Ron Cox, President

Lake Wilderness Golf Course
Office: 425.432.9405
Email:  rcox@lakewildernessgc.com

I moved to the Pacific Northwest from Southern California in December 2018 to be near my two daughters, Angela and Michelle and granddaughters, Zoe, and Hartley.  I have been in the golf business since 1986 and a Member of the PGA since 1994.

My career in the golf business has afforded me the opportunity to meet and learn from so many great people from all walks of life.  My goal through my career has been to respect and treat others the way I would like to be treated which I knew would help start, build, and grow relationships.

I was hired by CourseCo Inc to manage Lake Wilderness Golf Course in October 2019 which is owned by the City of Maple Valley.  From the beginning it was easy to see what a great community Maple Valley/Black Diamond was from the golf course members and guests to City staff to engaging with the Chamber and Food Pantry with their golf tournaments and seeing their love for the community and all the residents and businesses.

If given the opportunity to serve the community through the Chamber of Commerce on the Board of Directors, I would work with others to support the local businesses in our town which is what Maple Valley is all about.

Lauren Peever, Vice President & Secretary

Ristrettos Coffee and Wine

I am Lauren Peever, Co-owner of Ristrettos Coffee and Wine. I am honored to serve our chamber in this capacity as a board member.

I have a passion to build relationships between businesses and individuals. I was born and raised in the Covington/Maple Valley area, and it is such a privilege to give back to the community that raised me. In my spare time, I love to travel the world with my husband Christian.

Our business is a hub for the Maple Valley community. We strive to create a sense of belonging, connection, and incredible food and beverage to everyone who walks through our doors. My favorite days are the ones that I see real estate agents, teachers, pastors, city council members, students and other business owners all in one place at Ristrettos. I am looking forward to more collaboration, empowerment and growth between our chamber businesses.

Dawn Cruff

The Amber Bills Real Estate Group
Cell: (701) 361-7522
Dawn@amberbills.com

I am a transplant from North Dakota, who fell in love with Maple Valley and the Pacific Northwest. Immediately upon relocating, the MV community welcomed me with open arms.

I firmly believe in giving back and being an active member of the community.  This belief also plays into my passion of helping others, via through my real estate business and by volunteerism to the many who provide services to others. Two such service organizations are the MV Food Bank by participating in food drives and Foster Champs collecting coats during coat donation events.

It would be an honor to serve the members of the Maple Valley/Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce.  As a small business owner, I understand the importance of an organization who will advocate for the betterment of our businesses. I welcome the opportunity to continue to assist others through building local relationships and networking to expand their businesses.

I currently serve as an Ambassador on the Ambassador Team for the MVBD Chamber. This role grants me the opportunity to welcome our newest business members and to help create an awareness for them to our community.

Am an active member of the Maple Valley Rotary Club whose vision is to change lives both locally and abroad through service and financial support. And also the Community Engagement Task Force for Vine Maple Place.

AJ Garcia

Tahoma School District
Office: 425.413.3400
ajgarcia@TahomaSD.US

AJ Garcia is the Public Relations Director for the Tahoma School District (TSD). AJ joined TSD and the Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber in 2021, and he moved to Washington state in 2019. Prior to TSD, AJ served in communications roles with multiple amateur and professional baseball teams, most recently the Tacoma Rainiers.

AJ is a Wisconsin native and earned a Journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. AJ is passionate about building partnerships among all members and leaders of Maple Valley and Black Diamond.

He looks forward to expanding his role with the Chamber and focusing on networking with business and civic leaders to nurture a supportive and collaborative community.

Ty Moore

 New Community Church
Contact ty@newcommunity.us

Ty represents Director of Safety & Security for New Community Church.

Ty is currently a Maple Valley Black Diamond Chamber Ambassador and is a big fan of the chamber and members.  Ty’s previous experiences include a 30-year career at Microsoft resigning in 2020 as a Senior Leader with responsibilities spanning North, Central, and South America in Cybersecurity, COVID Urgent Response, and Workplace Solutions.

Ty is a US Navy veteran where he served in ASW Naval Intelligence and Security Force roles. An active community member of Maple Valley and founder of the CRU foundation, a non-profit which has aided over 24 different charities. Examples include Vine Maple Place, Maple Valley Foodbank, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Ty is a Red Cross Emergency Medical Services Instructor, member of the National Cyber Security Alliance, and the Maple Valley & Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife Cassandra enjoy relaxing in their hideaway located in Roslyn, WA., physical fitness, philanthropy, and Annie (the pup).

Ty’s extensive education includes Wharton Business School, Cornell, MIT Cyber Leadership, and a Masters in Negotiations from Harvard.

Lewis Abercrombie

Scout Home Group
206-771-4016
info@scoutrealestate.com

Lewis is a Realtor® with a locally based real estate company, SCOUT Home Group. Lewis joined his wife, Desiree Abercrombie – who has over 15 years experience across various sectors of real estate – to form SCOUT in 2021.

Prior to making the move to real estate, Lewis developed his business chops as a marketing professional in the corporate retail, sports marketing and finance industries. Lewis and his family have lived in Maple Valley since 2013 and they are excited to give back and grow their contribution to this wonderful community.

His family are supporters of Vine Maple Place, Maple Valley Food Bank and Lionsheart Youth Volunteering. Lewis has also coached for Tahoma Youth Sports programs and is a regular volunteer in the Tahoma School District.

Lewis believes in the power of civic engagement and sees his business as a vehicle for creating good in the community.

He’s honored to serve the chamber as a board member, working with other members to empower growth both as business owners and more broadly as a community.

Gary Thompson, Director

OnMerit Marketing
Office: 425.654.1814
garyt@onmerit.com

I’m a 23 year resident of Maple Valley and a transplant from Dallas, Texas, you’ll notice my Texas twang.

My wife Elaine and I have raised two wonderful daughters, Lauren and Katelynn in this community and we are proud to say they’re both Tahoma grads.

I’m the lead consultant and owner at OnMerit Marketing and have over 30 years experience helping small businesses compete and grow. My journey into the world of design and marketing started as a college student working for a rodeo supply company. After three years I was ready to move on to the next phase and took a job at a large ad agency in Dallas. After eight years with the company, working as both a designer and production manager, I decided it was time to strike out on my own full time, and now the rest is history.

As a brand designer and digital marketer I use design and communications to solve business problems or create business opportunities. I especially love doing this with small businesses.

I’m an active member of the Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce, City of Maple Valley Economic Development Commissioner, and the Maple Valley Rotary Club. I continue to work with the Maple Valley Parks & Recreation Department and have designed many pieces around the city.

I am honored to be a part of the Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce and to serve on the board. My goal is to bring new ideas and opportunities for promoting our member businesses, help connect and create new partnerships, grow local tourism, grow chamber brand and membership base.

Victor Torres, Director

Law Offices of Torres & Haroldson
Office: 425.458.3170
Email:  victor@torresharoldson.com

Hello, my name is Victor J. Torres, and I am a husband and father first and foremost.  I have been married to my wife Misty D. Torres for 18 years and together we have brought into this world four boys:  Tristan (13), Hayden (12), Quentin (11), and Landyn (6).  We moved to Maple Valley in 2006, drawn here by the Tahoma School District and the suburban bedroom community feel that was conducive to raising a family.

I am an attorney and partner at the law firm of Torres & Haroldson, PLLC, here in Maple Valley. Rather than working in the city, I decided to bring my talents closer to home and assist my neighbors and friends with their legal issues. I focus my practice on personal injury law and handle all types of catastrophic injury cases, including those involving car accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and falls, and wrongful death. The Firm also handles estate planning, family law, and guardianships.  We serve individuals, families, and businesses throughout the Puget Sound area.

With our boys reaching school age, my wife Misty recently opened up Torres Mental Health Services, PLLC. Coming out on the other side of the pandemic, mental and emotional health issues have been exacerbated and on the rise.  Like me, she felt the need to bring her talents to our community and assist those in need. She focuses her practice on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental, behavioral, and emotional health disorders, relationship issues, and life challenges.

I’ve given back and served my community in all the ways that I can.  I’ve coached several Maple Valley Pony Baseball teams. I am an active Rotarian working on the betterment of our community and the world through service. And, my Firm has sponsored several local organizations and events including Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce, Maple Valley Rotary, Maple Valley Pony Baseball, Kent Covington Youth Soccer, and Tahoma Performing Arts Boosters.

I feel strongly that I can provide valuable service to the Chamber and its Board by advocating for the success our local businesses and the betterment of the political economy so as to provide the optimum environment in which our businesses will thrive.

Katrina Eaton

Lake Sawyer Church
Office: 360.886.8045

Katrina represents Lake Sawyer Church as the Community Engagement Coordinator. Katrina grew up in the Pacific Northwest and has lived in the area since 2020 with her husband of twenty-four years and her four amazing kids ages eleven to twenty-one. Her husband Robert works for the City of Maple Valley, and they have truly enjoyed getting to know so many wonderful people in this community over the last several years. She loves spending any time she can get with her family amidst the many commitments of school, church, and sports, and is excited to join the chamber’s board and find more ways to connect with others in the area.

Katrina represents Lake Sawyer Church as the Community Engagement Coordinator and is so excited to continue to find new ways for the church to partner with the many great people and organizations that make up this wonderful community! She would consider it an honor to serve on the board and to continue to build relationships with others in the area who are making an incredible impact for citizens in the cities of Maple Valley and Black Diamond!

Tanya Neilsen

Thrive Community Fitness
RE/MAX Northwest

Hello, I am Tanya Neilsen, and I’ve been a highly motivated self-starter for as long as I can remember. Today, I’m the proud owner of Thrive Community Fitness in Maple Valley and a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Northwest. It started when I was a kid growing up in Michigan, eager to have my own money and have some control over my life.

I’ve done everything from selling lemonade and owning a nanny business to my current roles, and everything in between. These experiences have helped me develop a strong understanding of the business world, and the different skills, talents, and personality I need to be successful.

But I am more than just a business owner. I believe in the importance of community, lifting others up, and supporting others, including small businesses and nonprofits. My 34 plus years of experience, positive attitude, enthusiasm, and local connections make me an ideal candidate for the Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber board.

I’d love to contribute to its success by sharing my knowledge and putting it to work wherever I’m needed. Need someone who understands finances? I’ve got you covered. Need someone to help with the fishing derby? Sign me up! Want someone to share the value of the chamber with other business owners? Count me in!

Alyssa Saas, Executive Director

Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce

Office: 425.432.0222 x101
Alyssa@maplevalleychamber.org

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and after my husband’s military service was complete, we settled in Black Diamond in 2003. We raised two children who attended school in the Enumclaw School District. I was a proud stay-at-home Mom while my children were young, and enjoyed all that came with raising them here in the Black Diamond/ Maple Valley area.

I am so excited and honored to be allowed to work within my community and invest my time and talents in advocating for our local business community. I look forward to meeting and serving current chamber members and cultivating new relationships within the community.

I have enjoyed many volunteer opportunities along the way which began in 2008 when a large beverage company tried to purchase the rights to our local drinking water. A committee was formed, and the citizens of this city had the chance to voice concerns regarding the sacrifice of such a valuable local resource. From there I went on to volunteer at the Black Diamond Community Center and various other outreach opportunities. In addition to my volunteer work, I also worked part-time at Rooters BBQ in Black Diamond for several years which was a fantastic experience, and I had the opportunity to meet so many of my neighbors in the process.

For the last thirteen years, I have been working in the marketplace as a project coordinator and have gained valuable skills and connections. It was a great experience, and I am very well-rounded professionally due to the fast-paced demands of the telecommunications industry.