Higher Education Panel

Please join us as we hear from the greater region’s higher education institutions as they prepare to go into legislative session. Our moderator Alisha Benson, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer for Greater Spokane Incorporated, will will ask a series of questions, including:

• What are you hoping for in this year’s (2019) legislative session? Projects you are hoping to get funded?
• How long are your CIPs and which portion are funded, and how are those updated on a yearly or biannual basis? Are you at the mercy of every legislative cycle?
• What other projects do you have beyond 2019?
• Where do you see your university/college in 3-5 years? (e.g. purchasing more property, adding a new location, etc.) Are there programs you’re trying to develop?
• Any new things related to how you select your design/construction teams?
• What can the people in the audience do to help higher education to achieve their CIP projects and goals?
• What kind of engagement do you like from consultants (frequent check-ins, meet with them or reviewing information)
• Q&A from the audience as time allows

Panelists:

• Chris Eichorst, Assistant Vice President, Facilities Services, Whitworth University
• Jon Schad, Campus Facilities Executive, Washington State University, Spokane
• John Gillette, Community Colleges of Spokane
• Troy Bester, Eastern Washington University 
• Shawn King, Eastern Washington University
• Jim Angelosante, VP for Administration, Gonzaga University/UW Partnership
• Thank you to our sponsor!

Throughout its 70 year history, ALSC Architects has designed collegiate environments that stimulate learning, heighten collaboration and build community. ALSC’s expertise has been applied to the planning and design of academic, science, housing and athletic facilities for higher education clients throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho. The firm is currently providing architectural services for projects at Whitworth University, Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, Community Colleges of Spokane, Gonzaga University, Walla Walla Community College and Columbia Basin College.  Additional information can be found at alscarchitects.com/portfolio/higher-education/.

Learn More About our Panelists and Moderator:

• Jon Schad, WSU Health Sciences Spokane, Senior Facilities Executive -- As the Senior Facilities Executive for Facilities Operations at Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, Schad directs all aspects of facilities management and operations including campus safety and security and parking and transportation. Schad has more than 30 years of experience in facilities management. He has been at Washington State University as its Senior Facilities Executive, Director Facilities Operations and Facilities Manager for the past 20 years. Previously, he served over 5 years at Spokane Community College as Facilities Manager, Maintenance Supervisor and technician and 5 years at Seattle Central Community College as Custodial Services Manager and Custodial Supervisor. He holds an associate’s degree in Theology. Schad is a 2008 graduate of Leadership Spokane and recently completed Tidal Leadership at Washington State University.
• John Gillette, District Director of Facilities, Community Colleges of Spokane -- As the District Director of Facilities for the Community Colleges of Spokane, Gillette leads a staff of over 100 facilities professionals that maintain 1.8 million square feet of space in 50 buildings on nearly 300 acres. The District is comprised of two campuses, the Spokane Community College and Spokane Falls Community College, and several satellite locations from Pullman to Ione Washington. He oversees local and state funded capital construction projects, physical plant operations that include maintenance, grounds, and custodial services and fleet maintenance. Gillette previously served 30 years in the United States Air Force in aircraft maintenance and in various other senior leadership positions. He holds two Associates degrees from the Community Colleges of the Air Force, one in Metals Technology and one in Avionics Technology, a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University, and is an APPA Certified Educational Facilities Professional.
• Troy Bester, Senior Project Manager, Eastern Washington University -- Troy is a senior project manager for Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington. With over 25 years of experience, Troy has spent the last 19 years managing capital improvement projects for EWU’s campus. Some of his recent projects include the new Interdisciplinary Science Center, the Pence Union Building Renovation, and the University Recreation Center. He is a registered architect in the state of Washington and holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Idaho. Prior to EWU, he worked as an architect at Zeck Butler Architects. In his free time, he enjoys art and outdoor recreational activities, including building sand castles.
• Shawn King, Associate VP for Facilities and Planning, Eastern Washington University -- Shawn is the Associate Vice President for Facilities and Planning at Eastern Washington University.  Shawn graduated from Washington State University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.  He also received his Masters of Business Administration degree from EWU in 1996.  Previous to EWU, Shawn worked for Siebe/Robertshaw Controls Systems and also was owner operator of his own mechanical contracting business in the Spokane area. As AVP for Facilities and Planning at Eastern, he is responsible for capital planning, capital budgeting and project implementation, campus maintenance and operations, space planning and development as well as Environmental Health and Safety and the University Sustainability office.  He has been with Eastern since 1992, and in this current position since 2003.
• Jim Angelosante, VP for Administration, Gonzaga University -- Jim is responsible for several administrative and business support operations including human resources, plant and construction services, sustainability, Hemmingson Center, auxiliary services, campus security and public safety, marketing and communications, risk management and information technology services.  Prior to his arrival at Gonzaga University, he was the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for University of Washington’s Facilities Services.  He went to the University of Washington after a career in the US Army spanning over 25 years and obtaining the rank of Colonel.  He held numerous financial and administrative management positions including the Chief Financial Officer of Ft. Lewis WA and Ft. Drum NY. Jim is a graduate of the US Military Academy (BS), Syracuse University (MBA) where he earned a Master of Business Administration degree and the U.S. Army War College (MSST) where he received a Master of Strategic Studies degree.
• Alisha Benson, GSI -- Alisha is the Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer for Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI). Alisha has been with GSI for 11 years. During her time at GSI, she has held roles as Membership Director, VP of Education & Workforce, Executive Director of Spokane STEM, COO, and interim CEO. GSI is the regional business development organization in the Spokane region whose mission is to lead transformative business and community initiatives to build a robust regional economy. As Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer, Alisha provides organization wide leadership, strategy, and management. Areas of focus include economic development, education & talent, business development, and public affairs. Benson serves on the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Board of Trustees, and co-chair’s their Education & Talent Development Division. She also serves on the boards of the Multicare Community Partnership Fund, Spokane County United Way, Spokane STEM and Associated Industries. She graduated with a BA from Washington State University. She is married and a mother to a 7-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son. She loves sports, hiking, camping and anything that involves the outdoors.

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