Board Member Profiles
Ms. Bertha Ortega
Chair of the BoardBertha Ortega received her BA in Spanish and her Secondary Teaching Certificate from the University of Washington. She took postgraduate courses in Childhood Education and Communication at Eastern Washington University and Central Washington University. Bertha received her Masters of Education from Fort Wright College in Spokane.
In 1981 Bertha became a founding member of Heritage University in Toppenish, Washington. She served as Dean of Students until 1995, at which time she accepted the position of Assistant Vice President for Community Relations. Ms. Ortega is currently the Vice President for External and Academic Affairs.
Prior to her affiliation with Heritage University, Bertha served in several other educational positions, always keeping the needs of students at the forefront of her endeavors.
Original Appointment: October 14, 2002
Term Expires: September 30, 2013
Hometown: Zillah, WA
Profession: Higher Education Administrator
Committee Assignments:- Chair, Executive Committee
- Ex-Officio Member, Academic Affairs
- Ex-Officio Member, Advancement
- Ex-Officio Member, Business & Finance
- Ex-Officio Member, Student Affairs
- Diversity Initiative Representative
Ms. Jo Ann Kauffman
TrusteeJo Ann Kauffman is the owner and chief executive of Kauffman & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in assisting and advising non-profit agencies, tribes, national American Indian organizations and other public interest groups on federal policy, government relations, facilities development, strategic planning, health research, environmental protection and services development for their communities.
Ms. Kauffman is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe, and she holds a master's degree in public health (planning, policy and regulation) from the School of Public Health at the University of California-Berkeley and a bachelor's degree in human services planning (community development and Indian Studies, Fairhaven College) from Western Washington University.
Original Appointment: December 1, 2003
Term Expires: September 30, 2015
Hometown: Spokane, WA
Profession: Consultant
Committee Assignments:- Chair, Student Affairs
- Academic Affairs
- Advancement
Dr. Mark Mays
TrusteeMark Mays is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Spokane. He is a longtime resident of the Spokane area, and has been active in numerous community efforts. He is a leader in the fields of health care and education.
Mark served on Eastern's Board of Trustees previously from 1997 - 2003. During that time he actively served on numerous board committees and served as Chair of the Board during academic year 2001-2002.
Original Appointment: March 4, 2010
Appointments: 1997-2003; 2010-2015
Term Expires: September 30, 2015
Hometown: Spokane, WA
Profession: Clinical Psychologist
Committee Assignments:- Chair, Academic Affairs
- Student Affairs
Ms. Kris Mikkelsen
TrusteeKris Mikkelsen is the CEO of Inland Power & Light, Spokane. She is a graduate of Eastern Washington University.
She has been active in a variety of other community roles and currently serves on the board of directors of the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce. She is also the board chair of Northwest Requirements Utilities.
Original Appointment: March 15, 2001
Term Expires: September 30, 2012
Hometown: Spokane, WA
Profession: Management
Committee Assignments:- Chair, Advancement
- Business & Finance
- Investment Advisory Committee
- Board Representative to the EWU Foundation Board
Mr. Paul Tanaka
Vice Chair of the BoardPaul Tanaka is currently happily retired, following a 30-year career at King County. During his time at King County, Mr. Tanaka served as Public Works Director, Deputy County Executive, and County Administrative Officer. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies from Yale University in 1974, and his Masters in Public Administration from the University of Washington in 1977.
Original Appointment: July 1, 2002
Term Expires: September 30, 2017
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Profession: Administrative Management
Committee Assignments:- Advancement
- Chair, Business & Finance
- Chair, Investment Advisory Committee
- Medals & Awards Committee
Robert H. Whaley, United States District Judge
TrusteeJudge Whaley currently serves as a Senior United States District Judge in the Eastern District of Washington. He was nominated by President Clinton on May 24, 1995, and confirmed by the United States Senate on June 30, 1995, and appointed by the President on June 30, 1995. Judge Whaley served as chief judge from August 1, 2005 to July 12, 2009.
Prior to his federal judicial appointment, Judge Whaley served as a Superior Court Judge in Spokane County from 1992-1995. Early in his legal career, Judge Whaley was a trial attorney with the Department of Justice in the Land and Natural Resources Division. He served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Washington for two years in the early 1970's and was in private practice for twenty years before being appointed to the Superior Court bench.
Judge Whaley went to undergraduate school at Princeton University and earned his A.B. in 1965. He graduated from Emory University School of Law in 1968, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Original Appointment: October 10, 2011
Term Expires: September 30, 2017
Hometown: Spokane, WA
Profession: Judge
Committee Assignments:- Academic Affairs
- Advancement
Ms. Ines Zozaya-Geist
TrusteeInes Zozaya-Geist grew up in the Columbia Basin area, graduated from Connell High School and earned a B.A. in business administration from Eastern in 1986. She has been a senior consultant with Lockheed Martin Services, Inc., Richland, since 1997. She was previously manager of the Solution Center at Richland's Boeing Computer Services.
Ms. Zozaya-Geist was Boeing's Woman of the Year in 1996, is a graduate of The Boeing Executive Potential Program, has served as Lockheed Martin's March of Dimes coordinator, and volunteers with Junior Achievement. Ms. Zozaya-Geist has served as a board member on the Christ The King Home & School Association (PTO) since 2003, where her children attend school.
Original Appointment: March 12, 2001
Term Expires: September 30, 2012
Hometown: Richland, WA
Profession: Consultant
Committee Assignments:- Business & Finance
- Student Affairs
- Chair, EWU Early Head Start Board
Mr. Patrick Spanner
Student TrusteePatrick Spanner is the thirteenth student trustee for Eastern Washington University (EWU). He was born and raised in Richland, Washington, and graduated from Hanford High School. Currently a senior at EWU, Mr. Spanner is working toward a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science and hopes to pursue a career in Information Technology as a computer programmer or a network engineer. He is an active member of Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity, served two terms as the Associated Students of Eastern Washington University (ASEWU) Finance Vice President, and participated on various committees including the Student Technology Fee Committee, the ASEWU Finance Committee and as Chair of the Services and Activities Fee Committee. He credits Eastern with the many opportunities that have allowed him to grow as both a leader and as a member of the community. As a student trustee, Mr. Spanner will continue his support of EWU's mission while actively engaging with the student body.
Original Appointment: July 5, 2011
Term Expires: June 30, 2012
Hometown: Richland, Washington
Profession: Student
Committee Assignments:- Academic Affairs
- Student Affairs
Share this page