Welcome to the American Leadership Forum (ALF) of Tacoma/Pierce County. ALF brings together diverse, established leaders from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to build trust, foster collaboration, and tackle our community’s most pressing challenges. This directory is the first step in building mutual understanding for the year ahead—an introduction to the remarkable individuals who will challenge, support, and inspire one another.
Class XXXII Directory
Use this guide to learn about your colleagues, recognize opportunities for connection, and plant the seeds for future partnerships and collaborative problem-solving.
Class Bios
Courtney Acoff
With over five years of governmental experience and two decades of community service, Courtney Acoff is a dedicated leader in the South Sound. In her current role, she leads and maintains relationships with state, federal, local, tribal, and military partners to advance the institutional objectives of UW Tacoma. Reporting directly to the Chancellor, she provides executive-level oversight of external relations and builds critical partnerships. Prior to this, Courtney served as the Pierce County District Representative for former Congressman Derek Kilmer. Deeply committed to the community that raised her, she serves on the boards of the College Success Foundation and Tacoma Pierce County Habitat for Humanity. A woman of faith, she enjoys watching her two children, Kiara and Kingston, grow and become great humans.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Government & External Relations
- Community Engagement & Partnership Building
- Strategic Advocacy
Kaarin Austin
Kaarin Austin is the Founding Director of the Washington News Fund, a new organization dedicated to revitalizing local journalism across the state. She leads efforts to unite donors and foundations to strengthen local news and information access for communities. Her leadership is backed by more than a decade of experience in fundraising at Pacific Lutheran University and KNKX Public Radio. She serves as President of the Grand Cinema Board of Directors and President of the Franklin Elementary PTSA. Kaarin and her husband, Andrew, are raising their two children in Tacoma, and she enjoys movies at the Grand and family time on the slopes.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Nonprofit Leadership & Fundraising
- Strategic Partnership Development
- Community & Board Engagement
Amanda Burrows
As Principal of Financial Insights Wealth Management, Amanda Burrows brings more than 16 years of experience in financial services. She provides comprehensive wealth management and financial planning to high-net-worth clients and oversees the firm’s tax department. Previously, she spent a decade with JPMorgan in the Chase Private Client division. Amanda serves on the Board of Rotary 8 in Tacoma. She and her spouse, Richard, are parents to Ruby and Rico—and they’re also managed (and mildly outnumbered) by their puppy, Cheddar.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Wealth Management & Financial Planning
- Financial Services Leadership
- Client Relationship Management
India Clark
India Clark is a builder dedicated to expanding access to homeownership. As the founder of Attainable Housing Solutions, she leads community-rooted housing developments across Washington State, driven by a passion for helping others build long-term stability. She also leads Northwest Investment Partners, a commercial brokerage supporting small businesses, nonprofits, and community investors in securing property. Originally from South Carolina, India has called Washington home since 2012. She and her husband run a family construction business grounded in faith and service and live in Pierce County with their two children.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Real Estate Development & Investment
- Affordable Housing Solutions
- Small Business & Nonprofit Brokerage
Christina Curran
Christina Curran has served the City of Tacoma since 2013. She leads the Rates and Budget Team within Environmental Services, managing the financial health of Solid Waste, Stormwater, and Wastewater utilities. She began as a Management Fellow in the City Manager’s Office, then served in the Office of Management & Budget. Before public service, Christina was a 2010 Teach For America corps member in Tulsa, teaching preschool to low-income students. She holds an MPA from the University of Kansas and lives in Gig Harbor with her husband and sons.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Public Sector Financial Management
- Utility Rate & Budget Management
- Public Administration & Policy
Kiara Daniels
Kiara Daniels is a housing champion and community developer from Tacoma who recently transitioned from serving as a City Council Member and Deputy Mayor to a full-time career as a housing developer. Her work focuses on attainable homeownership opportunities in Pierce County, particularly for moderate-income buyers and “missing middle” households. She operates at the intersection of policy, community, and real estate, leveraging government experience to bridge public-sector goals with on-the-ground development. Her background includes organizing and nonprofit leadership, with a deep commitment to pathways for Black builders and families. Outside of work, Kiara is a foodie, a creative thinker, and someone who genuinely enjoys solving complex problems.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Housing Development & Policy
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Community Development
Alex Davis
Alex Davis is a passionate leader, entrepreneur, and pastor with a vision for empowering his community. For over 12 years, he has served as pastor of Eastside Assembly of Believers Church in Tacoma, founded by his father in 1964. His community commitment extends through multiple initiatives: Program Director of the Confident Youth Program, co-founder of the James Matthew Commission SPC providing emergency placement for youth in foster care, and owner-operator of Jed’s Big Slice Pizza Truck. Alex serves on several boards, including the Franklin Pierce School Board. He is an author, husband to Tralayne, and father of three.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Community & Faith-Based Leadership
- Youth Program Development
- Entrepreneurship & Social Enterprise
Monique Dubose
Monique N. Dubose serves as Regional Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, supporting youth mentoring programs across Pierce and Kitsap Counties. Her leadership is shaped by over 20 years in service-driven environments and grounded in community, equity, and relationships. Faith is central to her leadership, and she is active at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Monique is a member of the Tacoma Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and founder of The Resilient You, LLC, a coaching and training firm. Married to James for 23 years, she is the proud mother of Monee’ (a junior at Clark Atlanta University) and enjoys relaxing with her Shih Tzu, Prince.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Nonprofit Management & Strategy
- Youth Mentorship & Development
- Resilience Coaching & Leadership Training
Brandon Ervin
Brandon Ervin is an executive coach, education leader, and consultant with over 15 years of experience leading complex systems change across K-12, nonprofit, tribal, and corporate sectors. As Founder and Principal Consultant of Ervin Consulting Group, he partners with executive leaders and organizations to strengthen governance, align strategy, and drive sustainable, equity-centered performance. Rooted in Tacoma, he has served as a school administrator leading districtwide counseling and career readiness initiatives. For over a decade, Brandon has served as President and Board Member of the Tacoma Community College Foundation and held board leadership roles with other local colleges. He is a proud husband and father, and partner to fellow ALF member Dr. Tafona Ervin.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Executive Coaching & Leadership Development
- Strategic Planning & Systems Change
- Nonprofit Governance & Board Leadership
Chantell Harmon Reed
Chantell Harmon Reed is the Director of Public Health for the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, a position she began in February 2024. She leverages over 25 years of business management and nearly 20 years of healthcare administration experience to advance community health and equity. Her leadership background includes serving as Deputy Director of Health in Multnomah County and New Orleans. A dedicated community volunteer, Chantell previously served as Captain of the Krewe of Harmonia. Now residing in the Pacific Northwest, she is a proud mother of two who enjoys cheering at football games and nurturing her collection of houseplants.
- Public Health Leadership & Administration
- Community Health Equity
- Behavioral Health & Community Initiatives
Tamyra Howser
Tamyra Howser Vice President of College Relations for Tacoma Community College (TCC). Adopted from Seoul, South Korea and raised in Hawaii, she began her career as a journalist for The News Tribune before transitioning into communications, joining TCC in 2015. A product of the community college system, Tamyra is passionate about serving students and supporting shared goals to improve the community. She earned her M.A. in Leadership and Communication from Gonzaga University and has served as adjunct faculty at the University of Washington. Tamyra is married to Kirk Harris and is the proud mom of her daughter, Anna, her beloved dog, Charlie, and three cats.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Marketing & Strategic Communications
- Higher Education Leadership
- Government & Community Relations
Fahren Johnson
Fahren Johnson brings over 25 years of expertise in youth and community development to her role as CEO of Amara. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to ensuring the voices of communities, children, and families are central to the work. Previously, she was Strategy and Partnerships Director at School’s Out Washington, advancing equity for youth and driving policy for sustainable youth development systems. She also launched and led the Pierce County Out of School Time Intermediary. A native of Tacoma, Fahren has been married for over 30 years and is a mother of four, a bonus daughter, and grandmother to eight.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Youth & Community Development
- Nonprofit Executive Leadership
- Policy Advocacy & Systems Building
Aimee Khuu
Aimee Khuu leads Tacoma Community House, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing equity and opportunity for immigrants, refugees, and the wider Pierce County community. She brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community partnership building, with a commitment to dignity-centered systems change. Aimee focuses on strengthening integrated services that support economic stability and civic engagement, and believes leadership is most powerful when it is shared, values-driven, and deeply human. Outside of work, she values time with family and friends and stays grounded by running after her two young sons, Shiraz and Reza.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Nonprofit Executive Leadership
- Fundraising & Community Partnership
- Systems Change & Equity Advocacy
Amita Lonial
As Director of Tacoma Public Library, Amita Lonial is a nationally recognized library leader with over 15 years of experience in public libraries across the country. Before librarianship, she spent nearly a decade in the nonprofit sector with grassroots organizations focused on community organizing for racial and economic justice. Amita has served in leadership roles with the American Library Association and the Government Alliance on Race and Equity, and locally served as Treasurer for the Hilltop Action Coalition. Off the clock, she enjoys playing video games with her ten-year-old, singing karaoke in dive bars, and reading.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Public Library Leadership & Management
- Community Organizing & Advocacy
- Racial & Economic Justice Initiatives
Thuli Lushaba
Thuli Lushaba brings nearly 15 years of experience building inclusive pathways in Washington’s construction and education sectors. At Korsmo Construction, she leads regional initiatives to expand economic mobility, strengthen community partnerships, and create access for underrepresented businesses and students. Born and raised in South Africa, her leadership is shaped by a global perspective. She serves on multiple boards, including as President for the Clover Park Technical College Foundation. In 2024, she received the 2025 IDEA Champion Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals South Sound Chapter. Thuli is an avid traveler, recently backpacked solo through Central America, and is training to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Workforce Development & Inclusive Pathways
- Strategic Partnership & Economic Mobility
- Nonprofit Board Leadership
Derek J. Moore
Derek Moore has been with Microsoft since 1998, bringing over 30 years of leadership and technology experience to his role as a Director. He supports Microsoft’s strategic customers by building a team focused on leveraging AI agents to create the best possible support experience. In prior roles, he led over 200 people worldwide and partnered with Fortune 500 companies on integrated support models. Before corporate life, Derek managed large-scale computer systems for the United States Air Force. Outside of work, he enjoys playing drums and ice hockey, hiking, traveling, and spending time with his 180-pound Labrador retriever, Ray.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Technology Leadership & AI Integration
- Global Team Management
- Strategic Customer Support
Krista Perez
Krista Perez is a small business owner, author, and community advocate who serves as the Strategic Partnerships Manager for the Washington State Department of Commerce. In this role, she leads integrated service delivery and cross-sector systems transformation for the Community Reinvestment Program (CRP), aligning workforce, economic development, community safety, and legal aid systems to better serve historically marginalized communities. With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, Krista translates her family’s legacy, rooted in Guadalajara and the migrant labor fields of Walla Walla, into a career focused on economic equity and systemic advocacy. Her leadership spans both the public and private sectors; she founded the Tacoma Women of Color Collective and Perez Consulting, a DEAI-centered firm, while also co-founding The Community Market.
Prior to her leadership at the state level, Krista served as a paralegal and housing navigator, providing her with a grounded perspective on the intersection of policy and people. A University of Washington alumna, she published her book, Unearthing Our Roots, in 2021. At home on Tacoma’s Eastside, Krista is a proud mother to her two children, ages 8 and 4. Together, they love exploring their neighborhood and nurturing the deep community ties they have built in the city.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Economic & Workforce Development
- Entrepreneurship & Small Business Advocacy
- Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion (DEAI) Consulting
Malando Redeemer
Malando Redeemer is President of the Tacoma Branch NAACP, becoming the youngest branch president in its history and in the nation upon his selection. He also serves as Youth and Young Adult Pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church. With approximately ten years of experience in ministry and youth mentorship, his work focuses on empowering the next generation and creating pathways for Black and Brown families to thrive. He serves as President-Elect of the Associated Ministries Board of Directors and on multiple other boards. Malando is married to his wife, Lynese, and enjoys listening to music and watching history documentaries.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Community Activism & Civil Rights
- Youth Mentorship & Leadership
- Faith-Based Community Service
Jon Rose
Jon Rose has served as Finance and Administration Manager for the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) since 2017. With over 20 years of experience, he advises the Executive Director and Board on strategy and financial risk while leading cross-functional teams in accounting, HR, and Public Works. He also provided state-level policy leadership as chair of the Small Works Committee within the State’s Capital Projects Advisory Review Board. Jon and his wife, Laura, have lived in Pierce County for over 20 years, raising two school-age daughters in an environment that prioritizes creativity, music, art, and literature.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Fiscal Management & Strategic Planning
- Organizational Leadership
- Public Sector Administration
Tono Sablan
Tono Sablan was appointed Executive Director of the LeMay Family Collection Foundation in 2023. A proud lifelong resident of Parkland, he built his career in the nonprofit sector with a focus on philanthropy, community development, and education. He serves on the boards of the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation and Degrees of Change. Previously, he was elected to the Franklin Pierce Schools board (his alma mater), serving as President and becoming the first Chamorro to hold the role. If he’s not out in Parkland, you can find Tono watching a movie at the Grand Cinema or rooting for the Sacramento Kings.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Nonprofit Executive Leadership
- Philanthropy & Community Development
- Education & Public Administration
Shannon Shea
Shannon A. Shea, Ph.D., has served as Executive Director of Tacoma Community Boat Builders (TBB) since 2015. Her career is rooted in social justice and human rights, with leadership experience spanning rural health, refugee services, and youth programs in Mexico and East Africa. At TBB, she guided the organization through the pandemic and led a strategic reassessment to strengthen its DEI work with court-involved and marginalized youth. Dr. Shea is a founding leader of the Youth Serving Agencies Network and played a key role in the Imagine Justice Project. She lives with TBB’s therapy dog, Leo, and a foundling cat named Earl.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Nonprofit Leadership & Capacity Building
- Social Justice & Youth Advocacy
- Strategic Program Development
Tricia Speid
Tricia Speid is a strategic leader dedicated to advancing education and justice. As CEO of Palmer Scholars, she guides efforts to help young people realize their potential and positively impact their communities. Her leadership is rooted in collective responsibility and the belief that strong relationships drive meaningful change. Her career includes roles in K-12 and higher education, nonprofit leadership, and consulting. As a Caribbean immigrant, first-generation college graduate, and mother of two, Tricia brings a relational, justice-centered approach to her work. She holds master’s degrees from UCLA and UC Berkeley and finds joy in cooking, dance, meditation, and time near the water.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Nonprofit & Education Leadership
- Organizational Change & Culture Building
- Student Access & Success
Avonne Waweru
Avonne N. Waweru is a seasoned healthcare professional with over a decade of experience in business operations, start-up development, and patient-centered innovation. At Indigenous Pact, she leads member engagement services across care communities in Washington State and supports the operationalization of new medication-assisted treatment programs. Previously, she was Director of Operations at We Care Daily Clinics (Muckleshoot Tribe), leading operational efficiencies and strategic growth. Her earlier roles at MultiCare Health Systems included Manager of Continuous Improvement. Avonne is passionate about improving healthcare systems and reducing barriers to care through collaboration and equity.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Healthcare Operations & Program Development
- Continuous Improvement & Process Strategy
- Patient Engagement & Access to Care
Jaire Winesberry
Jaire Winesberry is a communications professional with over 15 years of experience helping organizations connect with the people they serve. With the Pierce County Council, he supports public awareness and participation through accessible web content, multimedia storytelling, and media relations. A U.S. Army Veteran, Jaire has a background in UX design, digital production, and program leadership. He’s interested in pairing user-centered design with practical communication strategy to optimize audience engagement. Born and raised in Pierce County, Jaire is a proud father to his student-athlete son, Zaire. When not busy with escape rooms, he loves to cook, travel, and dance salsa.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Strategic Communications & Public Engagement
- User Experience (UX) Design
- Multimedia Storytelling
Ethan Wing
Ethan Wing has spent 23 years as a real estate advisor in Tacoma, helping people find their own best definition of “home.” Born in Brooklyn and raised between New York and Kentucky, he lived in multiple countries before settling in Tacoma—his ideal balance of big city and small town. He shares a business with his adult son and renovates affordable starter homes as a side project. Grounded in empathy and collaboration, Ethan is focused on turning ideas into action. He plans to build starter homes to address the local housing crisis and is co-creating an annual fundraiser to support Tacoma-based artists.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Real Estate Advisory & Investment
- Affordable Housing Development
- Community-Focused Project Creation
Joining a Network of Impact
Completing the yearlong Fellows Program is not an end, but a beginning. Upon graduation, you will join an extensive and deeply connected network of over 640 Senior Fellows from 31 classes. This network provides ongoing peer mentorship, access to collective wisdom, and shared resources for leaders dedicated to tackling complex regional issues. As members of Class XXXII, you are now part of this legacy. We are confident that you will leverage the relationships forged in this program and the power of the broader ALF network
to create lasting, positive change throughout our community for years to come.