
Board Information
Purpose:
The Legislature created the Public Works Board in partnership with local governments. Its task is to assist local governments in addressing local infrastructure needs. The Public Works Board operates a revolving loan program funded by a dedicated local funding pool. A citizens’ board comprised of local infrastructure representatives manages the Public Works Board.
Mission:
The mission of the Public Works Board is to empower Washington communities to build and maintain sustainable infrastructure.
Board Responsibilities:
The Public Works Board administers four programs. The primary purpose of these programs is to provide assistance to local governments with infrastructure:
• Planning.
• Financing.
• Construction.
• Repair.
• Expansion.
History of the Public Works Board (PDF)
The Board derives its authority from the Washington State Legislature. It is encoded into law in the Revised Code of Washington.
The associated WAC is Title 399.
The Governor appoints thirteen Board members for four-year terms. Three represent counties, three represent cities, three represent special purpose districts, and four are from the private sector.
Members meet every month to review applications for financing and deal with administrative issues. The Board conducts a two-day policy retreat in the fall.
Members are encouraged to attend workshops, conferences, and meetings on behalf of the Board. Often members are part of discussion panels at these meetings. Members are also offered opportunities to attend training courses that deal with infrastructure issues.
Kathryn Gardow, PE – Chair – Position #13, General Public
JC Baldwin – Vice Chair – Position #11, General Public
The Honorable Dr. Jeralee Anderson, PE – Position #2 – City Elected Official
The Honorable Pam Carter – Position #8, Sewer & Water District Elected Official
The Honorable Jerome Delvin – Position #5, County Elected Official
Mark Dorsey, PE – Position #3 – City Engineer
Senator Mary Margaret Haugen – Position #10, General Public
Erik Martin, PE – Position #6, Lewis County Manager
Diane Pottinger, PE – Position #7, Sewer & Water District Public Works Director
Gary Rowe, PE – Position #12, General Public
Mark Scott – Position #9, Public Utility District
The Honorable Ed Stern – Position #1, City Elected Official
The Honorable Sharon Trask – Position #4, County Elected Official
CURRENT VACANCIES:
None.
Interested applicants should contact the designated nominating organizations, or Board Liaison Ellen Hatleberg for more information.
Public Works Board members are appointed by the Governor of the State of Washington. View the Governor’s Boards & Commissions webpage here.

Board Meeting Information
Next Board Business Meeting:
February 5, 2021
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Information on how to join or call in will be included with the agenda packet.
Board meetings are open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. These meetings are being held virtually on ZOOM through the end of 2020. Please utilize the monthly Board Meeting Agenda for connection information and meeting times.
If you would like to be on the Public Works Board email distribution list, please send an email to Jason.Freeze@commerce.wa.gov.

Staff Information
Karin Berkholtz
Executive Director
Karin.Berkholtz@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-688-0313
Connie Rivera
Program Director and Tribal Liaison
Connie.Rivera@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-704-9535
Shelley Westall
Broadband Program Director
Shelley.Westall@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-764-9038
Cindy Chavez
Budget Analyst
Cindy.Chavez@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-3154
Jason Freeze
Resource and Development Project Manager
Jason.Freeze@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-3161
Ellen Hatleberg
Board Liaison
Ellen.Hatleberg@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-5042
Buck Lucas
Special Projects Manager
Buck.Lucas@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-3180
Sheila Richardson
Broadband Project Manager
Sheila.Richardson@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 564-999-1927
Policy support, administrative support, and client outreach are provided for the Pubic Works Board by the Washington State Department of Commerce.