Commission Members

enlarge photo		Dan O'Neal, Chair Dan O’Neal, a member since 2003. He is on the Board of Directors of The Greenbrier Companies (GBX), a publicly traded railroad car leasing and manufacturing company. He has owned and operated transportation and software businesses. Dan has actively participated in efforts to gain private and public sector support for improved freight transportation infrastructure. He is a member of the Puget Sound Partnership Leadership Council and the Cascade Land Conservancy. Prior to joining a law firm in 1980 he was Chairman of the Interstate Commerce Commission. He had been Transportation Counsel to the Senate Commerce Committee chaired by Senator Warren Magnuson.
enlarge photo		Elmira Forner, Vice-Chair Elmira contributes experience in both local and state government having served as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Kent, as well as serving as State Representative from the 47th District.  While in the legislature she served five years on the Transportation Committee.  Elmira was appointed to the Commission by Governor Locke in  2000 and re-appointed by Gov. Gregoire in 2006. During her time on commission she served five years on the Transportation Permitting and Accountability Committee and two years on the Transportation Performance Audit Board.  She is presently active in transportation issues in North Central Washington.
enlarge photo		Bob Distler, member Bob came to the Commission with an economics background and a career in transportation management, having worked in marketing, planning, operations and government and industry affairs. He has consulted for clients worldwide, including airlines, railroads and cruise lines. Since moving to Orcas Island in 1992, Bob has been involved with Washington State Ferries and San Juan County government, focusing on transportation and growth management issues. Bob was appointed to the Commission in 2005.
enlarge photo		Richard Ford, member Richard contributes port and legal experience to the Commission. He is senior counsel of the international law firm K&L Gates LLP, and spent more than 30 years in public service, retiring in 1985 as Executive Director of the Port of Seattle. Richard has also served on a number of key boards and commissions, including Premera (Blue Cross), Casey Family Programs, the Climate Change Transportation Work Group - a sub-committee to the Governor's Climate Advisory Team, Governor’s Growth Strategies Commission, Washington State Marine Oversight Board, Citizen Advisory Panel on Council Elections, and the RTA Regional Outreach Committee. Richard was appointed to the Commission in 2004 and was reappointed in 2007.
enlarge photo		Latisha Hill, member Latisha is employed by Avista Utilities and brings to the Commission experience in urban and regional planning, community development, public affairs, and economic development. She currently serves on the City of Spokane Mayor's Sustainability initiative as the Transportation and Mobility co-chair. Latisha is vice-president of the Inland Empire Chapter of the American Planning Association and serves on various business and community boards. She has a Masters degree in Urban & Regional Planning and a B.A. in Communications.  Latisha is actively involved in transportation and economic development efforts in Eastern Washington and was appointed to the Commission in 2008.
enlarge photo		Carol Moser, member Carol’s background as a City Councilwoman brings a local government perspective to the Commission. In addition to serving ten years on the Richland City Council, Carol was appointed to the Association of Washington Cities Board of Directors in 2002, and was a Board Member on the Municipal Research Services Center until accepting the appointment on the Commission. She served on the Regional Transportation Planning Organization for the Benton-Franklin-Walla Walla Policy Advisory Council, the Ben-Franklin Transit board, and served four years on the State’s Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board. Carol was appointed to the Commission in 2006.
enlarge photo		Philip Parker, member Philip brings a varied background to the Commission. He recently retired as a Journeyman Electrician and has taught in the electrical apprenticeship program. Philip has represented the Vancouver community on many boards with a recent focus on workforce development and transportation issues. Philip was appointed to the Commission in 2007.

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