February 3, 2025

Board Spotlight

Two new board members have been added to the 2025 slate of EDB Board members.  Joining the board are Heidi Kilhman and Ryan Mello.

Kihlman, principal at BCRA

In her role, Heidi helps in running the day-to-day operations of the company while bringing in new clients and project opportunities in the door. She has nearly 27 years of experience in the interior and architectural design industry.  With specific experience in customer-centric projects, she has spent much of her career working on retail and hospitality projects centered around experiential design. She brings a wealth of knowledge in retail, restaurant and commercial design and development, as well as planning and forecasting, scheduling, budgeting, and project/design management. An advocate of strong communication, Heidi adds empathy to the design process by being focused on listening and delivery.

From the moment I moved to Tacoma from Seattle 20 years ago, I instantly knew this was home. There was instant pride in the community I was going to raise my children in.  Like many other organizations I have been involved in over the years, I see EDB as an opportunity to contribute to my community and make where we live a better place through economic growth. There is a great opportunity for Tacoma Pierce County to attract new businesses, conserve existing and established businesses and create jobs. I am passionate about where I live and want to take an active role improving the quality of life. I want Tacoma to flourish and thrive for all to enjoy.”

“As a person who has owned more than one business in Tacoma and is currently part owner of a local architecture and engineering company, I understand what it takes to start, open and maintain a business in the community. In my day-to-day, I also have the unique opportunity to work with small and large business owners on the design, development and construction, and understand the policies and initiatives that directly impact development in the community. I believe my experiences will bring a different perspective for business leaders and the Economic Development Board. As a member of the EDB, I would like to help inform policy that attracts new businesses, supports existing businesses, and stimulates growth. I want to support opportunities for investment, and I look forward to collaborating with like-minded individuals.”

Heidi is a resident of Tacoma, where she is raising three kids along with her husband Steve.

Ryan Mello, Pierce County Executive

Newly elected, Ryan Mello began his role as Pierce County Executive in early January.  Following years of service in Pierce County from a Peace Corp Coordinator of the United Way’s Youth United program, through his twelve years as the ED of the Pierce Conservation District, serving four years as a Tacoma City Council member and numerous other roles, Mello brings a vast knowledge of Pierce County government.

“The EDB plays an essential role in attracting new employers and growing our existing businesses and I am excited to do my part. When the EDB succeeds, Pierce County families succeed. When Pierce County families succeed, Pierce County succeeds. Through my work and leadership as the Executive, I can bring coordination with county departments, resources, and alignment.”

“Jobs that pay well – jobs you can raise a family on – are essential for our growing region. My goal for all our residents is a good paying job closer to home so people are not spending 90 minutes one way getting to work. That makes for stronger communities, healthier families, and a better quality of life for everyone.”

“So much of economic development is promoting Pierce County as a great place to live and do business. And great talent wants to be in places that are safe, have great schools, with a great quality of life. These are all things local government is responsible for delivering every day. At the same time, these are also the things that bring new great employers here – employers who pay well and treat their employees well.”

“There are three key objectives I’d like to achieve as an EDB board member.  First, I want to help attract employers in a more effective and thoughtful way. Second, I think we can do a better job of linking the importance of the quality of life that exists here in Pierce County to how that makes our region a great place to do business.  And, last, I’m determined to recruit many more employers who provide high-paying jobs, while also supporting the growth of our existing employers”

Born in Kailua, Hawaii, he moved to Tacoma in 1997 to attend the University of Puget Sound where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics & Government.  Mello and his partner live in the Theater District of Tacoma and enjoy supporting local sports teams, local small businesses, the arts and hiking.

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