All Star Leader

Mark Wheeler – Department of Ecology
 
Mark is the Regional Business Manager for WA State Dept. of Ecology, Spokane, which has 130 employees. As someone that desires to lessen his carbon footprint, Mark chooses to ride the bus or carpool most days. He finds that when he rides the bus, he doesn’t feel as stressed out and gets to catch up on his reading!

The Department of Ecology has very strong commuting options elements that include bike racks, showers and lockers, financial subsidies for employees using any type of commute option, the ability to work from home as well as the option to work compressed work schedules. This agency also has an Emergency Ride Home program that uses fleet vehicles, many of which are electric.

The Commute Smart NW program aligns with the Department of Ecology’s values by positively impacting the community. Mark notes that for bicyclists and walkers, the health benefits are huge. He is proud of what great colleagues he works with and how they think about their decisions and the choices they make to use commute options. He believes that every single action makes a difference and people don’t have to do it every day, but collectively we make a big difference by using a commute option.