Outstanding Leadership, Support and Commitment!
Commute Smart Northwest works with over 100 employers in Spokane County to promote and encourage employees to use commute options, including riding the bus, carpooling, STA Ridesharing, walking, bicycling, and working from home. With nearly 36 percent of employees participating, nearly 850,000 weekly miles are not driven on our roads, resulting in a reduction of over 785,000 tons of air pollution not being emitted into our air. The following Champion Business Leaders were honored in 2024 for their exceptional efforts to make their Commute Smart programs a success at their worksites.
2025 Champion Business Leaders |
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| Champion Business Leaders | |
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Champion Business Leader Joe Smith As Gonzaga University's Chief Financial Officer, Joe Smith views the Commute Smart program as a direct extension of the university's mission. Click to read more about Joe! |
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Champion Business Leader Shari Yamane Shari Yamane is the Chief Human Resources Officer for Inland Imaging Business Associates. She feels the Commute Smart Program is all about meeting people where they are. Click to read more about Shari! |
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Champion Business Leader Janet Stowe As the Director of Paratransit & Rideshare Services at Spokane Transit (STA), Jandet doesn't just talk the talk - she walks the walk. Click to read more about Janet! |
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Champion Business Leader Chris Madunich Chris Madunich, Business Administrator for the Washington State Department of Ecology, serves as a dedicated champion of the agency's sustainable commute initiatives. Click to read more about Chris! |
2024 Champion Business Leaders |
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| Champion Business Leaders | |
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Champion Business Leader
Dr. Shari McMahan Dr. Shari McMahan is the President at Eastern Washington University. She believes the Commute Smart program at Eastern Washington University aligns with their commitment to sustainability. Click to read more about Dr. Shari! |
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Champion Business Leader
Ron Walker Ron Walker is the District Manager for WA State DSHS – Division of Child Support. As a state agency, they offer a strong teleworking program, which makes them a competitive employer of choice. Click to read more about Ron! |
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Champion Business Leader
Mary Cooper Mary Cooper, Program Manager for WA State DSHS - Division of Child Support (recently retired) has been a longtime supporter of their Commute Smart program. Click to learn more about Mary. |
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Champion Business Leader
Matt Albright Matt Albright is the Executive Director of Service Lines for Providence Urban Campuses. He is also the Executive Director for their Commute Smart Program. Click to learn more about Matt! |
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Champion Business Leader
Ron Haynes Ron Haynes is the Superintendent for Airway Heights Corrections Center and has been a longtime supporter of their Commute Smart program. Click to learn more about Ron! |
2023 Champion Business Leaders |
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Champion Business Leader Karl Kolb |
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Champion Business Leader Lindsey Skinfill |
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Champion Business Leader Kristen Nester |
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Champion Business Leader Michael Herzog |