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Candidate Biographies & Statements
Cassie Knavel's Biography:
Cassie’s early career, coupled with a degree in restoration, supported Nebraska’s Natural Resource Districts by coordinating cost-share, stream rehabilitation, and habitat improvement programs. She took a jaunt to instruct with Teach For America and co-create a district-wide curriculum while earning her masters in instruction. Currently, Cassie advocates to protect our community’s environment with the Washington State Department of Agriculture. She supports rulemaking projects and covers national priorities and high-profile and emotionally charged issues surrounding invasive species. Cassie has been honored as Washingtonian of the Day twice. In her free time, she recreates outdoors and serves with Union Church.
Cassie Knavel's Statement:
I have over 10 years of professional experience developing environmentally rooted multi-year strategic plans representing underserved populations, multi-interest groups, and government agencies. My research, data analysis, recommendation, and community engagement skills have supported successful invasive species, northern giant hornet and spongy moth, eradication programs. I’ve received over 20 awards. I transform complex ideas into clear, inspiring narratives that culminated when 700 volunteers committed to a multi-year trapping program. I’ve co-published articles and advanced working groups to create multi-agency action plans to negate agricultural and environmental economic impacts. I advocate for protecting natural resources, supporting farming sustainability, and promoting landowner stewardship.
Mindy Roberts' Biography:
Mindy has lived in Pierce County for 26 years and brings a deep background in natural resource management. For over 20 years, she designed water quality monitoring, management, and salmon habitat recovery plans, including for South Prairie Creek. She is a registered professional engineer with degrees in civil/environmental engineering. Mindy currently works on regional and state pollution and habitat policy. In her personal life, she has installed rain gardens on her own property and planted her yard with native vegetation, both through PCD programs. She values the fresh local food available through her long-time Puyallup Valley farm share.
Mindy Roberts' Statement:
It would be a privilege to serve on the Board of Supervisors. Pierce Conservation District plays a vital role in conserving natural resources to support communities and to ensure future generations experience what we value today – local sustainable food systems, healthy wildlife habitat, and people engaged and making a difference. I would help build on the long record of success by bringing enthusiasm and experience in (1) organizational strategic planning, (2) growing programs through budget advocacy, and (3) deepening respectful relationships with and among Tribes, state agencies, other local governments, and communities of growers, volunteers, and landowners.
Patricia Villa's Biography:
In my lifetime I have managed, operated, and started several small businesses. I have created farmers' markets throughout the county including Orting, South Hill/Graham, and University Place, and managed Puyallup and Ruston markets. This led to my service on multiple boards, including two terms on Conservation Futures Advisory Board, TPCHD Food Advisory Board, the Agricultural Round Table, the Puyallup Watershed Initiative Board and Agricultural and Just and Healthy Foods Communities of Interest. I worked to create the first Agricultural Tourism Map for Pierce County and worked with the Pierce Conservation District on the Pierce County Fresh program.
Patricia Villa's Statement:
When asked to consider this role, I felt that this was a natural continuation of my many years of community service. The Conservation District’s programs include Farming, Harvest Pierce County, and Community Gardens. This is exactly where my experience lies! Additionally, my beliefs align with the District’s goals of clean water, thriving habitat, education, and community engagement. I’m a small business owner that supports farmers, local organizations, and communities through my work with Farmers Markets throughout the county. I believe that my board experience and proven management skills will help this excellent organization. I respectfully ask for your vote.
Eric Watson's Biography:
Sumner High graduate of 82, owner of small business in salvage and recycling since 2006. Im an honest out going family man who in spare time went to Pierce College practiced welding, social studies which gives me a wide range of abilities to help out individuals and our society. My business is Listed in the Department of Ecology in the recycling area for pick up or receive pallets, cardboard bales, electronics, vehicles and transporting a small excavator for cleanup and ditch digging. Work crew allow me to have an open calendar for volunteer work to make our area better again.
Eric Watson's Statement:
The opportunity to do this would be my first step in making the area a better place with this new work, giving me a new look at what needs to be done and work with the candidates as a team with great opportunities in the future to come.