Regional Governance Board
The Regional Governance Board was established in Spring 2020 to provide oversight and guidance to the entire Career Connect Southwest system. The main purpose of the Governance is to uphold the intent of Career Connect Washington under House Bill 2158, and to advocate regionally for the network as the single point of contact for career connected learning in the region.
SW WA Career Connected Learning Network Structure
SW WA Governance Board
Pacific County Direct Service
The Columbia River STEM Network Leadership Board
Executive Leadership from Business, Education, Governments
Clark County CCL Board
Executive Leadership from Business, Education, Governments
Clark County CCL Steering Committee
Frontline staff from businesses, Education, Government Intermediaries
The Gorge CCL Advisory
Executive Leadership from Business, Education, Governments; Frontline staff from businesses, Education, Government Intermediaries
Regional Work Groups
Awareness/Exploration/Preparation/Launch/Higher Ed/Data
*Meet monthly to scale programs, develop best practices and share data
Current Board Executives
The Governance Board is a cross-sector, multi-regional group of Executives who serve a two-year term.
Co-Chair
Tim Merlino, ESD112 Superintendent
Co-Chair
Ben Bagherpour, SEH-America Vice President Support Services and Government Affairs
Officer (Gorge)
Jerry Lewis, Superintendent White Salmon Schools
Officer (Gorge)
Vacant
Officer (North)
Chris Bailey, President of Lower Columbia College
Officer (North)
Eddie Martin, Human Resources Director, NORPAC
Officer (North)
Eric Nerison, Superintendent Kalama Schools
Officer (Regional)
Kevin Perkey, Workforce Southwest Washington CEO
Officer (Regional)
Mel Netzhammer, Washington State University Vancouver Chancellor
Governance Board Meeting Minutes
April 2021