Board of Directors
eric owens
President
Eric Owens is a partner with Salyer Owens Kerr Design Studio. Eric received his degree in Architectural Studies from WSU, and went to work in Spokane with a passion for creative design and sustainable construction solutions. He happily puts his talents to use for the benefit of the community center and the neighborhood residents.
Board Member since 2019
Mackenzie DeGon
Vice President
Mackenzie is the SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Specialist on the US Digital Marketing team for Compassion International, a global ministry with a mission to release children from poverty. She received her bachelor's degree in Business Management from Whitworth University and holds her MBA from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. She is also a 2023 graduate of Leadership Spokane. During her time in Leadership Spokane she learned first-hand all the amazing ways the NECC supports the surrounding neighborhoods and knew she had to be involved!
Board member since 2023
Betty J. Craipo
Secretary
Betty J. Craipo (she/her) is a nearly 30 year resident of the Minnehaha Neighborhood, whose children enjoyed Cooper, Shaw, and Rogers to the fullest. After serving as a Spokane County Public Defender and on the Criminal Justice Information Hotline, Betty now chooses to represent Student Services within Bigfoot Central at Spokane Community College.
She shares her legal know-how and community-building dedication, while promoting mission engagement. Betty has focused her attention on developing and maintaining the Spokane Community Court Northeast, The ZONE, and The Hillyard Community Campus.
Board Member since 2014
matt sonderen
Treasurer
Matt Sonderen is a leader for the application of technology strategies with NECC. He is also the co-owner and Director of Quality Management for Sonderen Packaging, and is a judge for Greater Spokane Incorporated's AGORA Awards for Business Excellence.
Board Member since 2013
sean bresnahan
Board Member
Sean Bresnahan has has served in board positions of Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President.
For him, community is what matters. His passion is for community members to improve every measure of their lives through providing tools, guidance, and assistance. A strong, healthy and active community makes us all better.
Sean is currently the Credit Product Manager for Banner Bank.
Board Member since 2011
eric christiansen
Board Member
Eric Christiansen is an owner and Certified Financial Planner with Quantum Financial Planning. Eric is a past President of the NE Community Center, is on the finance committee, and was instrumental in establishing an endowment for NECC. Eric's passions include education and finance - while giving back to the community.
Board Member since 2010
dr. brian davenport
Board Member
Dr. Brian Davenport is the Director of Community Engagement at Eastern Washington University and a career educator, with experience as both a former professor and high school teacher.
In his role at EWU, he teaches students the importance of serving their community, a value that also guides his own work. Serving on the board allows him to support the impactful work happening at the Northeast Community Center and to be actively involved in strengthening the Spokane community. For Dr. Davenport, this service is a way to align his professional values with meaningful action and help make a positive difference.
Board Member since 2016
jarren long
Board Member
Jarren Long is a resident of the neighborhood, with an interest in emerging technologies and social services. He serves as the Team Leader for Technology Applications at NECC. He is the Owner and Principal Software Engineer for Cyanid Software, Inc., and Senior Application Engineer for Travis Pattern and Foundry.
Board Member since 2016
alvaro figueroa
Board Member
Alvaro Figueroa Garcia (he/him/his) joined NECCA in 2018 as the Avista representative on the board, and is a Customer Solutions Team Leader & Multi-Language Program Manager at Avista Utilities. He helps oversee efforts across customer-facing channels, in addition to being the organizational strategy lead for multi-language initiatives. At NECCA, Alvaro has served as a Treasurer, Vice President, and most recently President. He is on the revenue generating committee, finance committee, and executive committee. He has been working with nonprofits and other local and state groups providing services for LGBTQ youth, low income families, in addition to an advocate for k-12 education, sports, and social justice. Alvaro also serves on the Washington State America250 Federal Committee, and recently joined the Spokane County Human Rights Commission. He also served as a State Commissioner for six years. Alvaro holds a Bachelor's Degree in finance and economics, with a minor in Spanish, and an Master of Arts in Business Administration, MBA ('14), and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, MSOL ('23) from Eastern Washington University. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership, PhD, from the University of Southern Maine. In his free time, Alvaro enjoys backpacking in Asia and South America, playing competitive volleyball with his men’s traveling team, and spending time on or around water.
Board Member since 2018
holly renga
Board Member
Holly Renga has lived in Northeast for 30+ years, and joined the board after retiring from the medical field. She shares her wisdom with us, and helps seniors navigate the confusing aspects of the area. She also supports The ZONE, supporting our community's families and schools. Most recently, she has become a mentor for On Track Academy students as a part of the Youth Wellness Zone.
Board Member since 2022
Nellie "Joyce" Jones
Member Emeritus
Nellie “Joyce” Jones (1931–2016) was a pioneer who helped start the Northeast Community Center and a dedicated advocate for the Hillyard community. She served as a member of the Board of Directors for many years and was deeply involved in community leadership throughout Spokane.
In recognition of her long-lasting contributions, Joyce Jones is honored as a permanent member of the Board.
paul hamilton
Member Emeritus
Paul Hamilton (1957-2023) was a remarkable individual who dedicated an incredible 28 years of his life to NECC. His unwavering commitment, boundless passion, and profound love for our community have left an indelible mark that will be felt for generations to come.
In recognition of his long-lasting contributions, Paul Hamilton is honored as a permanent member of the Board.