Roger Lizut retired in 2003 after working 35 years in the field of aerospace systems development as a systems engineer and program manager. Roger moved to Walla Walla in August 2007. On their second day in town, Roger and his wife engaged in a conversation with Elio Agostini, who identified himself as having just moved here to take a job as Executive Director of the Foundation. Roger indicated that once he was settled in, he would like to talk to Elio about volunteering opportunities. In addition to serving on the Board, Roger is on the Design Committee and Economic Development Committee of the Foundation. His other volunteer activities include the City of Walla Walla Planning Commission, the first Program Committee of the Community Council, County of Walla Walla Historical Preservation Committee and the Walla Walla Watershed Management Partnership Policy Advisory Group.

Doug Bayne was born in Walla Walla, and spent his childhood in Yakima. Although he went to college on the east coast, his heart was still in Eastern Washington, and Bayne returned to Walla Walla and Banner Bank, where he has worked for 20 years. “Economic growth and quality of life in Walla Walla has enticed my world-traveling kids to settle down here,” says Bayne. “Our downtown is a big part of that growth and quality of life.” Banner Bank was the first local company to take advantage of the Main Street Bill, allowing businesses to make a contribution to a community-based revitalization organization and receive 75% of that amount as a credit toward their state B&O taxes. In 2006 Banner contributed $133,333.33 to the Downtown Foundation, allowing them to receive a $100,000 credit on their 2007 B&O tax bill. Banner Bank has pledged $65,000 toward the Foundation for 2007.

David Camp was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Key Technology in the fall of 2006, and was appointed to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors shortly following. He leads Key with over 25 years of technology and manufacturing related experience ranging from small entrepreneurial companies to large corporations. Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, David grew up in the small tobacco town of Marion, South Carolina. He is a graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology with Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina. David serves on the Research Advisory Board of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina. Key Technology counts the award-winning downtown as an excellent recruitment tool as they work to bring quality employees to Walla Walla .

Beth is a WSU graduate with a degree in Sports Management. She has extensive experience in events and promotions in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Her infectious enthusiasm for our community and downtown is based upon a core belief that we can and should make WW a great place for families.

Michelle comes from a long line of Walla Walla natives and definitely enjoys the pace of the valley. Prior to joining Waterbrook in 2000 as the Tasting Room and Gallery Manager, she supervised offices for a neurosurgeon and a law firm. On numerous occasions in the past, Michelle has entertained the thought of moving, however, after a nice long weekend out of town, she realizes just how much she treasures the beauty, people and culture of Walla Walla. Michelle and Waterbrook are long-time supporters of the Foundation. She currently serves on the Retail Merchants Stakeholder Group and several sub-committees. She is extremely enthusiastic and passionate about the city in which she was born and raised. She is anxious to roll up her sleeves and get working for downtown Walla Walla. She quotes Mohandas Gandhi: ‘Action expresses priorities,’ something she feels the DWWF believes in.

Tom Baffney | Reese, Baffney, Frol, & Grossman, 525-8130

Tom has lived in Walla Walla his entire life, graduating from DeSales High School in 1965. Tom has served on numerous local boards over the past years. He is the past chairman and a current board member for the St. Mary Medical Center Community Board and recently joined the board of Kid’s Place. Married to Jane who also is a lifetime resident of Walla Walla, they have two boys, Andrew and Colin, one daughter-in-law, Corrie, and one grandpuppy, Fonzie! Jane and Tom live in the Whitman College area and one of their favorite things is to take evening strolls through the campus and then down the length of Main Street. Says Tom, “It has been wonderful to see the resurgence of the downtown area in recent years. My firm was one of the initial supporters of the Downtown Foundation and we continue to support its mission. I look forward to contributing a portion of my free time to ensuring the continued health and vibrancy of Downtown Walla Walla.”

Erin Eagon-Mason was born and raised in the Walla Walla valley. From a young age Erin has been donating her time volunteering throughout the community. For eight years she was a member of the Blue Jeans 4-H Club were she held every office at least once. After growing out of 4-H she joined Wa-Hi’s Crest Club. While a member she drove a campaign that spread yellow ribbons and awareness in honor of Officer Jim Saunders, who lost his life in the line of duty.  Erin then went off to college at Pacific Lutheran University, where she volunteered at a local elementary school helping children get the extra help they needed to keep up. She has always loved helping out, so being a part of the Downtown Foundation is "wonderful, because helping Walla Walla is their first priority,” says Erin. Erin currently works beside her father and uncle at their family business, Martin’s Jewelers. She is their resident Gemologist and is in training to someday take over and become the fourth generation owner of Martin’s.