Amy Condon is an attorney in Tacoma, specializing in workers’ compensation and social security law. Her mom actually got her involved with YPN last year but renewing this year took no arm-twisting. Amy says she likes being a part of the Young Professionals Network of Tacoma-Pierce County. In her spare time you might catch her biking, kayaking, playing tennis, entertaining her dog or hitting a local happy hour. Amy absolutely loves NCAA basketball and roots for the Huskies – the UConn Huskies that is. She has worked with the Washington Huskies though, as a Delta Gamma Chapter Adviser, helping them raise more than $71,000 for blindness prevention and awareness. Way to go! You can connect with Amy Condon via email:amy@welchcondon.com
Melissa Buckingham is the Urban Conservation Program Coordinator for the Pierce Conservation District. Their mission is to protect the natural resources of the county. In her work, she coordinates stream side restoration events, hosts workshops, and educates in classrooms and on field trips. She can offer environmental project coordination for individual volunteers, families, groups or businesses that are looking for an environmental volunteer experience. Melissa is an active member of the YPN’s Philanthropy Committee which keeps her involved with local causes and connected in her community. In her down time, you might catch her enjoying good food and drinks around town but she really lives to travel. Melissa doesn’t care of its a couple weeks in a foreign county (she's seen here in Sligo County, Ireland) or an overnighter in the Olympics; she loves getting out and being active. You can connect with Melissa via email: Buckingham.melissa@gmail.com
Jessica Alexander is a Realtor with Windermere Professional Partners in Tacoma. She's been in the business for 10 years and is a certified EcoBroker, which is an advanced certification for green real estate. Jessica loves outdoor activities, yoga, living a green lifestyle and making beautiful jewelry. She join YPN to follow her passion of getting involved in the community and helping others. Jessica volunteers her time with with the YWCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Go Local, the DASH performing arts center and is currently Co-Chair of the YPN Philanthropy Committee. You can connect with Jessica via email at jalexander@windermere.com.
AJ Gordon is the President of Gordon Financial Group, Inc. located in Federal Way. The boutique commercial lending and consulting firm serves the Greater Puget Sound area and has clients ranging from local small business owners to accredited real estate investors and developers. AJ has been a YPN members since the beginning in 2007 and is the current YPN Board President. He felt there was a need for an environment where young professionals could unite, work toward a common goal and flourish professionally and socially. AJ has actually hired 3 YPN members to work at his firm, illustrating the pool of talent found in the YPN network. He is a dedicated husband and father of 2 sons who likes to spend sunny days on the golf course. In addition to his work with YPN, AJ has served on the boards of the American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter, the South Sound Small Business Incubator and is involved with Rotary Club of Tacoma #8, Federal Way Chamber of Commerce and several other professional associations. Connect with AJ via email at aj@gordonfinancialgroup.net.
AJ Gordon is the President of Gordon Financial Group, Inc. located in Federal Way. The boutique commercial lending and consulting firm serves the Greater Puget Sound area and has clients ranging from local small business owners to accredited real estate investors and developers. AJ has been a YPN members since the beginning in 2007 and is the current YPN Board President. He felt there was a need for an environment where young professionals could unite, work toward a common goal and flourish professionally and socially. AJ has actually hired 3 YPN members to work at his firm, illustrating the pool of talent found in the YPN network. He is a dedicated husband and father of 2 sons who likes to spend sunny days on the golf course. In addition to his work with YPN, AJ has served on the boards of the American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter, the South Sound Small Business Incubator and is involved with Rotary Club of Tacoma #8, Federal Way Chamber of Commerce and several other professional associations. Connect with AJ via email at aj@gordonfinancialgroup.net.
Elliot Stockstad is the Director of the new Safe Families for Children Program at Olive Crest. He joined YPN to connect with other creative, pro-Tacoma young professional leaders. Elliot has made a conscious effort to live and work in Tacoma, where he grew up, and tries to support the town whenever possible. He is passionate about helping families and individuals find their voice and some measure of holistic health. In his spare time, Elliot enjoys time with his wife and children, creating music, reading, gardening and hiking. He serves as a Board Member for YPN and Co-Chair of the YPN Philanthropy Committee, is on the Board of the Center for Transforming Mission and is involved with Tacoma Rotary 8. Connect with Elliot via email Elliot-Stockstad@olivecrest.org
Chris Lucero is a Wealth Advisor and Associate Vice President at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. He joined YPN to meet people and make new friends in the South Sound. Chris is active with several organizations in the community. He's on the Board and Treasure for YPN, Rebuilding Together South Sound, Tacoma Sunrise Rotary, Tacoma Executives Association and Cliff Street Lofts, where he lives downtown. Chris is also the Leadership Committee Chair for YPN and a Read 2 Me volunteer. In his time off, he enjoys traveling anywhere and everywhere, checking out new music, skiing in the winter and backpacking in the summer. Connect with Chris via email chris.lucero@mssb.com
Dan Wilmot is an attorney at Oldfield & Helsdon in Fircrest. He joined YPN for the networking as well as he moved back to the area last Summer after 4 years in Las Vegas. Dan is looking forward to connecting with other professionals in the area. Professionally, Dan works primarily in the areas of commercial transactions and litigation. In his downtime, he's on the hunt for vintage solid state audio equipment. In case you have a lead, he's on the hunt for a Kenwood KR-9600 or 9400. Dan also has an ever growing collection of vinyl LPs, most of which he finds on 6th Ave. You can also catch him cheering on UW athletics. Connect with Dan via email dwilmot@tacomalawfirm.com
Ali Criss is the Client Relations Manager at Financial Insights, Inc., which is a local Registered Investment Advisory firm founded in 1981. Ali recently moved back to Tacoma from Athens, Georgia and joined YPN for the networking, community involvement and volunteering aspects. In her down time she is on the move and enjoys running, cycling, volunteering and tennis. She is currently the captain of teams at Tacoma Lawn Tennis club. Ali is also an active member of Rotary #8 and is involved in the Rotary Youth Exchange committee. She's really enjoyed being a member of YPN so far and has been excited to have been a part of the Leadership and Networking committees. Connect with Ali via email: Ali@financialinsights.net
Megan Abbott is the Administrative & Member Services Manager at The Nonprofit Center located in Tacoma. She wears many hats as she helps the nonprofit organization strengthen other nonprofits in the community through education, consultation and financial management. Megan is originally from South Carolina, graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communications, though she's lived in Washington for 5 years. Megan's employer encouraged her to join YPN initially as The Nonprofit Center is YPN's fiscal sponsor. Though since joining in early 2008, she has come to really enjoy our dynamic group and has found it's a great way to get to know people. In her down time, Megan likes to travel, golf, knit and watch SEC & ACC college football with her husband. She is also on the YPN Philanthropy & Membership committees and is a member and Secretary of the BeGes Toastmaster Club. Connect with Megan via email: megan@npcenter.org.
Andrea Schmidt is an RN in the Medical Telemetry Unit at Saint Clare Hospital in Lakewood. She loves nursing because it allows her the opportunity to meet and learn from people of all walks of life. Andrea is new to the Tacoma area and joined YPN to meet people and get involved in the community. As someone who’s passionate about service, she’s really looking forward to participating in YPN’s philanthropy efforts as she becomes immersed in the Tacoma culture. In her free time, Andrea enjoys spending time outside, whether it’s hiking, running or skiing. You might catch her running along the Tacoma waterfront or exploring the local mountains. Andrea is from Boise, Idaho and graduated from Gonzaga, so if you’re looking to watch a Zags game, give her a shout! Reach Andrea via email at aschmidt2@zagmail.gonzaga.edu
John Wallace is an attorney and partner at Rumbaugh Rideout Barnett & Adkins, a firm located in downtown Tacoma. His practice focuses on personal injury, workers’ compensation and employment law. John joined YPN to take advantage of the great networking opportunities with the future leadership of our community. He says the organization seemed like a perfect fit and an opportunity to develop his career. John is passionate about justice and helping everyday people solve real problems. He’s the President-elect of the Young Lawyers Section of the Pierce-County Bar Association and recently joined the board for the Metropolitan Development Council. John hikes Mt. Rainier once a month, never misses a Seahawks game and also enjoys mountain biking. Spending quality time with his family is an important aspect of his down time. You can get in touch with John via email at john@rrba-law.com
Michelle Lorenson owns a Farmers' Insurance Agency in Bonney Lake. She joined YPN because community is very important to her and says she's very excited to get to know everyone. Michelle feels she should give back to the communities that support her business and allow her to provide a great life for her daughter. Her daughter is an active and energetic 10 year old. Though she doesn't have much down time, Michelle works with Washington Women's Employment & Education (WWEE), cleans up parks around Pierce County and helps her friends and family with their community activities. Michelle loves to laugh and spend time with her family.
Stephanie McCallum is an AVP, Assistant Relationship Manager in Commercial Banking at Umpqua Bank. She's been with the company for more than 5 years but recently relocated to Tacoma from Portland, OR as part of Umpqua's acquisition of Rainier Pacific Bank. Stephanie joined YPN after her move to meet people and get involved in both the business and local community. She says she loves meeting people and planning parties and events. In her down time Stephanie likes to stay active whether running or playing golf and tennis. She was also quite involved in her community in Portland and is looking forward to doing the same here in Washington. Stephanie was actively involved in the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network and was a mentor for Girls, Inc. She also loves the Cougs as a Washington State grad.
Chris Lucero is a Wealth Advisor and Associate Vice President at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. He joined YPN to meet people and make new friends in the South Sound. Chris is active with several organizations in the community. He's on the Board and Treasure for YPN, Rebuilding Together South Sound, Tacoma Sunrise Rotary, Tacoma Executives Association and Cliff Street Lofts, where he lives downtown. Chris is also the Leadership Committee Chair for YPN and a Read 2 Me volunteer. In his time off, he enjoys traveling anywhere and everywhere, checking out new music, skiing in the winter and backpacking in the summer. Connect with Chris via email chris.lucero@mssb.com
Leigh Ann Myhre,
Corporate Relations at Metro Parks Tacoma works to develop corporate sponsorship
opportunities for District-wide Metro Parks programs, events and facilities
such as Tacoma’s Ethnic Fest. Leigh Ann is also helping to launch Metro Park’s
newest fitness facility, the South Tacoma Activity and Recreation (STAR) Center
which is located at S 66th Street and S Adams Street sharing a
campus-style footprint with Gray Middle School and the Boys & Girls Club
Topping Hope Center. Formerly of Tacoma Goodwill, Leigh Ann joined YPN in
2010 to meet fellow young professionals and to engage herself more thoughtfully
in the community. Leigh Ann also serves as Chief Creative Officer of the Feisty
Knitter’s Association, a co-op of women knitters who have had temporary
installations at the Tacoma Art Museum and have ‘tagged’ downtown merchants
with their knitted graffiti. You can connect with Leigh Ann at leighannm@tacomaparks.com
Dan Wilmot is an attorney at Oldfield & Helsdon in Fircrest. He joined YPN for the networking as well as he moved back to the area last Summer after 4 years in Las Vegas. Dan is looking forward to connecting with other professionals in the area. Professionally, Dan works primarily in the areas of commercial transactions and litigation. In his downtime, he's on the hunt for vintage solid state audio equipment. In case you have a lead, he's on the hunt for a Kenwood KR-9600 or 9400. Dan also has an ever growing collection of vinyl LPs, most of which he finds on 6th Ave. You can also catch him cheering on UW athletics. Connect with Dan via email dwilmot@tacomalawfirm.com
Dr. Koltur Easton is a Chiropractor who works out of the Renaissance Chiropractic Center, which is right next to the Tacoma Mall. He joined YPN to cultivate lasting relationships with other members of the community, both personally and professionally. Koltur likes that YPN gives back to the community rather than just promoting its own interests. He says he'd like to help people understand that Chiropractic is about wellness rather than symptomatic relief for head aches and back pain and would love to answer your questions about the field. Additionally, his office is always looking for a great cause to support. Most recently, they raised $3,000 for the
Jennifer Paulson fund. In his free time, Koltur enjoys getting outside and loves rock climbing, hiking and jet skiing. You can also catch Koltur running with his rottweiler "Dallas" on the trails around the South Sound. Connect with Koltur via email keastondc@gmail.com
Jennifer Paulson fund. In his free time, Koltur enjoys getting outside and loves rock climbing, hiking and jet skiing. You can also catch Koltur running with his rottweiler "Dallas" on the trails around the South Sound. Connect with Koltur via email keastondc@gmail.com
Kyle McPherson A
local to the City of Destiny, Kyle has been with YPN since 2010 after
participating in his first event at the Mandoline Café. Kyle has served as the
Membership Co-Chair and has recently joined efforts with planning the annual
YPN Golf Tournament. Kyle’s role in the community has been with current
employer, Pierce Transit of 3 years and his focus is Customer Service and
Public Outreach. His support for public transit has extended to Downtown: On
the Go/Tacoma Pierce County Chambers where he supports communications for the
Board of Directors and also holds a Bachelor of Arts and Professional
Certificate from UWT. His free time is often spent at the driving range, wine
tasting events or hanging out with friends and family. Contact Kyle at kmcpherson@piercetransit.org
Ali Criss is the Client Relations Manager at Financial Insights, Inc., which is a local Registered Investment Advisory firm founded in 1981. Ali recently moved back to Tacoma from Athens, Georgia and joined YPN for the networking, community involvement and volunteering aspects. In her down time she is on the move and enjoys running, cycling, volunteering and tennis. She is currently the captain of teams at Tacoma Lawn Tennis club. Ali is also an active member of Rotary #8 and is involved in the Rotary Youth Exchange committee. She's really enjoyed being a member of YPN so far and has been excited to have been a part of the Leadership and Networking committees. Connect with Ali via email: Ali@financialinsights.net
Megan Abbott is the Administrative & Member Services Manager at The Nonprofit Center located in Tacoma. She wears many hats as she helps the nonprofit organization strengthen other nonprofits in the community through education, consultation and financial management. Megan is originally from South Carolina, graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communications, though she's lived in Washington for 5 years. Megan's employer encouraged her to join YPN initially as The Nonprofit Center is YPN's fiscal sponsor. Though since joining in early 2008, she has come to really enjoy our dynamic group and has found it's a great way to get to know people. In her down time, Megan likes to travel, golf, knit and watch SEC & ACC college football with her husband. She is also on the YPN Philanthropy & Membership committees and is a member and Secretary of the BeGes Toastmaster Club. Connect with Megan via email: megan@npcenter.org.
Andrea Schmidt is an RN in the Medical Telemetry Unit at Saint Clare Hospital in Lakewood. She loves nursing because it allows her the opportunity to meet and learn from people of all walks of life. Andrea is new to the Tacoma area and joined YPN to meet people and get involved in the community. As someone who’s passionate about service, she’s really looking forward to participating in YPN’s philanthropy efforts as she becomes immersed in the Tacoma culture. In her free time, Andrea enjoys spending time outside, whether it’s hiking, running or skiing. You might catch her running along the Tacoma waterfront or exploring the local mountains. Andrea is from Boise, Idaho and graduated from Gonzaga, so if you’re looking to watch a Zags game, give her a shout! Reach Andrea via email at aschmidt2@zagmail.gonzaga.edu
John Wallace is an attorney and partner at Rumbaugh Rideout Barnett & Adkins, a firm located in downtown Tacoma. His practice focuses on personal injury, workers’ compensation and employment law. John joined YPN to take advantage of the great networking opportunities with the future leadership of our community. He says the organization seemed like a perfect fit and an opportunity to develop his career. John is passionate about justice and helping everyday people solve real problems. He’s the President-elect of the Young Lawyers Section of the Pierce-County Bar Association and recently joined the board for the Metropolitan Development Council. John hikes Mt. Rainier once a month, never misses a Seahawks game and also enjoys mountain biking. Spending quality time with his family is an important aspect of his down time. You can get in touch with John via email at john@rrba-law.com
Michelle Lorenson owns a Farmers' Insurance Agency in Bonney Lake. She joined YPN because community is very important to her and says she's very excited to get to know everyone. Michelle feels she should give back to the communities that support her business and allow her to provide a great life for her daughter. Her daughter is an active and energetic 10 year old. Though she doesn't have much down time, Michelle works with Washington Women's Employment & Education (WWEE), cleans up parks around Pierce County and helps her friends and family with their community activities. Michelle loves to laugh and spend time with her family.
Stephanie McCallum is an AVP, Assistant Relationship Manager in Commercial Banking at Umpqua Bank. She's been with the company for more than 5 years but recently relocated to Tacoma from Portland, OR as part of Umpqua's acquisition of Rainier Pacific Bank. Stephanie joined YPN after her move to meet people and get involved in both the business and local community. She says she loves meeting people and planning parties and events. In her down time Stephanie likes to stay active whether running or playing golf and tennis. She was also quite involved in her community in Portland and is looking forward to doing the same here in Washington. Stephanie was actively involved in the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network and was a mentor for Girls, Inc. She also loves the Cougs as a Washington State grad.
Chrystal Morisette is the Marketing Services Manager for the Weekly Volcano, Ranger, and Airlifter publications. She's been an active YPN member for several years now and was just elected Treasurer. Chrystal feels YPN falls inline with her personal and professional values. She says she instantly saw how genuine and dedicated the organization was to caring for the community, cultivating leaders, and getting to know peers and feels that you have the opportunity to build strong, solid relationships through YPN, which set us apart from other networking organizations. In her downtime, Chrystal enjoys running, traveling, volunteering, checking out Tacoma's art scene, watching musicals and plays, and surrounding herself with friends and family. She's also one of the four CASTINGS co-founders (Communities Actively Strengthening Tacoma in Neighborhood Gardens and Schools). The group has work days coming up and Chrystal says she's always looking for volunteers and interns. Email her to connect!
Ann Murphy is an Acupuncturist in Downtown Tacoma, running her own practice, Hawthorn Natural Health. She's just starting her practice and is a new resident of our great town, so Ann thought YPN seemed like a good way to meet people and get involved in the community. She's hoping to meet other practitioners and anyone interested in Acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine. In her spare time she says she loves to ride her bike, practice yoga, read and play with her dogs. Ann says she's on the hunt for good bike trails in the area, so give her a shout if you know of any. She also volunteers at Kang Wen, a low income clinic in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. Ann says it's a great organization run almost entirely by volunteers and that she loves working with such amazing practitioners. Email Ann to connect!
Eric Heller is a geotechical engineer and employee-owner at GeoEngineers in Tacoma. He joined YPN to meet new people and says, "It worked! It's all about networking, if you know enough people you will always have all the help you need." Eric is on the YPN board and is a member of the networking committee. Feel free shoot him any awesome networking & social event ideas. Eric is also on the board for the DASH Center for the Arts. DASH provides a creative outlet for inner city youth in Tacoma. "Dancing, acting, singing, and harmony these kids have some amazing talent." Though it doesn't sound like he has much of it, in his free time, Eric likes to read and watch science fiction, kayak, camp, tend to the bar in his garage or grab a drink at one of Tacoma's bars. Email Eric to connect!
Jordan Ford is the Business Operations Manager at Alternative Back Care Physical Therapy, which specializes in back pain and migraines. She also has a photography business, Jordan Danielle Photography, which focuses on wedding photography. Jordan Went to Seattle University, double majoring in Communications and Photography, but is now happily living back in Tacoma, where she grew up. Jordan was encouraged to join YPN by fellow member, Chrystal Morisette. She says it's nice to meet other people who are dedicated in their professions as well as their community. Jordan is extremely active in this community. She's the BOD President of CASTINGS: Communities Actively Strengthening Tacoma In Neighborhood Gardens and Schools, is a Trustee/Social Committee chair for the Tacoma Executive Association and now is the Networking chair for YPN. In her down time, Jordan is taking trapeze lessons, spending time with friends, family and her dog, traveling, enjoying the arts, practicing photography, reading and writing. She'd love to connect with you, whether you have back pain, migraines, are getting married or are looking to plug into the community through community gardens our YPN's networking committee. Give her a shout!
Eric Heller is a geotechical engineer and employee-owner at GeoEngineers in Tacoma. He joined YPN to meet new people and says, "It worked! It's all about networking, if you know enough people you will always have all the help you need." Eric is on the YPN board and is a member of the networking committee. Feel free shoot him any awesome networking & social event ideas. Eric is also on the board for the DASH Center for the Arts. DASH provides a creative outlet for inner city youth in Tacoma. "Dancing, acting, singing, and harmony these kids have some amazing talent." Though it doesn't sound like he has much of it, in his free time, Eric likes to read and watch science fiction, kayak, camp, tend to the bar in his garage or grab a drink at one of Tacoma's bars. Email Eric to connect!
Jordan Ford is the Business Operations Manager at Alternative Back Care Physical Therapy, which specializes in back pain and migraines. She also has a photography business, Jordan Danielle Photography, which focuses on wedding photography. Jordan Went to Seattle University, double majoring in Communications and Photography, but is now happily living back in Tacoma, where she grew up. Jordan was encouraged to join YPN by fellow member, Chrystal Morisette. She says it's nice to meet other people who are dedicated in their professions as well as their community. Jordan is extremely active in this community. She's the BOD President of CASTINGS: Communities Actively Strengthening Tacoma In Neighborhood Gardens and Schools, is a Trustee/Social Committee chair for the Tacoma Executive Association and now is the Networking chair for YPN. In her down time, Jordan is taking trapeze lessons, spending time with friends, family and her dog, traveling, enjoying the arts, practicing photography, reading and writing. She'd love to connect with you, whether you have back pain, migraines, are getting married or are looking to plug into the community through community gardens our YPN's networking committee. Give her a shout!
Molly Maddock is the Cash Management Officer for Commencement Bank in downtown Tacoma. Molly says they’re a truly-local bank that specializes in working with small to medium sized businesses and consumers in the South Sound. In her role she introduces businesses to the Bank and specializes in working with them to streamline their processes to get their money working for them. Molly is a long-time YPN Member, joining back in 2008. She was looking for a way to connect with other young professionals in the area. “Tacoma has an energy that has been building and I was looking for a way to be part of it.” Molly is a people person that enjoys expanding her network and connecting people that might work well together. The new mother of a 6 month old girl hasn’t had much down time but when she does, she loves camping, hiking, live music and shopping for her new home and daughter. Molly is currently serving as Table Captain Chair for the Hilltop Artist’s Better Futures Breakfast on September 14th. Please let her know if you’re interested in attending or hosting a table. She’s also very active with the American Heart Association and participates in the March for Babies supporting the March of Dimes. Connect with Molly via email.
Jordan Foster is a local attorney focusing on the areas of real estate, business, construction and employment law. He is a principal at the law firm of Smith Alling, P.S. which also handles generally all civil matters - family law, estate planning, probate and personal injury law. Jordan writes a blog on the topic called Grit City Law, focusing on local topics, new laws and his areas of practice. His firm is downtown Tacoma (11th & Broadway), which he says is a prime location for enjoying the Downtown Tacoma Farmers Market. Jordan feels YPN is great organization with a lot of energetic and future oriented people. He says it’s great opportunity to meet like-minded people. “I've really enjoyed the community and civic nature of the organization. The luncheons with Mayor Strickland, Prosecutor Lindquist, and CEO Dressel have been great events.” Jordan is a sports fan, supporting our local Puget Sound teams and Gonzaga and enjoys playing basketball and indoor soccer but says it’s tough to get a team together. Give him a shout if you’re interested. This long-time Tacoma resident also likes getting outdoors and enjoying the sunshine when we get it. Jordan sits on the Executive Board for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and helps organize the annual Light the Night Walk along Ruston Way. It will take place September 17th this year. He’s also helping with the first ever Race For a Soldier, which will take half-marathon runners through Gig Harbor October 16th and will support our Veterans. Connect with Jordan via email.
