Thurston Regional Planning Council recognizes dedicated employees, outgoing members

The Thurston Regional Planning Council celebrated the contributions of long-serving employees and outgoing members at a meeting on Friday, Dec. 5.

The planning council recognized years of commitment to regional development and community service.

Paul Brewster received a special recognition for his 25 years of service with the organization. He joined the planning council in 2000.

Over the years, Brewster has advanced from intern to senior staff. He is known for his ability to lead diverse partners through complex technical discussions.

His accomplishments include coordinating the Technical Advisory Committee, stewarding project funding processes, and leading updates to critical regional plans, such as the Hazard Mitigation Plan and Regional Trails Plan.

“Paul is a true team player, always among the first to volunteer and champion others’ success,” said Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) Chair Robin Vazquez.

Katrina Van Every is celebrating 10 years with TRPC. She joined in 2015 to support planning work with Rainier and Tenino. Since then, she has taken on increasingly complex roles, from Main Street Rochester to the Regional Housing Needs Assessment, as well as multiple updates of the Regional Transportation Plan.

Now serving as transportation manager, Van Every has strengthened and streamlined TRPC’s core programs under the Unified Planning Work Program.

Joining the milestone celebrations were Veronica Jarvis and Aidan Dixon, both marking five years of service.

Jarvis joined TRPC in mid-2020. In just five years, she has elevated TRPC’s Commute Trip Reduction Program, expanded its reach, and served in leadership roles on state and national boards, supporting the organization’s legislative agenda.

Aidan Dixon has been with the TRPC for five years. He used to work with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.

At TRPC, Dixon quickly immersed himself in local transportation work, contributing to the Martin Way Corridor Study and Rural Mobility Strategy. He also manages technical projects like the Martin Way Crossing Strategy and the planning council's congestion management process.

Outgoing members recognized

Amy Harding represents the Port of Olympia on the council. She serves on both the Transportation Policy Board and TRPC. Vazquez praised her commitment to regional cooperation and amplifying diverse voices.

“I’ve seen how Amy leads. She is very focused on learning about people and engaging across differences … despite differences of opinion or differences in policy view, because that regional cooperation is really important to her. I think it is a benefit to our community,” Vazquez said.

Vazquez added Harding often reminded the council that “our community wins when we come together on shared priorities.” This perspective shaped her approach to regional work.

John O’Callahan, another departing member, was recognized for his decades of service, including roles in city government and multiple elected positions.

Known for his advocacy for the “Great City of Tenino” — his signature line during TRPC roll call meetings — and for his past work traveling through 32 states, O’Callahan exemplifies community dedication.

“John brings a lot of pride for his community to this body,” Vazquez said.

She mentioned that O’Callahan has supported and planned the First Responders Barbecue event every year for 14 years now.

“He brings together folks in the community to provide recognition and a lovely community event for first responders. John takes his time and energy to get back to them," Vazquez said.

As Vazquez concludes her term as TRPC chair, council members celebrated her leadership.

Carolyn Cox, of the City of Lacey, praised Vazquez for her “wisdom, grace, and commitment.”

Cox said Vazquez has been a natural leader, putting her human resources and leadership skills to work, most specifically in the selection process that brought a new executive director to the council. She was fully engaged in council and committee work, including as chair of the Thurston County Board of Health.

Vazquez, according to Cox, has valued learning how different parts of the county fit together, understanding processes and building relationships across jurisdictions.

Her leadership was marked by many achievements, including:

• Maintaining community-centered language in the Regional Transportation Plan.
• Successfully led the new executive director hiring process.
• Promoting multimodal transportation.
• Balancing power dynamics between urban and rural communities.