Board of Directors

Melissa has been a journalist for more than 20 years, most of it in Spokane as a reporter and news manager at KXLY. Melissa grew up in Montana and graduated from Marquette University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. She’s involved in numerous organizations that advance journalists’ rights and is a long-time mentor for others in her industry. She’s married to a journalist, KXLY’s Derek Deis, and they have two sons who occupy most of their free time. When she can find a moment, Melissa loves to watch sports and read.

Jennifer is a serial entrepreneur currently acting as EVP of Operations and Supply Chain for The Promise Soap Company. She has extensive experience building and growing businesses along with facilitating operational transformations. Her love for organizational design and development began during her undergraduate work at Seattle University and continued on with a Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from New York University. Jennifer enjoys serving her community and is elated to be a part of Project Beauty Share. In her spare time, she is with her husband, Kurt, and her two sons, Owen and Graham, traveling and boating on Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Harper has built a successful career in the commercial insurance industry and joined the Sales Team at Western National Insurance in 2023. Western National is a property and casualty insurer specializing in commercial business throughout the Pacific Northwest. In her role, Harper serves as a trusted liaison, consultant, trainer, and educator for a network of insurance brokers and producers, providing expertise on the company’s products, coverage, and contracts.

A graduate of Washington State University, Harper grew up in Spokane, spent 12 years raising her two sons in the Tri-Cities, and returned to Spokane in 2018. She enjoys spending quality time with family and friends and actively engaging with her community.

Alex is a Relationship Manager and Trust Officer for Washington Trust Bank’s Wealth Management & Advisory Services in the Spokane and North Idaho region, facilitating client service for her trust, estate, and investment advisory clients. She graduated with a bachelor’s in science from University of Redlands. In her spare time, you can find her with her family either hitting the golf course or going on adventures at Priest Lake. She loves to cook and create charcuterie boards.

Erin Gurtel has a passion for festivals and events, working in the industry for nearly 30 years. She enjoys creating memorable experiences and giving back to her community. She previously served on the Mid-City Concerns/Meals on Wheels Board of Directors and most recently served on the Washington State Fairs Association Board of Directors. Erin currently serves as the Director of the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center. When Erin isn’t busy planning the Spokane County Interstate Fair and other exciting projects with her team, she enjoys spending time with her husband Ben, their Golden Retriever, Cooper and masterful cat, Oliver. Erin also enjoys spending meaningful time with family and friends, going to the beach and attending concerts.

Courtney is a board-certified Dermatologist, Mohs and Facial Reconstructive Surgeon, and Cosmetic Surgeon at Advanced Dermatology and Skin Surgery here in Spokane and Couer d’Alene. Courtney has a passion for advocating for and guiding people through their skin cancer experiences as well helping patients look and feel their best. She is known for her natural, less-is-more results in cosmetic surgery. Courtney brings to the team experience a long-standing dedication to restoration of dignity and quality of life through service at emergency free clinics throughout medical school residency and mentoring refugees attempting to navigate daily life in the Unites States. In her spare time, Courtney enjoys playing the harp, skiing, and hanging out with her husband, Ray.

Shelley Tomlinson Johnson has had a successful career in Insurance and Risk Management, specializing in commercial property and casualty. She has gained valuable financial and leadership experience during her 23 years at well-known companies such as Safeco and Travelers. Shelley has led teams across multiple states through challenging events, including Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In 2017, Shelley and her husband, Mark, moved back to Spokane, Washington. Currently, she serves as the CEO and a member of Northwest Real Estate Brokers, otherwise known as the Tomlinson Family of Companies. Shelley is the fourth generation of the Tomlinson family to work in real estate, carrying on a legacy that began in 1938 with her great grandfather. She oversees three Realogy franchises under the Coldwell Banker, Century 21, and Sotheby’s International Realty brands. These franchises encompass 28 offices and 850 agents in Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Shelley holds a B.A. and an MBA, as well as real estate licenses in Washington and Idaho.

Megan Livres is an attorney practicing employment law at Associated Industries. Megan was born and raised in Spokane before attending Boston College, where she earned her undergraduate degree in 2010. Megan returned to the Northwest to attend law school and graduated from Seattle University School of Law in 2017. She practiced complex civil litigation in Seattle and Spokane for seven years before joining Associated Industries in 2024. Currently, she advises and provides support to small and mid-sized businesses regarding day-to-day employment issues. Out of the office, Megan enjoys all the outdoor recreation that the Inland Northwest has to offer – hiking, biking, or spending time on one of our beautiful lakes or mountains with her husband and two small children.

Ashley is a proud North Idaho resident of 34 years and has been with Numerica Credit Union for the past six and a half years, serving in leadership roles across Spokane and North Idaho. She now serves exclusively as Assistant Branch Manager at the Coeur d’Alene branch. With more than 16 years of leadership experience, she is passionate about building meaningful connections, supporting her community, and helping those in need.
A dedicated volunteer, Ashley has devoted countless hours to causes that serve others and create lasting impact. She is especially devoted to her work with Project Beauty Share for the Hope 4 Kids Hygiene Drive, where she is driven by the opportunity to bring dignity, confidence, and essential care items to local students in need.
Outside of work and service, Ashley has a deep love for watching her daughters dance, animals and is passionate about creating spaces where others feel empowered to be their authentic selves.

Maria is the Marketing Coordinator for Alliance Machine Systems. A Communications graduate from Whitworth University, she has a background in nonprofit event planning and fundraising. She also loves bartending and wedding coordinating for a local venue. When she is not at work she is likely in the gym with her husband, as she is passionate about bodybuilding, or at home with their two cats.

Chloe Rowand, a Spokane, WA native, graduated from Auburn University in 2013 after 4 years of playing Division 1 volleyball. Starting her career in sales, she later discovered her passion for interior design. Combining her creative vision with skills honed in client relations, Chloe excels in crafting functional and beautiful spaces that enrich lives. Now, Chloe brings this diverse background and passion to Project Beauty Share, eager to contribute her skills and enthusiasm!

Nicole joined Associated Industries in 1999 where she currently serves as Chief Legal Counsel. Associated Industries is an employer’s association, offering resources and practical assistance to small and mid-size employers in the areas of human resources, workers’ compensation, training and medical benefits. Nicole graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1999 and Washington State University in 1996. She is licensed to practice law in both Washington and Idaho and serves on Washington State Bar Association’s Board of Bar Examiners, and remains actively involved in community organizations.

Guy has lived in the Spokane area for over 35 years and is passionate about giving back to the community he loves. He has supported organizations like Meals on Wheels and the Spokane Humane Society for many years.  A devoted family man, Guy enjoys spending time with his wife and four adult children. In his free time, he loves fishing, golfing, snow skiing, and traveling.  As the owner of an independent insurance agency in Spokane for 25 years, Guy feels blessed to give back to the community that has given him so much.