Overview
The Apple STEM Network invites you to a dynamic forum featuring candidates from Districts 7, 12, and 13, focused on the future of STEM education and career-connected learning for our youth. This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about their plans to foster collaboration between educators and businesses, ensuring a bright future for our students.
This forum can be attended virtually or in-person. There are only a limited number of in-person tickets available due to room capacity. If you are attending virtually, you will still have the opportunity to ask questions. Please indicate how you wish to attend when selecting your tickets.
In-person: North Central Educational Services, 430 Olds Station Rd, Wenatchee, WA 98801 (Room: Cottonwood 4th Floor)
Livestream (Virtual): Link and details will be shared with you via email.
This moderated panel-style forum is open to employers, educators, parents, and community members. Come and engage in meaningful discussions, ask questions, and network with like-minded individuals passionate about the future of STEM education.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation and make a difference in our community. We look forward to seeing you there!
District 7 Panel (5:00pm – 5:45pm): The panel for District 7 candidates will be moderated by Dr. Faimous Harrison, President of Wenatchee Valley College. Participating panelists include:
- Andrew Engell
- Hunter Abell
- Rocky Dean
- Soo Ing-Moody
District 13 Panel (5:45pm – 6:10pm): The panel for District 13 candidates will be moderated by Dr. Sara Thompson Tweedy, President of Big Bend Community College. Participating panelists include:
- Representative Alex Ybarra
- Representative Tom Dent
District 12 Panel (6:10pm – 7:00pm): The panel for District 12 candidates will be moderated by Dr. Tracey Edou, Superintendent of Cascade School District. Participating panelists include:
- Brian Burnett
- Daniel Scott
- Heather Koellen
- Representative Keith Goehner
- Representative Mike Steele
Introductions from Senator Shelly Short
Shelly Short, R-Addy, represents Washington’s largest legislative district, encompassing all or part of seven counties in North Central and Northeastern Washington – Douglas, Ferry, Grant, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane and Stevens. A resident of the district for more than 30 years, Short is a champion of its rural lifestyle, its agricultural and water needs, and its desire for greater employment and recreational opportunities. She is a voice for individual rights, improved services for rural areas, affordable energy, a sound business climate and entrepreneurship, and the sensible management of natural resources for beneficial use.
Short was elected to the state House in 2008 and moved to the Senate in 2017. She serves as Republican floor leader, a key position on the Senate Republican Caucus leadership team, coordinating motions and other tactics during Senate floor debate. She is a member of the Senate committees on Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks; Environment, Energy and Technology; Local Government, Land Use and Tribal Affairs; and Rules. She also is a member of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee and the Western Legislative Forestry Task Force.
Short was born and raised in the Spokane Valley, and attended Spokane Falls Community College and Eastern Washington University. She spent her early career as a legal secretary and paralegal. Her involvement in public policy began in 1995 when she opened the Northeastern Washington district office for U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt. In the Legislature, Short quickly distinguished herself on energy issues, representing House Republicans in early discussions of climate-related energy legislation, and she remains a leader in the effort to protect affordable electricity and Washington’s low-cost energy advantage. Short has been recognized for her work by the Washington Farm Bureau, the Hunters Heritage Council and the National Federation of Independent Business. Hobbies include skeet shooting, horseback riding, and woodworking. She lives in Addy with her husband Mitch. They have two grown children.
District 7 Panel
All photos and bios were submitted by the panelists.
Dr. Harrison has over thirty-three years of broad-based knowledge as a faculty member, researcher, student services administrator, supervisor, community, alumni, industry, and elected official engagement officer. In his previous roles as dean of the Stockton campus for California State University, Stanislaus, and as regional director for Campuses and Community Partnerships at Central Washington University, he served as the chief onsite academic and administrative officer.
During his tenure as faculty, Dr. Harrison taught more than 100 college classes and has worked with individuals, organizations, and communities within the United States and abroad. From 1990-2013, Dr. Harrison served as a supervisor, faculty, and administrative roles within the Seattle College District and Edmonds College and was an adjunct faculty or presenter at various universities. While serving as faculty and a director, he was voted on by his peers and students as the student services and lifetime administrator of the year, two years in a row, one of his proudest student-centered accomplishments.
He has extensive public-public and public-private partnership experiences and was a former owner of a successful business firm. As a Rotary International Group Study Exchange fellow, Harrison participated in the world’s eradication of polio, clean water, literacy education, and various socioeconomic disparity, inequality, and wellness initiatives while living with host families in India. In 2008, his team was one of the North American conference presenters in Victoria, British Columbia.
Dr. Harrison has also served as the past president, vice president, two-time chair of research, and eleven-year member of the research division of the National Association of Branch Campus Administrators, the premier multi-campus and branch-campus national association.
He has a doctorate in higher education administration and leadership from Oregon State University, a Master of Science in physical education, pedagogy, and leadership from Seattle Pacific University, and a Bachelor of Science in sociology from the University of Washington.
Our family has deep roots in the 7th. My grandparents moved here in the 1950s and my parents own and operate Long Rifle Ranch in Inchelium in rural Ferry County. I am honored to work with them as stewards of this beautiful land. I am also the proud father of two beautiful daughters.
Growing up on the Ranch, I learned the lessons of honor, faith, and courage from a young age. I took those lessons into a military career where I served over 20 years, both enlisted and as an officer. I am currently a Commander in the United States Navy Reserve, and deployed twice in service of our country, including to Iraq and Guantanamo Bay. This uniformed service is vital to understanding and serving veterans and veteran families throughout the District.
I bring deep experience as an attorney dedicated to defending our freedoms under the U.S. and Washington Constitutions. I have served as Judge of the Ferry County District Court, giving me a first-hand view of law-and-order challenges. Finally, I bring the perspective of a man of faith to public service.
Wildfire Experience
Things were just beginning to look up when the unprecedented and devastating wildfires of 2014 (Carlton Complex) happened, followed by another even more disastrous year in 2015 with the Twisp River Fire (Okanogan Complex) in which 3 firefighters tragically lost their lives valiantly defending the town.
Since then, fires and smoke continue to plague our region. It was time to be pro-active by not only fixing the things I could see, but also making sure our citizens have what they need to be able to stay safe, earn a living, and have the resources they need to be prepared for the next emergency. This was a task that required all hands on deck. By working with others amazing things were accomplished in little time. Under my leadership and with support from partners throughout the state and region, we were able to build a joint-use facility – a new town hall that doubles as an emergency operations center, with reliable generator power back-up, state of the art technology and an improved communications system.
Serving to the best of my ability to get results
Although I am known as an extremely hard worker, it is this work ethic in combination with my experience and unique skillset of knowing HOW to get things done that sets me apart. My proven track-record is what I will bring to the table to represent the communities in North Central and North East Washington.
Experience has taught me that “to serve to the best of my ability” means to be fearless, build bridges, and find a way to accomplish the task in representing the communities I serve. Together we will get results!
District 12 Panel
All photos and bios were submitted by the panelists.
Tracey graduated from Mariner High School in Mukilteo, WA. She has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, a master’s degree in math education, and a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. Tracey has interests in STEM education, rural education, organizational structure, continuous improvement, professional development, strategic planning, and increasing access to opportunities for children.
Tracey serves on the Board of Upper Valley MEND, Wenatchee Valley Technical Skills Center, and the Regional Educational Laboratory Northwest. She is also a co-chair of youth services for the Leavenworth Rotary Club and a Past President of the North Central Washington Superintendents’ group.
Brian’s career in law enforcement spans over 25 years, cumulating in his retirement in January of 2023. He served 12 of those years as the elected Chelan County Sheriff.
Currently, Brian is the Director of Law Enforcement Services for Seattle’s Finest Security and Traffic Control and serves as the Administrative Liaison for the Washington State Sheriffs Association. Brian is well-equipped to navigate the complex issues facing our communities.
Brian is eager to continue his public service to the citizens of District 12. He plans to leverage his extensive experience to work collaboratively with other legislators to safeguard and enhance the quality of life for all residents and ensure a bright future for generations to come.
I have three main issues if elected to the state legislature: education, public safety, and pro-business/economy. Everybody should be for these three issues regardless of political affiliation. These are the core functions of state government. Currently, 44% of Washington State’s general fund goes towards education. We should be providing our children with top notch education choices in our public schools.
Public safety is a wide category that includes everything from law enforcement, to jails, to safe roads. Everybody in Washington deserves to feel safe.
The funding for education and public safety comes mainly through taxes paid by the citizens of Washington. State government should foster an environment where private business can be profitable and hire well educated employees. If businesses thrive, they can hire more employees, which will provide a healthy tax base to support education and public safety.
In my spare time I enjoy recreating outdoors. I spend a lot of time in the winter skiing. Much of my skiing is done as a member of the Mission Ridge Volunteer Ski Patrol and the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club ski patrolman.
Growing up in Dryden, farming was not the intended career choice as Keith’s love for education and working with children was a driving force as he pursued a degree at Seattle Pacific University. After teaching in Moses Lake, the lure of the orchard, family and the beauty of the Valley brought Keith and Lisa back to Dryden.
Community service and involvement are a reflection of Keith’s pursuits as he has served in leadership positions of his church, fruit industry organizations, local and State Republican Party, Chelan County Commission, and numerous other community organizations.
Keith is committed to doing all he can to improve the lives of those locally, the State and country. His principles of protecting basic rights and our natural resources, reaching out to the vulnerable members of society, and enhancing economic opportunities, will continue to be evident in the legislation he proposes and supports.
As the deputy leader of the House Republican Caucus, Mike is involved in several high-level bipartisan policy negotiations. He also serves as the assistant ranking member on the House Capital Budget Committee and as a member of the Education and Rules committees.
A lifelong resident of Lake Chelan Valley, Mike graduated from Manson High School and went on to receive degrees in Business Administration and Political Science from Pacific Lutheran University. After graduating from college, he served in the White House Office of Political Affairs for the Northwest region of the United States under President George Bush.
After returning to his home state to work for the House Republican Caucus for Leadership during the 2006 legislative session and interim, Mike was hired as the executive director of the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. Mike has led the Lake Chelan Valley business community for more than 12 years, expanding economic and job opportunities throughout the region.
In addition to his work at the Chamber, Mike is deeply committed to his community. A former member of the Chelan City Council, Mike is the youngest president ever elected to the Lake Chelan Rotary Club and is an active member of the Lake Chelan Community Hospital Foundation. Additionally, he serves as a trustee for both the Association of Washington Business and the North Central Washington Community Foundation.
Mike lives in Chelan. In his free time, he enjoys downhill skiing, boating, and spending time with his family and English springer spaniel, Bentley, at his family’s cabin in Lucerne.
District 13 Panel
All photos and bios were submitted by the panelists.
Alex’s legislative priorities include protecting taxpayers, adequately funding schools, fostering the creation of more family-wage jobs, addressing water issues, and supporting agriculture. He advocates for economic growth and works to broaden the avenues of opportunity for the residents of the communities he represents.
Alex is the ranking member of the Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee, assistant ranking member of the Environment and Energy Committee, and a member of the Labor and Workplace Standards Committee. Although deeply committed to civil debate and willing to work across the aisle, he remains true to his conservative roots.
Alex graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He spent 14 years working for the Rocket Research Company as an engineer for military and aerospace products and 16 years working for Grant County Public Utility District in various leadership and analyst roles.
Alex has worked on several legislative task forces and state commissions, including his 2016 appointment by the governor to the State Commission on Hispanic Affairs. Active in his community, Alex is the former director of the Quincy School Board and also served as the vice president of the Washington State School Directors Association.
Alex is a lifelong resident of Quincy. He has one grown daughter, Micaela.
Sworn into office in 2015, Tom represents the 13th District, which includes Kittitas County, as well as parts of Grant and Yakima counties. He currently serves on the Human Services, Youth and Early Learning Committee, the Transportation Committee and is the ranking member on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Tom also serves on several special legislative committees and caucuses.
His legislative priorities include wildfire prevention through improving forest health, and increasing our initial attack resources for fire suppression; agriculture issues including promoting increased trade, protecting pesticide use and water resource management; and as a career aviation professional the protection and expansion of our aviation infrastructure and increased aviation workforce training.
Tom cares deeply about providing a safe and positive environment for young people, and as a parent, former foster parent, grandparent, and great grandparent he is passionate about all kids growing up with the same opportunities available to prior generations to become successful.
Finally, Tom is a passionate advocate for mental health reforms that improve the lives of the mentally ill and assist families in helping their loved ones.
Event Schedule
4:00 – 4:30 PM: Welcome and Introduction to Apple STEM Network and Policy Overview
4:30 – 5:00 PM: Insights from Senator Short on STEM Education and Career Connected Learning
5:00 – 5:45 PM: District 7 Candidates Panel, moderated by Dr. Famous Harrison, President of Wenatchee Valley College
5:45 – 6:10 PM: District 13 Candidates Panel, moderated by Dr. Sara Thompson Tweedy, President of Big Bend Community College
6:10 – 7:00 PM: District 12 Candidates Panel, moderated by Dr. Tracey Edou, Superintendent of Cascade School District