Meet The Team
President
Lindsey Cope
Lindsey is a dedicated professional serving as the Vice President of the Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC). With a proven track record of community impact and leadership, she has played a pivotal role in advancing regional tourism, enhancing the quality of life in our communities, supporting non-profit organizations, and fostering the development of our rural areas, small businesses, and downtowns.
Lindsey's visionary approach led to the establishment of the Kelso Business and Community Alliance (KBCA), a specialized economic development and community group tailored to Kelso's unique needs.
Her extensive expertise encompasses fundraising, project management, grant writing, and, most notably, her ability to unite diverse community stakeholders towards a common goal. Notably, during the challenging times of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Lindsey led efforts that resulted in the distribution of over $6 million in combined private and public aid to support our local businesses.
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Secretary
Joseph Govednik
Joseph Govednik is the Museum Director at the Cowlitz County Historical Museum located on the edge of downtown Kelso. Joseph has worked with the community, heritage, and educational organizations for over twenty years and serves as the Board Secretary for the KBCA. Joseph brings historical and educational knowledge to our board as we work towards the installation of public art. We look forward to enlisting his assistance as we develop fundraisers and programming.
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Board Member
Diane Perron
Diane Perron has been with Cowlitz County Habitat for Humanity since 2004 and has served as the Executive Director/CEO since 2010. She also serves on the Habitat for Humanity WA State Support Organization as an executive officer/board member. One of her more recent community roles has been serving on the EPIC Coalition (Empowering People & Impacting Community) and as one of the founding board members for the Kelso Business and Community Association. Building HOMES, HOPE & Community brings great fulfillment, and she is quite grateful to work alongside so many generous and caring community members. Her history of building programs and homes from the ground up is of immense value to our board.
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Board Member
JENNIFER BAKER
Jennifer earned a master’s degree in education, with a strong focus on understanding how people learn. She’s worked professionally in positions where she leads training events and creates materials that improve retention, and is currently working as an early childhood literacy specialist. In addition, she is an experienced Learning Coach with a focus on learning differences such as Dyslexia and ADHD. Jennifer has developed a strengths-based process that builds on success and helps to boost self-esteem, which has proven effective for a wide range of clients. She was previously the Board Chair for the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir for a record 3 terms, and has also been active in Toastmasters officer roles, as well as being an active volunteer with the Kelso Library.
Board Member
VERYL ANDERSON
Veryl attended Wallace, St. Rose, Coweeman Jr. High, Kelso High School, LCC and Western Washington University.
She retired from the City of Kelso after 40 years as the Finance Director and then went on to be the Western Regional Director for ASSE International Student Exchange Program. After 12 years, she decided to volunteer at her Alma Mater Wallace Elementary. At the same time, she took classes to be a Casa Volunteer. Shortly after graduating from the class, she was asked to come on to be a Volunteer and Outreach Specialist, where she still works today.
Veryl and her wonderful husband, Larry, have hosted 21 amazing students in our home over the years. They must have done something right because they keep coming back now with their own families. They have traveled and visited many of them in their countries.
They have a wonderful daughter, Silvia, who is married and lives in Puyallup. They have three wonderful grandchildren and just learned they have a great-grandchild on the way. The current boss in their family is a four-and-a-half-year-old Australian Labradoodle. Georgi is so smart.
Veryl ran for City Council two years ago and was elected Mayor shortly thereafter.
"Kelso is my home and I’m very proud to be part of the Kelso Business and Community Association. Helping Kelso be the best!"
Vice President
Patrick Palmer
Pat is the owner/operator of the longtime Kelso business, Copies Today. Pat is a community leader, advocate, consultant, and creative problem solver with a passion for service. He is a member of the Longview Pioneer Lions, Longview Downtowners, and CJAC. He has created a number of fundraisers over the years to assist everything from law enforcement, to families dealing with tragedies, to nonprofits and initiatives to make where we live a better place. Pat rarely says no, but instead asks "how?"
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Treasurer
Mike Karnofski
Mike has been a CEDC Board member for over 20 years, an Executive Board member for over 10 years, and twice served as Board Chair.  As a volunteer, he represents CEDC on the 432/433 Intersection Project and provides other support and representation as needed.  Mike has extensive experience in economic development, including his 37 years with Weyerhaeuser, 6 years as a Cowlitz County Commissioner, and presently as Mayor of the City of Kelso, WA. He has a BS and MS from the University of Washington and an MBA from the University of Portland. He is a lifelong Kelso resident with a demonstrated history of bringing together public and private entities for the betterment of all.
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Board Member
Andrew Hamilton
Andrew Hamilton is the current City Manager of the City of Kelso. Prior to this position, he served as the Chief of Police for 10 years, and as a policeman for 21 years. He is a Veteran and the current Commander of Longview American Legion Post 155. He is an active member of Kelso Rotary and on the Executive Board of the Cowlitz Economic Development Council. Andrew's experience in community, charity and government affairs brings great strength to our board. He has experience in economic development, fundraising, and a demonstrated history of getting hard jobs done.
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Board Member
PAMELA FIERST
Pam Fierst was raised in a small town just west of Puyallup, where her love for horses blossomed, and she discovered the thrill of barrel racing. In 1988, she relocated to Longview with her two-year-old son, embarking on a 22-year journey in the hotel industry. During that time, she made her mark within the community, which naturally led her to the Kelso Longview Chamber—an organization she deeply believes strengthens our area. Family is central to her life and she is fortunate to have two wonderful children and four cherished grandchildren. Today, she is thriving as the Active Living Director at Canterbury Park, where she focuses on creating enriching experiences and giving back to the community whenever possible.