Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council

10/19/2026

"We don't always find the perfect candidate. Not everybody walks in with a diploma. They don't walk in with the credentials or the certificate. But what we look at is—can we get them to a place to help Vaughan Company succeed? And ultimately to help them succeed as an employee. So, are they willing to learn? Are they critical thinkers? How do we get them from an entry-level position into...a successful role here at Vaughan Company."
-Stacie Vaughan, Vice President of Vaughan Company, Inc.

At the Thurston County Chamber’s Future of Work Summit, Stacie Vaughan shared how the company’s approach to developing employees connects to its own beginnings.

Founder and great-grandfather Jim Vaughan built his skills through hands-on work. Repairing pumps for local dairy farmers led him to develop the Vaughan chopper pump, laying the foundation for a business that continues today.

As Stacie explained, that history shapes how Vaughan Company sees potential in people. A candidate may arrive without every credential, but curiosity, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn can provide a foundation for growth.

Her story offers a meaningful reminder for employers and people exploring their next step: recognizing potential and creating opportunities to build skills can strengthen both a business and an employee’s future.

Thank you to Stacie Vaughan for sharing this perspective and to Jessica Dunn of True North HR Collective for moderating the conversation.

10/15/2026

The Thurston County Chamber’s Future of Work Summit brought employers, educators, and community partners together on October 14 at Saint Martin’s University, with PacMtn as a presenting sponsor. The event explored how employers can attract talent, support employees, and adapt as work continues to change.

Thank you to keynote speaker Jasmine Donovan, President and CEO of Dick’s Drive-In, for bringing employee investment and retention into focus. To all presenters and moderators, we appreciate you sharing your expertise and guiding the audience through thoughtful conversations about the future of work.

PacMtn extends a special thank-you to Chamber President and CEO David Schaffert for his continued service and commitment to connecting business, education, and workforce development. Thank you to David and the entire Thurston County Chamber team for bringing this important gathering together.

Lastly, thank you to everyone who stopped by our tables and joined the conversation. Your continued support and insights help shape this shared work and strengthen its impact across the region.

10/13/2026

A strong regional workforce includes the talents and contributions of people with disabilities.

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re recognizing the partnerships that help connect people with employment opportunities across our five-county region.

PacMtn’s partner network includes WorkSource, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Washington State Department of Services for the Blind, and Morningside Services. Each brings expertise to the shared work of expanding access to opportunity for all.

Check out the Campaign for Disability Employment, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy, for PSA materials (videos, posters, and more) that employers can incorporate into National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrations: WhatCanYouDoCampaign.gov

10/12/2026

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the Indigenous peoples and Tribal nations whose leadership, cultures, knowledge, and traditions continue to shape our communities.

Across Washington, we recognize the enduring presence and sovereignty of Tribal nations, including those whose homelands and communities are deeply connected to PacMtn’s five-county region: the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, Chinook Indian Nation, Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Quinault Indian Nation, Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, Skokomish Indian Tribe, and Squaxin Island Tribe. We also celebrate Indigenous people from nations beyond this list who live and work throughout this region.

Tribal nations continue to lead, strengthen communities, preserve important cultures, and shape the future for generations to come.

For PacMtn, expanding opportunity means listening to Tribal voices, respecting Tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and building relationships guided by priorities identified by Tribal communities.

Today and throughout the year, we recognize our responsibility to bring that respect into our work.

10/11/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the value, talent, and contributions people with disabilities bring to workplaces and communities.

At PacMtn, we support a regional workforce system where people of all abilities can access meaningful career opportunities and employers can connect with the talent they need. Building an inclusive workforce requires continued collaboration among employers, educators, workforce professionals and community partners.

Join us in watching this message from the U.S. Department of Labor and celebrating the skills and experiences people with disabilities bring to our workforce.

Each October, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month...

10/09/2026

We’re hiring a Stabilization and Advancement Specialist!

The Stabilization and Advancement Specialist works alongside people in Thurston County who are navigating opioid use, recovery, and other circumstances that may affect their stability, health, employment, or financial well-being. This role helps participants identify what they need now, connect with the right resources and people, and build toward the future they want.

The Specialist is part navigator, coach, relationship-builder, problem-solver, and community connector. You’ll spend time both with participants and with the organizations that support them; building trusted relationships, making connections easier to navigate, and helping ensure people don’t have to figure out complex systems on their own.

Sound like a good fit?

Learn more and apply:
pacmtn.org/about/careers

10/07/2026

PacMtn is pleased to announce two leadership appointments supporting the future of workforce development across our region.

Michael Cade has been re-appointed Chair of the PacMtn Board of Directors. A longtime Board member and former Chair, Michael brings more than three decades of experience in economic and community development. Since 2004, he has served as Executive Director of the Thurston Economic Development Council, helping businesses grow, attracting investment, and strengthening the regional economy.

Thurston County Commissioner Rachel Grant has been elected Chair of PacMtn’s Elected Officials Consortium, which provides local elected-official oversight across our five-county region. Commissioner Grant brings more than a decade of public service leadership and experience in behavioral health policy, workforce investment, finance, operations, and continuous improvement.

“Michael and Rachel both bring strong regional relationships, valuable experience, and a deep commitment to collaboration,” said PacMtn CEO William Westmoreland. “Their leadership will help us continue strengthening our regional workforce system and creating greater opportunity for workers, businesses, and communities across the region.”

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Kevin Shutty and Commissioner Trask for their leadership and service.

Please join us in congratulating Michael Cade and Commissioner Rachel Grant as they step into their respective Chair roles!

09/24/2026

Last week, PacMtn’s Board and Elected Official Consortium came together for two days of thoughtful discussion, collaboration, and planning for the future of workforce development in our region.

We are deeply grateful to our dedicated Board and Consortium members for the time, insight, and leadership they bring to this work. Their commitment helps ensure our workforce system continues to respond to the needs of job seekers, employers, and communities across our five-county region.

We left the retreat energized by the conversations and optimistic about what we can accomplish together in the years ahead.

09/23/2026

We’re hiring a Director of Quality Assurance and Compliance!

The Director of Quality Assurance and Compliance provides leadership for PacMtn's quality assurance, regulatory compliance, monitoring, risk management, policy support, data quality, and continuous improvement work. This position works across PacMtn, the regional WorkSource system, contractors, subrecipients, and state and local partners to translate complex requirements into clear expectations, practical processes, stronger controls, and improved performance.

This is a leadership role for someone who can see both the details and the bigger picture: someone who can interpret requirements, analyze data, identify risk, build repeatable systems, communicate complex information clearly, and help people understand not only what is required, but why it matters.

Sound like a good fit?

Learn more and apply:
pacmtn.org/about/careers

09/22/2026

September 22nd is American Business Women’s Day! We would like to take a moment to recognize the incredible women contributing to our region as business owners, employees, mentors, and leaders.

➡️ Across the United States, women owned 14.2 million businesses in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Here in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties, women are an integral part of the everyday work that keeps our communities moving.

📈 Recognition also means supporting opportunities to grow: access to grants, meaningful career pathways, and chances to lead.

To the women building their careers and investing in others across our region: thank you. The work you do cannot be understated.