vital in helping Second Harvest advance its work to feed hungry people.

Sohn is vice president of the Business Management Center and Advising for AgWestFarm Credit. He brings agriculture and business connections, experience in business, board governance, strategic planning, and lessons learned from working with organizations throughout the Northwest to his role on Second Harvest’s governing board.

Sohn, who has two sons, earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and management from Boston College and a master’s degree in organizational and servant leadership from Gonzaga University. He is a member of the American Society for Agricultural Consultants and a graduate of the Washington AgForestry Leadership Program.

In addition to helping Second Harvest, Sohn has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, The El Salvador Transfiguration Parish Twinning Program, and supports the local arts and theater.

JASON L. CLARK

Chief Executive Officer, Second Harvest

Jason Clark joined Second Harvest as executive director in 2002. Since taking the helm, Clark has focused on expanding the organization’s ability to address hunger in effective and innovative ways. He spearheaded the modernization of the Spokane distribution center, the building of a new facility in Pasco and the launch of many other projects and programs designed to increase capacity and improve the delivery of food to vulnerable children and adults.

Clark came to Spokane after serving as executive director of Community Food Bank of Greater St. Joseph (Missouri), since 1997. He has served multiple roles with Feeding America, including president of the Central Region Association of Feeding America Members, and was a member of the National Council, which represents the more than 200 Feeding America organizations. He is also a former member of the Feeding America Board of Directors.

A 2004 graduate of Leadership Spokane, Clark earned his Bachelor of Arts in history from Missouri Western State University (St. Joseph) and a Master of Business Administration from Benedictine College (Atchison, Kansas).

DR. KEN ANDERSON, VICE CHAIRPERSON

Dean, School of Business Administration, Gonzaga University

Dr. Ken Anderson is the dean of Gonzaga University’s School of Business. The academic year of 2021-2022 marked his 37th year with the university, where he previously taught undergraduate and graduate courses in management and human resource management.

Anderson started his college education at Los Angeles Harbor Junior College, then transferred to Gonzaga. As a Zag, he played two years of basketball and earned Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees. He went on to earn a doctorate from the University of Nebraska.

His co-authored articles have appeared in Academy of Management Journal, Business & Society, Journal of Business Ethics, and Organizational Dynamics. He has extensive consulting experience, particularly in the areas of negotiation, arbitration and employment law.

During his tenure at Gonzaga, Anderson served as associate dean of the School of Business Administration from June 2009 through May 2013, was acting dean during the fall 2012 semester, and was named interim dean Jan. 1, 2014. He was appointed dean of the business school in April 2016. He also served as Gonzaga’s interim provost during the spring 2022 semester.

KATIE BURTON, AUDIT & FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON

Chief Financial Officer, Lydig Construction

Katie Burton has served on the Lydig team for three years as a CPA/controller since February 2017. “I am inspired every day by the individuals who collaborate and problem-solve to make our company better – from our administrative team to business development to project management,” Burton shared. “Plus, we build really cool stuff!”
Burton grew up on a farm in a small town in the lower panhandle of Idaho. Her parents have always been active in their community and taught her the importance of service. She learned that while making a difference at a national and global scale may be difficult, improving the lives of those within your community can change the world.
Although she lives in a bigger community now, Burton doesn’t think it feels much different. The longer she is in Spokane, the more “small-town” it feels. And she loves it. “Personally, I love connecting with family/friends, traveling, old school rap, and basketball. I love coaching and watching my two kids participate in sports.”
Burton has proudly served the following charitable organizations:

• Second Harvest – Building and delivering Bite2Go weekend meal kits
• YMCA and AAU – Coaching youth basketball
• YMCA Corporate Board and Finance Committee – Chair
• YMCA Facilities Committee – Chair
• Leadership Spokane – 2021 class and board member

Burton commends Second Harvest on the wonderful things it’s accomplished for the community and looks forward to helping the organization carry out its mission.
“Second Harvest has always been an organization that has held a special place in my heart. Something about the basic human-need element tugs at my heartstrings. No one should go hungry.”

JENNIFER MILNES, SECRETARY/TREASURER

Senior Leader, Second Harvest

Jennifer Milnes, joined Second Harvest in 2007. She oversees Second Harvest’s financial matters, grant compliance, hiring, benefits and other human resources functions.
Milnes previously worked for Moss Adams LLP (formerly McFarland and Alton PS) from 1993 through 2007 in the audit department. While at Moss Adams, her primary focus was audits of not-for-profit organizations and employee benefit plans. She worked with many nonprofits while at Moss Adams and finished her tenure there as a business assurance manager.
Milnes earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Gonzaga University in 1993. She has been a certified public accountant since 1993, earning the Elijah Watts Sells Award with one of the top 100 scores in the nation when she took the CPA exam.

ALEX JACKSON

Senior Vice President & Chief Executive, Inland Northwest Region, MultiCare Health System

Alex Jackson, chief executive and senior vice president, MultiCare Inland Northwest Region, is committed to ensuring access to nutritious food because he knows firsthand how important good health is for families and seniors.

With his professional experience in the health care field, Jackson brings a wealth of knowledge about delivering crucial – and often lifesaving – services to the community and possesses a strong commitment to helping others. His background provides a meaningful perspective for Second Harvest’s board of directors as they lead the nonprofit in its efforts to move people from hunger to health.

“I look forward to exploring opportunities and connections with health care, as I recognize that nutrition impacts individual and community health,” Jackson said.

Jackson, a married father of two, moved to Spokane in 2013. He previously worked 16 years for Providence Health and Services in Portland, Oregon, serving as chief operating officer for St. Vincent Medical Center prior.

Jackson was raised in Montana and earned his Master of Health Administration from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He then completed an administrative fellowship at Cleveland Clinic. In addition to serving Second Harvest, Jackson has volunteered for community projects, helped in classrooms and coached youth sports.

JANICE JORDAN

CEO, Marimn Health

Janice Jordan is currently serving as the chief executive officer of Marimn Health, which is owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. She stepped into the role March 2022.

Jordan has a wealth of experience in health care management and operations. She joined Marimn Health in 2017 as the medical operations director, serving as the chief clinical officer before stepping into the role of CEO. She co-owned a family medicine practice in Spokane and served as the vice president of operations for the Community Health Association of Spokane.

During her career, Jordan worked 12 years as a licensed physician assistant in both primary care and urgent care. She also has 31 years of professional nursing experience including acute care, intensive care, emergency, and labor and delivery. Prior to rejoining Marimn Health in 2017, Jordan served as a physician assistant for urgent care for Benewah Medical Center – now known as Marimn Health – in 1998.

Jordan holds an Executive Master in Business Administration from the University of Idaho. She graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences as a physician assistant. She’s also earned an associate degree in nursing and a Bachelor of Science from Lewis-Clark State College.

KRISS ZERR

President of Operations, Domex Superfresh Growers

Kriss Zerr is the president of operations for Domex Superfresh Growers and the consolidated Kershaw Companies.  In addition to numerous other corporate-level functions, she is responsible for the management of the support divisions of the various entities, including human resources, accounting, information technology, food safety and sustainability; and works actively on process improvement, streamlining and efficiencies.

Zerr is a certified public accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science from Central Washington University.

JENNIFER HANSON

Legal Counsel, Associated Industries

Jennifer is an attorney at Associated Industries where she consults with businesses regarding regulatory issues, training, and employment law matters generally. Jennifer joined Associated Industries in 2019, but has over 18 years of experience as a lawyer and is licensed to practice law in the states of Washington, Idaho, and Montana. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Central Washington University and her law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law. Jennifer is originally from Western Washington but now, along with her husband, three sons and two golden retrieves, calls Spokane home.

KERI HOWARD

Chief Financial Officer, Taggares Fruit Company

Keri Howard is the chief financial officer at Taggares Fruit Company LLC and has held the position since the company’s inception in December 2014. Howard’s main responsibilities include managing and directing the financial department.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in accounting from Gonzaga University. After graduating from college, Howard obtained her CPA license in the state of Washington.

Howard’s additional work experience ranges from a public biotechnology company to a variety of public and private industries and a large public accounting firm.

JESSE WOLFF

Chief Investment Officer, The Wolff Company

Jesse Wolff is a managing partner and the chief investment officer at The Wolff Company. He joined The Wolff Company in 1999 and has more than two decades of specialized multifamily investment and asset management experience. Wolff heads the firm’s investment committee, oversees implementation of the company’s investment strategy and acts as the chief underwriter for all multifamily investment activity. He is responsible for market selection, transactional risk management and asset management for the company’s multifamily portfolio.
Wolff attended Eastern Washington University. He lives in Spokane and enjoys spending time with his wife and four children.

Michael McShane

Vice President of Procurement and Profit Centers, URM Stores Inc.

Michael McShane serves as the vice president of procurement and profit centers for URM Stores Inc. He joined URM in 2018 as vice president of procurement after 32 years in the grocery industry, working in both retail and wholesale environments in New England, Florida, Arizona and California. In 2020, McShane’s duties at URM expanded to vice president of procurement and profit centers, running food service, convenience stores and Cash & Carry businesses.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1990 from the University of Hawaii.

Starting his career in the grocery business as a bagger, McShane worked his way up to store director for Lucky Stores in southern California. He worked the next 12 years in procurement as a buyer, department manager and demand planning manager for American Stores, Albertsons and Winn-Dixie.

McShane’s career then led to 12 years in category management and merchandising as a category manager, director of pricing, and director of grocery merchandising at Albertsons, C&S Wholesale Grocers and BI-LO.

KELLEY FERGUSON

CAO, Numerica

Kelley Ferguson has worked in the financial industry for over 25 years and has been employed by Numerica since 1998. He has held several positions within the credit union while advancing to his current position of chief administration officer (CAO). He is responsible for information technology, facilities, marketing and communications, organization and alignment, training, organization development, operations, branch operations, cards services, analytics and insight, payments operations, community engagement and philanthropy, member experience and administrative support, and executive leadership at the credit union.

Ferguson earned his bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Whitworth University, and earned his master’s degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University. He went on to earn his MBA from Washington State University. Kelley also achieved a certification in servant leadership at Gonzaga University.

In addition to being on the Second Harvest Board, Ferguson enjoys volunteering his time as the Generation Alive board chair and spending time with his family.

SARAH SCHWERING

CEO and Presidential Comm. Specialist, s•squared marketing + communications

Sarah Schwering is the CEO of s•squared marketing + communications, a consulting firm based in Spokane, Washington. With more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, Schwering specializes in market research, communication plan development and execution, media and public relations, social media strategy, copywriting, crisis and issue communication, training development and facilitation, and much more.

Having earned both a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration in marketing from Gonzaga University, Schwering bridged her academic strengths in marketing with communications and public relations experience, having spent more than six years working for DH, a public relations and marketing agency. Schwering then worked as a freelancer for three years, and became an adjunct instructor in communications, business statistics, principles of marketing, and generational marketing; she found her way back to Gonzaga University in 2014, serving as the senior director of marketing and communications.

In March 2020, Schwering started her own firm, working with clients across multiple industries, including education, health care, manufacturing and technology, and engineering — as well as supporting many regional nonprofits, including Catholic Charities, Beyond Pink, Hello for Good, and the forthcoming Spokane Regional Collaborative to address homelessness. In addition to her direct client work, Schwering also supports other marketing and communications agencies. In January 2022, Schwering returned to Gonzaga University to serve as the part-time presidential communications specialist, supporting the office of the president with leadership communications.

Schwering is deeply invested and rooted in the Spokane community, previously serving on advisory boards for Main Market, Spokane Junior League, the International Trade Alliance, Gonzaga University’s MBA/MACC Executive Committee, and Gonzaga’s Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program. She currently serves on Spokane Children’s Youth Theater (CYT) Board, Gonzaga’s School of Business Advisory Board, and Gonzaga’s MBA Board of Advisors.

SERGIO DE LEON

Owner, De Leon Foods

Sergio De Leon is the owner of Northwest Freight Handlers (NWFH), Northwest Sanitation (NWS), De Leon Foods, and De Leon’s Taco and Bar, employing over 150 people. He wears many hats, including entrepreneur, business and community leader, mentor, motivator, great friend and family man.

In 1995, De Leon opened NWFH, his first business. In 1998 he married Mayra, the love of his life. Together they worked at NWFH and in 2007 they opened the first De Leon Foods. In less than a decade, De Leon Foods grew from a small grocery store to multiple Spokane locations, including a tortilla factory, bakery, meat market and multiple taco and bar restaurants. 

De Leon is thankful to the people of Spokane for the tremendous support they have shown his businesses. He is a huge contributor to the community and loves to help organizations succeed and prosper. De Leon Foods often sponsors organizations that benefit children, as he sees them as future leaders. He is living proof that hard work pays off.

De Leon is currently a board member of the Spokane Alliance for Fentanyl Education (S.A.F.E.). The organization works to increase awareness of the fentanyl crisis and introduce a strategic and innovative program designed for the Spokane community. He also served as a board member for U.S. Bank.

Outside of work, De Leon enjoys spending time with his four children and his wife. Today, he will tell you that life is great!