Advisory Council
A 9-member, volunteer Advisory Council meets monthly to advise and consult with the Board and the Director in carrying out the purposes of the Washington Clean Air Act and the agency's mission. Council members have experience in various fields including agriculture, industry, health, science and fire protection. Interested applicants apply for 4-year positions which are appointed by the Board of Directors.
The Advisory Council typically meets the fourth Thursday of the month, except November and December, from 8-9 a.m., at the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency's office, 3104 E. Augusta Avenue. Advisory Council meetings are open to the public.
Agriculture: Chester Jahns, Jr.
- Expertise in agriculture and soil and water conservation
- Family has farmed in the Rockford area for almost 100 years
- Washington State University graduate, with a degree in Ag-Engineering
- 28 years working for the USDA Soil Conservation Service
- Manages Viewpoint Farm, Inc., raising wheat and bluegrass.
- Term expires December 31, 2018
Air Quality: Jana McDonald, Chair
- Licensed Professional Engineer
- Bachelor's of Science Degree from Gonzaga University in Civil Engineering
- Environmental Engineer for Central Pre-Mix Concrete Company
- Term expires December 31, 2018
Business Community: Hal Ophus
- 30+ years experience in Construction Industry
- Certified EPA AHERA Building Inspector, Lead Renovator
- Certified WA State Asbestos Supervisor
- WA State Dept of Ecology Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead
- Term expires December 31, 2021
Chemistry/Science: Ronald Edgar
- Retired, Chief of Technical Services for SRCAA
- Expertise in air monitoring techniques, atmospheric chemistry, industrial policies, air quality regulatory policies
- Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- Term expires December 31, 2021
Environment: Deborah Bisenius
- Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- Environmental professional with more than 25 years experience
- Environmental Analyst for City of Spokane
- Term expires December 31, 2020
Fire Protection: Douglas M. Bleeker
- Assistant Chief of Technical Services with Spokane County Fire District 9
- 30+ year veteran of fire service
- Bachelor of Science, Geology
- Term expires December 31, 2018
Industry: Brent Downey
- Senior Environmental Engineer at Kaiser Aluminum with air permit experience
- Bachelor of Science, Environmental Engineering
- Term expires December 31, 2020
Member-at-Large / Citizen Representative: Doug Pottratz
- Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from Western Washington University
- Master's Degree in Environmental Engineering from Washington State University
- Retired, Manager of Environmental Compliance at Avista
- Term expires December 31, 2019
Public Health: Ray Byrne, R.S.
- Environmental Public Health Director, Spokane Regional Health District
- 18 years experience in Environmental Public Health field
- 7 years experience in public health clinical/water laboratory
- 6 years experience in hospital clinical laboratory
- Registered Sanitarian, National Environmental Health Association
- Member, Washington State Environmental Health Association
- Member, National Environmental Health Association
- Term expires December 31, 2021