Meet Our Economic Development Team

We help businesses throughout the state begin or increase their exports and international sales. Our team provides a range of support services, including advocacy, consulting, risk mitigation, market research, trade show support and more, all designed to help Washington companies open doors to trade overseas and increase sales. Download more information that provides an overview about our team, learn more and get in touch with us.

Isabelle DeWulf – Managing Director

As Managing Director of Commerce’s Small Business Export Assistance division (SBEA), Isabelle is responsible for developing and managing Washington State’s export promotion initiatives and international trade development services supporting small and medium-sized businesses throughout the state. Before joining Commerce’s Export Assistance team, Isabelle managed and developed the French-American Chamber of Commerce – Dallas/Fort Worth, whose mission is to promote trade and investment between France and North Texas. Isabelle acted as a liaison for the French-American business community, government agencies, trade and community-based organizations. The SBEA team assists Washington companies enter or expand their business capacity into foreign markets, diversifying and growing the state’s economy, preserving the state’s global competitiveness, resulting in jobs retention and creation, and strengthening communities throughout the state.

Joanna Boatwright – Aerospace International Trade Specialist

Before joining Commerce Joanna worked for several Boeing suppliers, including Orion Industries, Three Sigma Manufacturing and Pegasus Northwest, as well as non-profit aerospace organizations such as the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA), and the British American Business Council (BABC-PNW). Joanna brings a strong knowledge of Washington State’s aerospace industry sector and extensive connections within the aerospace supply chain to her role in Commerce, as well as her expertise in business development, project management and marketing. In addition, Joanna’s has extensive experience planning both in person and virtual events for regional and global audiences and connecting Washington and international businesses.

Karl Dahlgren – Life Science/Global Health International Trade Specialist

Before joining Commerce, Karl was based in Santiago, Chile, serving as a freelance consultant for an international trade consulting firm on various projects in the Americas since 2009.  During the same period, he started importing cellphone charging kiosks from the U.S., sourced and founded his own coffee brand, and was granted a utility patent by the USPTO.  As a freelance consultant, Karl assisted companies in entering South American markets (and vice versa), generated market reports and regulatory requirements updates, and worked on projects in the medical equipment, mining, gas and oil, and electric mobility sectors. Before moving to Chile, he was a global commodity broker (precious metals, urea, manganese, soy and coffee beans) based in Portland, Oregon. Karl is tri-lingual (English, Spanish, and Portuguese).

Tammy Deets – Clean Technology, Advanced Manufacturing & Maritime Manager

Tammy has a broad range of experience in the private and public sectors and brings her strong business development, marketing and sales experience as well as her knowledge of the clean tech, advanced manufacturing, forest products, and maritime industry sectors to the team. Tammy’s experience includes starting up an international business firm in Hong Kong to co-founding a non-profit organization promoting clean energy in Washington State. Throughout her career Tammy worked with entrepreneurs, C-Suite executives, elected officials and civic leaders. As a member of OEDC’s Business Development Unit, Tammy was involved in business recruitment, expansion and retention throughout the state. Tammy will now have the opportunity to assist small businesses enter and expand into foreign markets and leverage the strong connections she developed with ADOS, trade organizations and global businesses.

Nicole Gunkle – Special Projects Manager

As Special Projects Manager, Nicole manages Commerce’s STEP Export Voucher Program and other projects as assigned. Before joining the Office of Economic Development & Competitiveness, she served as the International Export Grant Manager for the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Nicole has a strong background in international trade, grant management, communications, marketing and events management. As Export Grant Manager, she project-managed large government contracts, supported the development of U.S. company operations abroad, developed and fostered collaboration between business and government entities, and led outreach and engagement initiatives for program awareness.

Callum Cleary – STEP Voucher Program Manager

Callum has strong experience in international trade analysis, import-export policy compliance and enforcement research. Before joining Commerce’s Export Assistance team to manage Commerce’s STEP Export Voucher Program, he worked for a law firm focused on trade remedy litigation, serving as an International Trade Specialist. In this role, Callum managed trade policy research and advocacy projects on behalf of domestic manufacturers, trade unions, trade associations and consumers. He worked closely with U.S federal regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, Customs and Border Protection and the International Trade Commission. In addition, Callum has been involved in several community development projects through HelpAge USA, an international nonprofit concentrated on population aging; Open School, an equity-driven nonprofit high school; and the Seattle Farmers Market Association (SFMA).

Julie Monahan – Information & Communication Technology Development Manager

Julie has spent a career supporting the growth and success of small businesses. As a business journalist, Julie covered the banking and technology industry, interviewed Fortune 500 CEOs, and was a long-time contributor to Entrepreneur magazine, the leading publication devoted to small business development. Her commitment to entrepreneurship now spurs her work to connect Washington State tech companies with global opportunities at international trade shows and with inbound trade and business delegations from around the world. Julie was part of the original team that launched the U.S. Small Business Administration’s STEP program in Washington State in 2011, with responsibility for outreach and communications and the Export Voucher program.

The sector development program supports an array of industries, creating policy, navigating regulatory barriers and providing invaluable advocacy.The team works closely with emerging market leaders as they transform their innovations into commercial-scale products and services. They identify a range of resources that help grow our regional workforce in ways that strengthen communities – vital to Washington’s competitive success in both U.S. and global markets.

Kirk Esmond – Innovation & Industry Partnerships Director

Kirk and his team serve as liaisons between regional, national and international governmental entities. In particular, Kirk ensures Commerce supports key industry sectors across Washington State by promoting our innovation economy and developing strategic partnerships. This role fosters collaboration in ways that benefit economic development. Additionally, Kirk engages regional, national and international stakeholders, partners with the Department of Ecology’s Recycling Market Development Center, and advises on policy, legislation, and budget requests. Kirk also continues to direct the statewide circular economy programs and initiatives. Kirk brings valuable expertise that spans more than 20 years from both the private and public sectors, including workshop facilitation, development of purpose-driven strategies, market research, brand and corporate communications, technical writing, and grant management.

Julie Anderson – Director of Agricultural Innovation

Julie serves both the forest products and agriculture technology (Ag Tech) industries. With over 20 years of executive experience in government and nonprofit sectors, Julie is known for her authentic community engagement and the ability to build enduring stakeholder relationships. She’s passionate about working forests, preserving family farms, sustainability technology, and supporting Washington’s rural communities. Julie’s volunteer work includes the UW-Tacoma Center for Leadership and Social Responsibility, the American Leadership Forum, and Rotary International. Previously, Julie served both city and county government in Pierce County, Washington. She has also served Commerce as a senior policy advisor, focused on Washington’s green economy job initiative, cluster development, and innovation partnership zones. She also served on the CERB Board, providing low-interest loans and grants for public infrastructure that promote private business growth.

Alison Beason – Life Science Sector Lead

Alison has spent her career working on data and equity initiatives in the local area as well as more than a decade of work in Washington DC at the National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on issues such as science policy, retention and recruitment of underrepresented minority, women, and disadvantaged scientists in STEM, strategic planning and budget recommendations. Most recently she was with the Port of Seattle, serving as EDI Senior Data & Policy Analyst in the port’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Stephanie Bowman – Maritime Sector Lead

As Maritime Sector Lead, Stephanie is responsible for developing and implementing state policies that support the sustainability and expansion of the maritime industry in Washington. She works closely with the breadth of maritime businesses, supporting international trade and shipping, Washington state export businesses, the commercial fishing industry and recreational boating. Before joining Commerce, Stephanie served for eight years as a commissioner for the Port of Seattle where she led the effort to combine the marine cargo operations of the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, into the NW Seaport Alliance. Prior to her elected public service, Stephanie worked on federal port, international trade and transportation policy in Washington D.C., and for more than 15 years on regional and state economic development issues. Stephanie has an MBA in Executive Leadership from Seattle University, a Bachelor of Science from the University of Idaho, and was honored with a Marshall Memorial Fellowship in 2007. environmental monitoring and assessment for agency decision-making.

Leslie Perkins – Circular Economy Development Manager

Leslie supports emerging industries in Washington State’s circular economy with initiatives to reduce industrial waste and promote recycling innovation across our state. She administers the Industrial Symbiosis Grant Program and also collaborates with the Department of Ecology on the Recycling Market Development Center. They advance solutions for hard-to-manage waste materials, providing information and resources. Leslie’s prior experiences include Commerce’s Energy Division, and diverse private and public sector entities, serving on staff for several elected officials. Leslie lends real-world experience to her education, holding a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Sustainable Business Practices certificate program.  Leslie is passionate about connecting people to meaningful solutions in solid waste and land use policy, community outreach, entrepreneur training programs, and operations.

Shannon Halberstadt  – Creative Economy Sector Lead

As Creative Economy Sector Lead, Shannon cultivates partnerships and policy to grow creative businesses and jobs in Washington State. Shannon brings decades of experience supporting Washington State’s creative workers and creative businesses, including leadership roles with Artist Trust, Spokane Arts, The Recording Academy (GRAMMY’s), and The Vera Project. She’s sat on numerous Boards and Commissions such as Whipsmart!, Inspire Washington, Seattle Music Commission, and Seattle Center Advisory Commission. When she’s not at work, you’ll likely find Shannon traveling, swimming, hiking, hunting down the best restaurants, or enjoying live music and cultural events.

Robin Toth – Director of Economic Development for the Aerospace Sector

Prior to joining the Department of Commerce in 2018 as the Director of Economic Development for the Aerospace Sector, Robin was the Vice President, Business Development, for Greater Spokane Inc., Spokane County’s Associate Development Organization. During her thirteen-plus years with GSI, Robin worked with more than 100 companies that selected the Spokane region for their corporate relocation or expansion projects. These projects created an economic impact of more than $1 billion to the area, and the companies created almost 10,000 jobs. She also served the City of Spokane as a project manager, working on the Spokane University District formation and an award-winning EPA brownfields cleanup of a former railroad site.  Robin’s experience also included positions as the marketing and communications director for information technology companies like Ciena, Alcatel and Itron.

Joseph Williams – Director of Economic Development, Information & Communications Technology

A former executive with Microsoft and Sun Microsystems Seattle Director for the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Dr. Williams served as the Dean of the School of Business, Government and Economics at Seattle Pacific University before joining Commerce. His distinguished career in the tech industry, in academia and the public sector includes extensive experience working with angel investing and software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies and customers on the business models and economics of cloud computing. He has authored three books and dozens of articles related to the ICT industry while he was a professor in the College of Business at Colorado State University in the 1990s. Dr. Williams has degrees from the University of California-Berkley, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Texas-Austin.

Vincent Canada – Industry Sector Development Management Analyst

Before joining the Office of Economic Development & Competitiveness, Vincent served as a Public Benefits Specialist with the Department of Social and Health Services. In this role, he worked closely with people new to the U.S. fleeing persecution, war, poverty and violence. He is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, majoring in Political Science and International Relations. Vincent went on to obtain his Juris Doctorate at the American University, University of Washington College of Law. Vincent is an avid fan of Seattle sports teams and hopes to see the Mariners win the World Series. He loves the outdoors and spends as much time as he can by the water when the weather is nice.

Robb Zerr – Senior Managing Director

A Washington native, Robb has been a communications and marketing professional and business consultant since 1981, working with a prestigious roster of national and international clients in technology, healthcare, retail, consulting, education, tourism and manufacturing. An award-winning writer and consultant, he has worked extensively in the areas of strategic communication planning, branding, marketing, storytelling, social media, copywriting, web design and crisis management. He has also worked closely with entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses all over the world and started several successful enterprises of his own. In his spare time, Robb is a tortured novelist, professional entertainer and a wishful world traveler, deciding at one time to visit an entire alphabet of tropical islands (having made it to A, B, C, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, R, S, T, V and W so far). He graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in journalism. Before joining the Department of Commerce, he served as Mister Know-It-All at CommuniCreations and CEO of Storylaureate.com.

Lynn Longan – Manager, Small Business Training & Education Center

Born and raised in rural Washington State, Lynn’s introduction to economic development was in family-owned and operated businesses such as logging, road construction, tree farming and shellfish farming. Lynn brings 20 years of economic development experience to our team. After working for the Department of Commerce in the Economic Development Division for 16 years, she accepted the role of Executive Director of the Economic Development Council in Mason County. Returning to Commerce, Lynn serves as the agency expert responsible for setting the agenda for the state’s economic development strategies for rural and underserved communities. She is responsible for developing and overseeing entrepreneur and small business training and education programs such as ScaleUp, Thrive!, Global Entrepreneurship Month and other technical assistance, education and training programs and services for entrepreneurs and small businesses, particularly those in rural and underserved communities.

Terri Drexler, Small Business Program Manager

Terri’s diverse work experience includes Staff Assistant for U.S. Congress, Program Manager for the University of Washington International Health Program, Grant Writer for Dataworks Development, Local Government Affairs Director and Tax and Fiscal Policy Director for the Washington Realtors, Executive Director of the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce, an elected position as Mason County Commissioner, Real Estate Broker and sole proprietor of a consulting business and a utility management firm. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy from The Evergreen State College.  She has two grown children and two grandchildren. At Commerce, Terri manages the Grant Writing Grant Program for the state’s local economic development organizations.

Susan Herr, Small Business Program Manager, Eastern Washington

Susan’s career in state government began in 2005 in the Department of Financial Institutions. Two years later, she moved to the Washington State Lottery and served as the Assistant Regional Manager for the Federal Way region and most recently as an Account Representative in Eastern Washington. Susan has owned and operated her own businesses as a retail state entrepreneur and as the owner of an upscale women’s clothing boutique. As Commerce’s Small Business Program Manager for Eastern Washington, Susan will work closely with small businesses, helping them navigate all phases of the lifecycle, from startup to exit strategy. She has degrees in Marketing and Commercial Art and is working on completing her BA. Susan has been a big supporter of Washington’s Combined Fund Drive, serving in multiple roles with the charitable fund. In her spare time, Susan raises Heritage hogs on her 10-acre hobby farm.

Mark Rentfrow, Small Business Program Manager

Mark is an economic development professional who has over a dozen years of experience in the field working with local governments and ADO’s. Most recently Mark served as the City Administrator for the City of Langley, Washington on Whidbey Island. Mark also served as Program Director for the Washington State Public Works Board and as Economic Development Liaison for the City of Olympia. Before working for the City of Olympia, Mark was involved in the creation and management of the Pac 5 Energy Program at the Thurston Economic Development Council. He began his career in the private sector with a focus on customer service, helping to build local brands like Amazon and Starbucks. Mark has graduated with an MBA and Bachelor’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University with a focus on small business, entrepreneurship, and organizational management.

Robb Zerr – Senior Managing Director

A Washington native, Robb has been a communications and marketing professional and business consultant since 1981, working with a prestigious roster of national and international clients in technology, healthcare, retail, consulting, education, tourism and manufacturing. An award-winning writer and consultant, he has worked extensively in the areas of strategic communication planning, branding, marketing, storytelling, social media, copywriting, web design and crisis management. He has also worked closely with entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses all over the world and started several successful enterprises of his own. In his spare time, Robb is a tortured novelist, professional entertainer and a wishful world traveler, deciding at one time to visit an entire alphabet of tropical islands (having made it to A, B, C, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, R, S, T, V and W so far). He graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in journalism. Before joining the Department of Commerce, he served as Mister Know-It-All at CommuniCreations and CEO of Storylaureate.com.

Jacquie Goodwill – Marketing Communications Manager

Jacquie brings with her nearly three decades of marketing communications expertise for key community services and utilities that define our economic landscape. Her experiences reflect award-winning market launches and reputation management programs during periods of growth, acquisition, or major organizational transitions in small to mid-size towns across Washington and Oregon. Jacquie is verklempt over her son’s service in the United States Marine Corps, as well as her ability to feed and shelter her oversized lap dog and two cats who weigh, collectively, over 130 pounds. Her alter ego writes romance novels and memoir genre on healing and transformation following loss. Jacquie earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in Seattle and her master’s degree in Public Communication from the American University in the District of Columbia.

Alex Harper – Brand & Creative Manager

Alex directs all the digital communications for the Choose Washington brand, including serving as webmaster for several Commerce websites. Before joining our team, Alex served as Advertising Creative Manager for McClatchy Company, overseeing creative and branding standards, managing the creative team and working with internal and external clients on an array of award-winning projects. He has extensive experience managing complex campaigns as well as maximizing the effectiveness of digital assets, including website design, construction and management, information design and analytics. Alex is also a whiz in the graphics department, serving as the go-to guy for ongoing design projects related to the brand. In his spare time, he likes to have his four dogs take him for a walk and engage in amazing creative pursuits that dazzle and mystify his coworkers.

Kara Haggard – Design & Production Manager

Kara is quietly making her mark in the design world. Before her current role, she owned a successful web and graphic design business, gaining a solid foundation in the industry. Kara’s strength lies in her ability to give a modern twist to old-school design trends, creating a unique and captivating aesthetic that resonates with our audiences. Her willingness to learn and adapt, while staying true to her design roots and signature style, sets her apart as a designer who brings a fresh perspective to the ever-evolving design world. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering in the community, strategy games, and caring for her beloved menagerie of pets.