Thomas Stredwick named new Big Bend trustee

MOSES LAKE — Thomas Stredwick was appointed as the new trustee at Big Bend Community College. Stredwick will finish the term of Mike Villareal, who moved out of the college district in July to take a new job.

Currently Stredwick is manager of the Public Affairs department at the Grant County PUD. He’s a native of Grant County and a BBCC graduate, going on to receive a degree in applied communications from Gonzaga University. His job includes media relations, internal communications, community relations and the PUD’s communications strategy.

Stredwick said the college “holds a special place in my heart, given my time there.” His wife Lilia is also a BBCC graduate. “I am looking forward to serving an institution that served my wife and I so well years ago. I expect to listen often and learn much over the coming year, and hopefully make contributions that will outlast me.”

Stredwick said BBCC helps its students find where they want to go. “I know too many young people that lack encouragement and a sense of place that I now enjoy. Big Bend offers such a space for friendship and family to be established.”

Currently Stredwick is working on a graduate degree in organizational development and leadership. He was regional director of communications and marketing for the American Red Cross in Spokane before taking the job with the Grant County PUD.

Stredwick is secretary of the Grant County Economic Development Council. He’s a founder of a communications and marketing group designed to promote Grant County. He is also a volunteer for the American Red Cross national media response team, and vice-chair of the National Hydropower Association’s public affairs committee.

“We are excited to have a BBCC alum ‘close the circle’ and join the board of trustees,” said BBCC president Terry Leas. Stredwick, Leas said, “brings a diverse geographic and economic perspective that will enrich the work of our board and help us better serve students.”

Stredwick and his wife have two children and live in Soap Lake.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.