EDASC hires Leadership Skagit Program Manager

MOUNT VERNON – The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC) has hired Mary Heffernan Trester as its Leadership Skagit Program Manager effective January 1, succeeding founding director Kathryn Bennett at the helm of Skagit County’s premier leadership training program. Leadership Skagit is a program of EDASC, in partnership with Skagit Valley College.

Trester, an Anacortes resident, will work collaboratively with Curriculum Manager Dr. Laura Flores Cailloux to ensure the continued success and growth of Leadership Skagit. She’ll lead program fundraising efforts, manage volunteers and recruit program participants.

"I am excited to join the EDASC team as the Program Manager for Leadership Skagit," Trester said. "As I embark on my new leadership journey, I can't wait to meet all of you who have been instrumental in making Leadership Skagit a premier leadership training program and vital source of thought leaders throughout the county. With you, we will continue this great work of developing leaders today to shape our tomorrow."

Trester brings over two decades of experience in higher education, workforce development, equity and diversity training, and program management to EDASC.

Since 2014, she has been the Director of Continuing Education and Edmonds Conference Center at Edmonds Community College, managing four continuing education programs. In that role, she also secured funds to support educational scholarships and secured and organized volunteer support.

A 2013 Leadership Snohomish Graduate, Trester obtained her B.A. from the University of Washington before obtaining her K-8 teaching certificate from Central Washington University. She earned a Master’s in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mary Trester to the EDASC team,” said EDASC CEO John Sternlicht. “She brings a wealth of experience in adult education, volunteer management, fundraising, and recruitment, and will provide outstanding direction and new perspectives to the program. Mary understands the vital importance of Leadership Skagit to the success of our community.”

The position attracted a number of highly qualified applicants, Sternlicht said.

“The hiring committee took that as an indication of Leadership Skagit’s excellent reputation in the community and region,” Sternlicht said. “We were amazed by the number and quality of applicants.”