UPDATED: History Of EvergreenHealth Hospital CEOs

During a hospital tour in the mid-80's the Communications manager inadvertently showed me the commissioner's concealed public chambers. She was immediately fired.  Suspicious, I began reporting on their meetings (photography and videotaping is forbidden.)  A few Public Record Requests were filed.

One Public Record Request shockingly revealed an executive/pediatrician's salary of $600,000 and other misfeasance (1988.) It's unknown how long he was paid to participate in hospital governance.  CEO Brown, a likeable fellow abruptly resigned, saying goodbye to all employees by email and flew off to Pennsylvania.  

With that, the commissioners then hired Bob Malte from Colorado Springs as CEO. Bob is genuine and a real pro.  Mr. Malte reshuffled personnel and re-branded Evergreen to "EvergreenHealth."  The hospital began winning regional and national awards under Malte's helm. 

It's well known, one in five Americans have a mental health condition in a given year; and only half are treated.  Under the Malte Administration, EvergreenHealth developed a new mental health service but the booming EvergreenHealth community still doesn't  provide significant behavioral health urgent care treatment.  (Their Emergency Department physicians treat patients with anti-psychotics and other drugs.)   

With Malte's departure, Jeff Tomlin, MD took over as CEO. He practiced anesthesia for years at EvergreenHealth and was a military officer.  CEO Tomlin took a national leadership role when the pandemic struck in 2020. He steered EvergreenHealth through some pretty tough waters; we are ever so grateful.  

Sadly, the thrust for an "Outpatient Urgent Care Behavioral Health Clinic" lost momentum. Evergreen took Mental Health off the 10-year facilities plan, despite the explosive incidence of mental health conditions uncovered by COVID. 

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion 7/26/2024

UPDATED: Redmond Neighborhood Blog "About Us" is revised and edited

Bob, Lexie and Pam

Here's the revision....

The "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" mission is to keep our community better informed, connected and responsive to each other, with attention to local governments and our neighborhoods. My vision is positive. progressive change in our community.       

I've lived in Redmond 38 years and started blogging about 10 years ago. When I first moved here from the mid-west to sell medical supplies, Redmond was a rural one-stoplight town.  My family loved visiting the downtown feed store to play with the chicks; golf the downtown course; drive through the horse farms; line up at for ice cream and fresh milk at Thenos and generally just enjoy a peaceful lifestyle away from the big city. Well, those days are over.  

I've been writing "Redmond Blog" under a known premise that governments fostering "transparency (openness) and participation" are good governments.  My open government reporting of the City includes reporting on the Lake Washington School District and EvergreenHealth District governments. Transparency is improving and our local governments are healthier.  

Several environmental issues in the mid-2000's tormented me so I started blogging to cope, "get the word out," and leverage voice. (A city planning commissioner Korby Parnel suggested I write a blog.) Environmental Issue 1:  A  housing project on Education Hill threatened the neighborhood forest and an important wetland frequented by science teachers. Public notice was pathetic so we got the word out. Mayor Ives negotiated a wider buffer. Notice was improved; two neighborhood meetings are now required. Issue 2:  Hiking along Evans Creek in the city's southwest industrial district we found and reported riparian buffers severely abused by a wood recycling company.  We were surprised the city "let this go" so leveraged voice. Soon, six state and local agencies were called in for remediation. Mayor Marchione later proclaimed "Riparian, as habitat of local importance."  Issue 3: Years later, Lower Bear Creek was threatened by a WSDOT SR520 widening project.  We worked with city and state officials to raise awareness and request funding. The creek was eventually re-aligned to preserve federally protected salmon habitat.  

Years ago, I found Evergreen Hospital's concealed public Board commission's chambers and started attending their meetings and reporting on them.  Public Record Requests revealed an executive/pediatrician's salary of $600,000 and other misfeasance.  In short time, CEO Brown abruptly resigned and the commissioners hired Bob Malte from Colorado Springs as CEO.  Mr. Malte reshuffled personnel and re-branded Evergreen to "EvergreenHealth."  The hospital currently is winning many regional and national awards under Malte's helm. 

Nokomis Club vs. City of Redmond, One Redmond, and NBE

 

Nokomis Club of Redmond needs to raise approximately $25-$50,000 in order to pay for legal fees and representation as they appeal the decision to deny the historic significance of the Nokomis building in Redmond. The hearing appealing the City of Redmond’s “Decision of Non-Significance” is scheduled for July 9th and 10th.
A separate appeal has been filed regarding the EPA’s classification of the building.

If you are interested in helping with their fight, please consider donating funds via PayPal on the Nokomis Club website or through their Crowdrise site (both listed below).

The challenge of declaring the Nokomis Building of Redmond as a historically significant building is raising its head as another “us vs. them” struggle between the citizens of Redmond and the City.  Read More >>

Evergreen Hospital Commissioner incumbent August Kempf copes with State audits during 2011 election

R. August Kempf, Commission Pos 3
Represents Redmond / Sammamish

Editor's Note:  In the October 2, 2011 election Mr. Kempf won 98% of the vote.  

Commissioner August Kempf's financial expertise hasn't appeared to help Evergreen resolve problematic annual state audits.  Should Commissioner Kempf oversee Evergreen Healthcare for another six years? 

Evergreen Hospital is a property-tax supported county hospital.   $24,153,945 in levy monies were collected last year from Redmond, Sammamish, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothel, Duvall and other district property owners.  Most tax dollars fund debt service for growth; a modicum goes to "community healthline services."

"Five publicly elected hospital commissioners have the ultimate responsibility and accountability for the Evergreen district.  Citizens entrust their elected commissioners to approve major financial decisions and provide legal oversight of Evergreen."   But, do they?

R. August "Auggie" Kempf is an incumbent, running unopposed this year.  He's an 11 year commissioner for Evergreen  Hospital and he's asking the electorate for another 6 years on November 8.  If you live in Redmond or Sammamish, "Auggie" is your designated representative.  He runs an insurance, investment and financial planning firm in Redmond with probably the most financial skill sets of the five commissioners.  Mr. Kempf attended seven "Audit and Finance Committee Meetings" last year - more than four commissioners.

Mr. Kempf's financial expertise hasn't appeared to help the hospital pass annual state audits.  The State Auditor's Office (SAO) charged Evergreen in recent years with twice the serious audit "Findings," of Lake Washington School District and City of Redmond combined.   2009 was not a good year either.  The SAO reported 3 findings:

• the hospital was paying contracted staff hourly rates almost double their employed nurses.  SAO recommendations to reduce contracted nurses resulted in an estimated $7.5 million in savings.
• Evergreen collected $1.8 million in cash (deli, pharmacy, gift shop) in 2008.   SAO findings:  internal control weakness increase risk of misappropriation.  Status to be reviewed in 2010 audit.
• "Evergreen Healthcare did not comply with competitive bid laws on two projects totalling $1,223,856 in 2008.  In 2009 the SAO determined corrective actions were taken.

The more distant Audit History during Mr. Kempf's tenure is equally poor:  Read More >>

Lake Washington PTSA announces Special Needs events

from the desk of Julie Shalaby
Chair, LWPTSA - Special Needs

1. FEAT of Washington's Experienced Learning Project
2. Eastside CHADD: Tuesday, April 19th: "Making the Educational System Work for Your Child"
3. Got Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions?
4. DENTAL HEALTH FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
5. FEAT Speaker Series: April 23rd, 2011, 9am-12:00pm
6. Free Behavior Workshop from the Arc of Snohomish County
7. Caring for Loved Ones Under Unique Circumstances
8. Music Therapy—Individual Sessions
9. A.P.P.L.E. Consulting Summer Programs 

Read Details of Each Program >>
READ MORE >>

National "Take-Back Drug" Event In Redmond A Big Success!

Redmond Police Lobby Take-Back 

You may notice unwanted pharmaceuticals accumulating in your cabinet with "no place to go".   Recently, the State Attorney General said we are not to flush pharmaceuticals.  Yet, throwing them in the trash contaminates ground water; and they are a drug abuser's delight.   So how do we safely dispose of our unwanted pharmaceuticals?  The City of Redmond is working hard on this! 

Last Saturday, City Police participated  in a National "Take Back Drug" program with the Drug Enforcement Agency.  According to the two police officers on duty in the Public Safety Building Lobby the event was a success; over 100 citizens dropped off their unwanted pharmaceuticals.  When I visited a half hour before closing, the police pointed to a large brown box (18 inches X 48 inches) completely filled with drugs - going to the incinerator.

The National Take Back Program is a once a year event.   But, other local organizations will take-back your drugs.   The Sammamish Police Department has a lock-box and accepts controlled drugs.  Group Health - Redmond (425-882-6150) and Bartell Drug - Bridal Trails (425-881-5544) take-back all but controlled drugs.  A Group Health -Redmond pharmacist recommended mixing the controlled drugs with water and coffee grounds. 

Sherry Grindeland, spokesperson for Evergreen (Public) Hospital says Evergreen  won't take-back drugs for the community, writing: 

"Hospitals have to follow certain protocols when they discard outdated drugs. We are required by law to have them destroyed and it is quite expensive. (I didn't ask exact amount.) We give them to a company that specializes in this and they're incinerated at extremely high temperatures.

The pharmacists I talked to said the best way to dispose of drugs was to mix them with kitty litter --- USED kitty litter - and put them in your household trash. Yuk!"  7/23

Read More >>

Notes on last night's Evergreen Hospital Public Commission meeting.

OPINION:  Last night, I attended and spoke at the Regular Public Meeting of Evergreen  Hospital.   Many citizens don't know that Evergreen is a King County Public Hospital and district residents pay taxes to Evergreen Hospital. 

The most exciting news from the meeting came at the very end when our elected commissioners formally approved and announced their new CEO, Bob Malte.  (see my press release story).  Mr. Malte is replacing the popular Evergreen CEO Steve Brown.  Malte will start permanently May 10, though he will be attending the black-tie Evergreen Gala fundraiser on May 1.  According to the Evergreen website, the Gala is sold out. 

My favorite part of the meeting was Dr. Wechin's update on Resolution 1000 the "Death with Dignity Act."   Evergreen campus hosts a Hospice Center with family support services.  I attended their support classes when my mother passed from a prolonged battle with three cancers and congestive heart failure.  The support classes are taught by experienced volunteers.  It's advisable to seek professional help if your sadness turns to depression, which was my case. 

Dr. Wechin said 70% of  patients choosing to die under the Act are cancer victims.  20% have ALS, and 10% have heart failure.  The common reasons for their choice are:  1) loss of autonomy, 2) lost of dignity, and 3) loss of ability to participate and enjoy life.   My mother died in Florida.  I'm not sure about the Florida law at that time, but she died a tortuous, tramatic death, almost impossible for our family to endure.  After prayer and without hesitation, I voted for the Act in Washington.  

Less than 1% of Evergreen's hospice patients (10) were dispensed phenobarbital medication last year and 10 died.  So far this year, 6 patients were dispensed medication and 4 died.  Prescriptions cannot be ingested on hospital property.  Most choose to die in their homes.

                                                                                         ###

In my public talk,  I introduced myself as a citizen-journalist and hospital district taxpayer of 32 years.  I explained my public service mission of  "Open Government", bringing government closer to the People.  In light of health care reform (driving higher numbers of insured to hospitals), I questioned the hospital's need for taxes.  A brief chat with a commissioner and staffer afterwards was a helpful start for dialogue.     

We the People (and taxpayers!) are invited to speak to the commissioners at Evergreen Hospital on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The board of five elected-commissioners are receptive and friendly, though their experience with the Public and government reporters appears quite limited, so be patient.  (Disclaimer:  Use of recording devices for accurate reporting by the public and media are not allowed; this policy is under study .)

By Bob Yoder

Robert Malte Named CEO at Evergreen Hospital

ROBERT MALTE NAMED CEO AT EVERGREEN HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER

Bob Malte was formally appointed CEO during the Hospital Commission's Regular Public Meeting on 4/20.  It was announced he would be attending the Evergreen Gala event on May 1 in Marymoor Park. 

Kirkland, Washington – Robert (Bob) Malte of Littleton, Colorado, has been named CEO at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center in Kirkland. A committee that included the hospital board, physicians, and community members picked Malte after extensive interviews. More than 125 people applied for the position. He will begin May 10.

Malte most recently was president and CEO at Exempla Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Prior to that he served as senior vice president at ThedaCare and CEO at Touchpoint Health Plan in Appleton, Wisconsin. He earned a Master of Business Administration at The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business in 1982 and bachelor degree in economics at Ripon College in Wisconsin.

“Many qualified candidates were considered but Bob stood out as the best fit for Evergreen,” said Al DeYoung of Woodinville, president of the Evergreen board. “We are pleased with his leadership expertise, experience and dedication to the community.”

Malte has a strong commitment to community service. He has been a board member of the Colorado Hospital Association since 2007, and serves on the YMCA of Denver Metro board as well as a number of other organizations.

He is married and has two children, 14 and 12. His interests include skiing, long distance cycling, tennis and

Malte replaces Steve Brown who left in February to become President/CEO of the Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pennsylvania.

Evergreen Hospital Press Release
By Sherry Grindeland
Photo By Local Health Guide Online
Photo, Subtitle and Evergreen Gala announcement posted By Yoder

Evergreen Hospital Names Interim CEO

Evergreen Hospital Names Interim CEO:

"Kirkland, WA – Lowell Johnson of Seattle has been selected by the Board of Commissioners to serve as interim chief executive officer at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center in Kirkland. He will be in charge of the healthcare organization’s day-to-day operation while a national search is conducted to replace Steve Brown."  complete story

By Sherry Grindeland
Media Relations Coordinator, Evergreen Hospital 

Hospital picks Evergreen CEO Steve Brown to guide expansion | Penn State News | Local - Centre Daily Times

Hospital picks CEO Steve Brown to guide expansion Penn State News Local - Centre Daily Times

Head of Seattle-area facility has skills overseeing growth.

The CEO who has overseen dramatic growth at Evergreen Hospital, near Seattle  has been selected to guide similar developments as chief executive officer of Mount Nittany Medical Center, PA. 

Steve Brown is credited with overseeing the financial turnaround of Evergreen Hospital Medical Center in Kirkland, Wash., and an expansion in both the hospital’s facilities and services during his eight-year tenure CEO.   Read more

by Nick Malawskey- nmalawsk@centredaily.com
centerdaily.com

CEO Steve Brown expected to leave Evergreen Hospital in February - Search begins for his replacement.

Evergreen Hospital and Medical Center CEO is expected to leave the end of February, 2010 - Search begins for his replacement.

According to the hospital website, "Steve Brown, chief executive officer at Evergreen Hospital since 2002, has announced his resignation to become the President/CEO of the Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pennsylvania." 

Richard Wisniewski, CPA is currently President and CEO of Mt. Nittany Medical Center, according to the Nittany website.  Brown  emailed staff on December 17 that he was stepping down for family and career reasons.  Brown's resignation was abrupt, without a transition team in place.

According to the Evergreen website front page, of January 6:

"In early January, the board will interview and select an executive recruitment firm, which will conduct a nationwide search for qualified candidates.

An internal search committee will be established, consisting of all five board members, two medical staff leaders, two community advisors, and an Evergreen Foundation board member. The internal search committee will work with the recruitment firm to narrow the candidates. We expect the search could take five to six months.

The board will hire an external interim CEO, who will be in charge until the new CEO is hired. It was decided to bring in an interim CEO from outside of Evergreen so as not to disrupt the current work distribution of the executive team, allowing them to continue to focus on the day to day operation of Evergreen.

In Brown’s eight years as Evergreen’s CEO, he has overseen a vast expansion of both facilities and services. Evergreen Hospital added a new Emergency Department, an eight-story patient facility and the five-story DeYoung Pavilion along with development of the Evergreen Neuroscience Institute."

According to records obtained from Evergreen Hospital's Public Disclosure Act Officer, Mr. Brown's 2008 salary and incentive bonus totaled $819,728.01, not counting retirement and other benefits.   Evergreen is a Public Hospital supported, in part, by property taxes.  Brown's salary is 4-6 times higher then the Mayor of Redmond and Superintendent of  Lake Washington School District's individual salaries.

The quoted segments of  this story are currently posted on the front page of the Evergreen webite.  Evergreen's website is subject to change without notice.  The opinions stated or implied are my own,.  1/6/2010. 

(UPDATE:  Evergreen's front page and news page was changed today, 1/7.  Mr. Brown's transition announcement was removed; copy on file).  

by Bob Yoder

Evergreen Hospital CEO Steve Brown to step down in February

Steve Brown's Ribbon cutting ceremony:  clip of  "Santa and his elves" playing with their new $1,750,000 da Vinci robot.

According to the 12/17 online edition of the Kirkland and  Redmond Reporters:

"Steve Brown, chief executive officer at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center since 2002, has announced his resignation to become the President/CEO of the Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pennsylvania.

Brown announced his departure to the Evergreen staff via a personal e-mail. The move, Brown explained, will allow him and his wife to move closer to their families and their grandchildren while giving him a new career challenge.

In Brown’s eight years as Evergreen’s CEO, he has overseen vast expansion of both facilities and services. Evergreen Hospital added a new Emergency Department, an eight-story patient facility and the five-story DeYoung Pavilion along with the development of the Evergreen Neuroscience Institute...."

A press release of Brown's resignation wasn't found on Evergreen's web site, as of 12/17.

CEO Brown's total compensation in 2008 was:  $819,728.01.   Base:  $558,578.40  and  Incentive Bonus:  $261,149.61 (Paid in 2009), as reported by Laurene Burton,  Evergreen's Public Disclosure Act Officer, upon my request.  Retirement and benefits are not included in the total.

Why would anyone want to step down from that salary?  According to the Redmond Reporter, Brown explained he will have a new career challenge and be closer to his grandchildren.

Under the Freedom of Information Act I'm requesting additional information.  Do you think Mr. Brown's salary is appropriate for his position?   Evergreen is a Public Hospital, supported in part by a property tax levy.
by Bob Yoder
(read comments below)

Updated EDITORIAL: I'm taxed out.

Updated, 12/4:  As the holiday season comes upon us, so does the tax season.  Unfortunately, all of our local governments but Evergreen Hospital District  (presently $.24/ 1000) will have their hands out to the taxpayers, at a terrible economic time when we can least afford it.  For perspective, one in four children and one in eight adults are living on food stamps in America.

Watch Redmond citizen J.P. Panesko's forceful 4 minute challenge to the council and mayor requesting spending cuts. The Mayor was noticeably shaken. (advance the video to minute 5:50).

The Lake Washington School District levies and bond measure would raise taxes on an average assessed home by $294 over four years (2010 - 2014); the remainder of the bond ($234 million) is paid down like a mortgage.  The King County Redmond Library would lift the lid on taxes about $40/year for the average home in the school district ($505,000).  If this isn't enough, the Redmond City Council last night approved an ordinance levying a 1% property tax increase commencing January 1, 2010!   My cup has overflowed.  (Though the Evergreen Hospital levy is not a measure this year, taxpayers  currently pay $121.20 for a  home  per year within the LW school district.)

Councilmember Cole claimed the levy funds ($13.25/year/house) were "necessary to keep the city running, especially public safety."  OMG.  The Mayor claimed the city's "long range slow and steady position is Redmond's salvation".  Like a squirrel stuffing his cheeks for a winter?   Councilmember Myers even joined the herd, claiming the ~ $360,000 levy was a very small increase but it can be used to "attract the best and brightest" employees. (In THIS economy?)  Thousands of of qualified workers in Redmond are hungry for work, myself included. 

Councilmember McCormick claimed the $359,198 levy is "tiny", then went on to strike every nerve in my body.   Ms. McCormick  implied the city uses the money to cover rising costs of employee health insurance (!), buy $200,000 traffic signals, and pay employee salaries.  My Oh My!  Many citizens don't have even  basic health insurance.  Some none.  Others, pay $1000/month just for premiums.  Enough said.

Madam President. Mr. Mayor. Have you ever considered implementing salary freezes where you can or cutting COLA's til the worst is over?   It happens all the time. Here's a kinder choice than salary cuts:  One percent of all public works projects goes to pay for art installation on city construction sites -- whether it's a new manhole cover or under a bridge! 

Yes, you now have cap measures on Executive performance bonuses. But, are they implemented?  Yes, the Mayor's salary is substantially below market compared to LWSD Superintendent Kimball and CEO Brown of Evergreen Hospital.  But, does the Mayor's "salary freeze" justify uninterrupted, slow and steady annual salary increases for your employees?   Yes, you've cut 19 jobs, four of them yesterday.  But weren't over nine of them contracted Microsoft workers?  

Praise to the three councilmembers voting against the levy ordinance -- Pat Vache', Kim Allen, and David Carson.  Councilmember Pat Vache' is truly attuned to the business and neighborhood communities.  Vache' commended the Mayor on achieving $2.6M in 'innovative' cuts.  Yet, he claimed the dire state of the economy changed everything and "what is nice to do is not really necessary" under the circumstances.  He wisely noted procedures were in place to tap money in response to an "event".

(NOTE, 1/2/11 - Vache voted FOR the 1% property tax this 2011-12 budget cycle and Myers voted against it). 

While I am not against most of these measures,  I'm taxed out.  How about you?

by Bob Yoder

Fire Drill at the Evergreen Hospital County District Commission Meeting!

I attended my first Evergreen Hospital District Commission meeting last week.  No sooner did I enter the room than fire bells sounded!   The fire alarm was a first for a Board Meeting and a double for me!   This meeting was a "Study Session".   I found them as professional as Redmond council meetings and more formal than the relaxed LW school board  "Work Sessions".  

The Hospital District holds study sessions in their Chambers without video taping them.  The Redmond Council holds their study sessions in Chambers, with LIVE TV, video and audio taping and recorded Minutes.  The LW School Board holds their work sessions in a back room and this Fall, started taking Minutes.   In summation, city council study session governance is the most visible, followed by the hospital district and then school district.

This being my first meeting, I hesitate reporting too much owing to distractions.    

1. Of interest, Mr. Davis, a hospital construction manager, reported 45 construction projects planned or underway.  Evergreen Hospital Medical Center appears it's own little city!   
2. Dr. Weinberg asked for Board Action (on October 20) to:  close the hospital oncology department and contract with Cascade Cancer Center for comprehensive medical oncology services.  My neighbor is a pediatric nurse for the highly regarded Dr. Weinberg and I used to call on him for ADHD sales. 
3. Lake Washington Voc. Tech is expanding allied health, giving the hospital an opportunity for improved visibility there and additional space (400sf) in two years. 
4. The hospital  performance audit will be brought to the public during a November Public Hearing.

Board meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm in the TAN Building #250.  The public has up to 10 minutes, per speaker, to address the Board on 3rd Tuesdays.  Hospital chambers are less intimidating than the towering city hall chambers.  School board chambers are the least intimidating. Regardless, will you turn out at meeting  and share your thoughts and opinions?  Or make a comment below the Blog posts?  Or, send in a story to share at the Blog?   Go for it!      

Everyone was friendly.  Shirley Grindland, Communications put me under her wing.  Steve Brown, CEO and Commissioner Auggie Kemph said hi.  Auggie represents Redmond and Sammamish tax payers.  His email is: auggie@kempfco.com.   Auggie is Chairman of a financial planning, insurance and financial advising company.  He is past President of the Redmond Chamber of Commerce.  (photo on right).

by Bob Yoder

Historical Society "Saturday Speaker Series" Program, Brief History

Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center houses
   the Speaker Series venue and society museum 

For those citizens lucky enough to sit in on a Redmond Historical Society (RHS) Saturday Speaker Series event they might describe their experience "an awakening" to the treasure trove of Redmond history and now current events.   

You don't just see lots of brown & white stills at Series events these days. Years ago, Redmond Historical Society's co-founder Miguel Llanos weaved a rich fabric of multi-media into the Series. Today, its a mix of live and remote presentations and published on YouTube. Miguel also played a significant role in writing and editing the society newsletter with honorable co-founders Naomi Hardy and Margaret Wiese.

Some past speaker topics: the turkey farming industry and moonshine operations; Nike rocket launching; Evergreen Hospital Chair Al DeYoung's story on his lumber business; Ben Franklin owners' story; retired Park and Recreation Director John Couch's description of his Recreation role; David William's "Human and Natural History of Puget Sound book"; and a recent "Redmond Space District" talk.  

 Zesty "Nao" Hardy built a solid foundation for the society recording detailed history on the website, compiling and editing "Redmond Reflections" (2006.) I think she co-founded the Series.  Nao coined the phase "History is happening In Redmond" -- a great motivation for me.  Mayor Marchione  recognized her contributions with a tiny park and kiosk on the corner of Leary and Redmond Way.

It's my understanding Joe Townsend started the Saturday Speaker Series and John Oftebro, the current President of RHS and Executive Vice President Laura Lee Bennett are continuing the tradition.  John re-developed Redmond's museum and is moving the society to Redmond's new Senior & Community Center.  

Background:

Mayor Rosemary Ives cum laude, and Judy Lang played big roles in founding the society, as did Mayor Chris Himes (1980 - 1984.) John Couch, 30-year Park and Recreation Director is doing  invaluable work digitalizing the "Sammamish Valley News." I like to remember Doris Scheibel, Chair of RHS Community Relations; known for her work as City Clerk to four Redmond mayors,1969-1995. She once told me I complained so much, I should run for council. 

-- Story / photo Bob Yoder, 3/29/2007, edited 5/20/2024