Judy Cole is the Director of Business and Public Affairs for Avista Utilities.

In her 30-year career with the utility, Judy has led the corporation’s activities in public policy, municipal relations, communications, issues and crisis management, and community relations.

In her current role, she directs the activities of business and public affairs. In addition, she leads the corporation’s efforts in economic development.

Avista has a long-term tradition in its economic development involvement. The company contributes to the growth of its communities as a corporate partner and resource. Strategies are regionally specific throughout its Washington, Idaho and Oregon service territory and targeted to provide the greatest sustainable economic lift.

Judy joined the Empire Health Services board because of her firm belief that the region needs to be served by two viable health care systems and that EHS must continue to strengthen its position in the region’s economy.

James J. Gerding, M.D., is a 30-year member and senior partner in the medical group, Anesthesia Associates, P.S.  This group covers the Empire Health Services hospitals Deaconess Medical Center and Valley Hospital and Medical Center.  Dr. Gerding is a past president of Anesthesia Associates, P.S., a past chairman of the Department of Anesthesia at Deaconess and has served on both the Executive and Obstetrical committees.  He is a current member of the Board of Directors and Physician Advisory Committee at Deaconess, the Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists, the Washington State Medical Association, and the Spokane County Medical Society.  Dr. Gerding is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, a diplomat of the American Board of Anesthesiologists and a fellow of the American College of Anesthesiologists. Dr. Gerding is a graduate of  the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis.

Anne Hirsch is the associate dean for academic affairs at the Intercollegiate College of Nursing. As associate dean, she is responsible for all academic programs, students and faculty at the ICN. Prior to joining ICN, she was associate dean for 14 years at Pacific Lutheran University. She has also taught at Thomas More College in Kentucky and the University of Cincinnati.  Before her academic career, Hirsch worked as a critical care nurse (ICU, CCU and ER) in Seattle and Anacortes. She currently practices as a family nurse practitioner at the People’s Clinic, the YWCA and the ICN.

Pierre P. Leimgruber, MD, FACC,  is an interventional cardiologist, board-certified in Cardiovascular Diseases, Interventional Cardiology and Internal Medicine.   He is past president of  Spokane Cardiology, having joined in 1985.  He is currently medical director of research for the Northwest Cardiovascular Research Institute, Co-director of the Cardiac Interdisciplinary Team at Deaconess, as well as director of interventional cardiology.  

Affiliations include Fellowship in the American College of Cardiology, member of the American Medical Association and Rotary Club 21, and advisor for Spokane Community College invasive cardiovascular technician program.

Dr. Norquist is an orthopaedic surgeon.  He is a partner of Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists, joining in 1986. He is past president of the medical staff of Valley Hospital and Medical Center and past chairman of the VHMC Surgery Services Committee.  Other associations include being president-elect of the Spokane County Medical Society and a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Washington State Orthopaedic Association and the North Pacific Orthopaedic Association. Dr. Norquist earned his MD from the University of Southern California Medical School in 1975, then interned and did his residency at the University of Washington.

William H. (Bill) Payne joined Avista Corp. in April of 1998 as an Internal Auditor and was promoted to Director of Internal Audit in December of 1999.  He reports to the Board of Directors’ Audit Committee and Gary Ely, CEO and Chairman of the Board.  Prior to joining Avista, he was Vice President of Finance and Treasurer for Group Health Northwest.  During his seven-year tenure he had overall responsibility for financial, accounting, informational system and human resource activities at the then 190,000 member HMO. Mr. Payne has also managed a small business was an Instructor of Accounting at the University of Montana and an Assistant Professor of Accounting at Whitworth College.

Mr. Senske joined Pearson Packaging Systems on May 19, 1997.  During his tenure at Pearson Packaging Systems, he has held a wide variety of positions including Director of Business Development and Vice President Sales & Marketing.  Mr. Senske assumed the role of President & CEO on January 13th, 2003.  Prior to working at Pearson Packaging Systems, he worked in the Product Support Services division of the Consumer Division Unit at Microsoft Corporation.  Mr. Senske graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Washington, and he is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Owner/President Management Program.  Mr. Senske currently serves on the Board of Directors for Empire Health Services, the International Trade Alliance, and the Spokane Workforce Development Council.

Perry M. Taylor, PE, has specialized in the design of military, private and public works improvements for over 30 years.  His first eight years were in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Construction Project Officer in Europe and as a Combat Engineer Company Commander in Vietnam.  He then became a consulting engineer in private developments and public works projects.  After founding Taylor Engineering, Inc. in 1985, his firm has become one of the largest and most diversified civil engineering and surveying firms in Eastern Washington.  Mr. Taylor has designed public works, airport and highway projects from Saudi Arabia to Anchorage, Alaska.  Since 1985, Taylor Engineering, Inc. has designed, surveyed and/or construction managed over one thousand commercial, residential, industrial, institutional and recreational projects.

Mike has served as a member, and often as an officer, on many professional and community service organizations.  As a Board Chairman for Empire Health Services, is proactive in the governance and community relations activities of this major community hospital and medical services institution. 

R. Ron Wells, is the owner of Wells and Company, a private practice of real estate investment, property development, and architecture.  He is also the Board Chair and founder of WS Hospitality, owners of the Steam Plant Grill, Coeur d’Alene Brewpub, the Moscow Alehouse and Coeur d’Alene Brewing Company.  

His commitment to the development of Spokane and the region is demonstrated by board membership in the AIA Spokane Chamber, Northwest Regional Facilitators, Downtown Spokane Partnership, Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, Leadership Spokane, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Downtown Spokane Ventures, and Inland Northwest Health Services. He is also a member of the Mayor’s Downtown Housing Task Force, Downtown Housing Capital Needs Committee, and the Spokane City/County Historic Landmarks Commission.