I want to begin by expressing my gratitude to Lynnette Buffington for her exceptional leadership as CEO of GGHI. With the support of our board and Lynnette, we have completed our transition. As the Interim CEO, I am excited to kick off the year with a packed agenda, thanks to a Recompete Strategy Grant that will help us find solutions for the economic gap in Grays Harbor. The Legislative Session is underway, and we also have our weekly Legislative Affairs Briefings each  Friday as well as weekly emails on what is going on in Olympia. We will continue our monthly Business Forums and Business After Hours and implement the board’s strategy created at our planning session.

I am incredibly grateful for the warm reception from this amazing community. I have already had the privilege of meeting and working with many of you, which has been truly inspiring. Now, let me take a moment to introduce myself. I have been a board member for eight years and served in every position, including, most recently, board chair before being appointed interim CEO. I am well aware of our mission and the groundwork that has been laid. I am a business and homeowner in Grays Harbor. I have served in city government and am active in business associations. With my experience, I understand the complexities of working together and getting things done.

Since taking on this role, I have wasted no time reaching out and making connections to continue the work Lynnette, the staff, and the GGHI board have done to continue moving forward. I have contacted our members and local, state, and federal stakeholders to gather valuable feedback. Your input is crucial in ensuring that we work together effectively. As the new Interim CEO, your needs and aspirations are my top priority.

I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the GGHI team during this exciting time. This County is filled with extraordinary individuals and businesses that give us a unique charm. I am eager to meet and engage personally with each one of you in the near future.

Together, let’s make Grays Harbor shine brighter than ever before!

-GGHI Interim CEO, Jon Martin