Dawn Cruff, President

The Amber Bills Real Estate Group
Cell: (701) 361-7522
Dawn@amberbills.com

I am a transplant from North Dakota, who fell in love with Maple Valley and the Pacific Northwest. Immediately upon relocating, the MV community welcomed me with open arms.

I firmly believe in giving back and being an active member of the community.  This belief also plays into my passion of helping others, via through my real estate business and by volunteerism to the many who provide services to others. Two such service organizations are the MV Food Bank by participating in food drives and Foster Champs collecting coats during coat donation events.

It would be an honor to serve the members of the Maple Valley/Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce.  As a small business owner, I understand the importance of an organization who will advocate for the betterment of our businesses. I welcome the opportunity to continue to assist others through building local relationships and networking to expand their businesses.

I currently serve as an Ambassador on the Ambassador Team for the MVBD Chamber. This role grants me the opportunity to welcome our newest business members and to help create an awareness for them to our community.

Am an active member of the Maple Valley Rotary Club whose vision is to change lives both locally and abroad through service and financial support. And also the Community Engagement Task Force for Vine Maple Place.

Brad Johnson, Vice President

Johnsons Home & Garden
Office: 425.432.3384
b.johnson@johnsonshg.com

I am currently President of Johnsons Home & Garden, a local hardware store that has been part of Maple Valley for over 50 years.  I am the 3^rd generation to run the family business and an owner for the last 23 years.  I began working at the store with my dad when I was just 6.  I would clean the bathroom, dust shelves, sweep, thread pipe and stock shelves.  Prior to running the hardware store, I worked as an insurance underwriter, commercial appraiser, and a bond underwriter.

I graduated from Western Washington University in 1988 with a degree in business/finance, where I met my wife Carri. We have been married for 31 years and have two children, one of which works with me at JH&G.

I believe in a strong, thriving small business community and hope to further that goal as a member of your Chamber.

Becky Conner-Sheets, Past President

Movement Mortgage
(253) 797-1316
becky.conner@movement.com

I am Becky Conner-McDuffy (formerly Sheets), Team Lead and Sr. Loan Officer at Movement Mortgage. I am honored to be a Board Member. I was born and raised in the PNW, and currently live in Enumclaw. My passion is to coach and mentor women in business, teach financial literacy, as well as serve women experiencing severe and/or unexpected life adjustments.

I chose to open my office in Maple Valley and become more involved locally, because of the strong sense of community and service that I have witnessed by various friends and business partners here. The comradery that I have experienced with the GMVBD Chamber has been amazing!

I have always believed in serving the communities I live and work in by giving my time, talents and finances. My goal is to influence, inspire, create opportunities, and serve in both business and community efforts. I embrace the chance to link arms with other businesses and non-profits, and serve this growing community in various capacities.

AJ Garcia

Tahoma School District
Office: 425.413.3400
ajgarcia@TahomaSD.US

AJ Garcia is the Public Relations Director for the Tahoma School District (TSD). AJ joined TSD and the Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber in 2021, and he moved to Washington state in 2019. Prior to TSD, AJ served in communications roles with multiple amateur and professional baseball teams, most recently the Tacoma Rainiers.

AJ is a Wisconsin native and earned a Journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. AJ is passionate about building partnerships among all members and leaders of Maple Valley and Black Diamond.

He looks forward to expanding his role with the Chamber and focusing on networking with business and civic leaders to nurture a supportive and collaborative community.

Ty Moore

Cyber Defense West / New Community Church
Contact@CyberDefenseWest.com

Ty represents two organizations in our Chamber, founder and principal of Cyber Defense West (CDW) & Director of Safety & Security for New Community Church.

Ty is currently a Maple Valley Black Diamond Chamber Ambassador and is a big fan of the chamber and members. CDW is a Cybersecurity Firm and NCSA Cybersecurity Champion partner focused on helping Non-Profit Organizations and local Small & Home-Based businesses. Ty’s previous experiences include a 30-year career at Microsoft resigning in 2020 as a Senior Leader with responsibilities spanning North, Central, and South America in Cybersecurity, COVID Urgent Response, and Workplace Solutions.

Ty is a US Navy veteran where he served in ASW Naval Intelligence and Security Force roles. An active community member of Maple Valley and founder of the CRU foundation, a non-profit which has aided over 24 different charities. Examples include Vine Maple Place, Maple Valley Foodbank, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Ty is a Red Cross Emergency Medical Services Instructor, member of the National Cyber Security Alliance, and the Maple Valley & Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife Cassandra enjoy relaxing in their hideaway located in Roslyn, WA., physical fitness, philanthropy, and Annie (the pup).

Ty’s extensive education includes Wharton Business School, Cornell, MIT Cyber Leadership, and a Masters in Negotiations from Harvard.

Lewis Abercrombie

Scout Home Group
206-771-4016
info@scoutrealestate.com

Lewis is a Realtor® with a locally based real estate company, SCOUT Home Group. Lewis joined his wife, Desiree Abercrombie – who has over 15 years experience across various sectors of real estate – to form SCOUT in 2021.

Prior to making the move to real estate, Lewis developed his business chops as a marketing professional in the corporate retail, sports marketing and finance industries. Lewis and his family have lived in Maple Valley since 2013 and they are excited to give back and grow their contribution to this wonderful community.

His family are supporters of Vine Maple Place, Maple Valley Food Bank and Lionsheart Youth Volunteering. Lewis has also coached for Tahoma Youth Sports programs and is a regular volunteer in the Tahoma School District.

Lewis believes in the power of civic engagement and sees his business as a vehicle for creating good in the community.

He’s honored to serve the chamber as a board member, working with other members to empower growth both as business owners and more broadly as a community.

Grifan Cayce, Director

Cayce & Grove Law Offices
Office: 425.255.0603
grifan@caycegrove.com

Grifan is an Attorney with local law firm, Cayce & Grove Law Offices. Grifan joined the firm in 2011 after graduating from Seattle University School of Law and practices Estate Planning and Probate law, along with Real Estate and Business law. During law school Grifan was a Summer Associate with a firm focusing on School Law and representing a large number of School Districts – this experience helped her to develop a greater understanding of and appreciation for the complexity of how business and government entities function within a community.

Prior to law school, Grifan earned her Master’s in Education at CWU and taught AP US History in the Bellevue School District. Grifan is a K-12 graduate of the Tahoma School District, and passionate about living and working in the Maple Valley/Black Diamond community. Grifan is dedicated to Tahoma’s We The People team, a reflection of her commitment to civic education and engagement, she is excited to be nominated to the Board and is excited for the opportunity to continue focusing on economic development, community, and civic engagement with the Chamber.

Gary Thompson, Director

OnMerit Marketing
Office: 425.654.1814
garyt@onmerit.com

I’m a 23 year resident of Maple Valley and a transplant from Dallas, Texas, you’ll notice my Texas twang.

My wife Elaine and I have raised two wonderful daughters, Lauren and Katelynn in this community and we are proud to say they’re both Tahoma grads.

I’m the lead consultant and owner at OnMerit Marketing and have over 30 years experience helping small businesses compete and grow. My journey into the world of design and marketing started as a college student working for a rodeo supply company. After three years I was ready to move on to the next phase and took a job at a large ad agency in Dallas. After eight years with the company, working as both a designer and production manager, I decided it was time to strike out on my own full time, and now the rest is history.

As a brand designer and digital marketer I use design and communications to solve business problems or create business opportunities. I especially love doing this with small businesses.

I’m an active member of the Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce, City of Maple Valley Economic Development Commissioner, and the Maple Valley Rotary Club. I continue to work with the Maple Valley Parks & Recreation Department and have designed many pieces around the city.

I am honored to be a part of the Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce and to serve on the board. My goal is to bring new ideas and opportunities for promoting our member businesses, help connect and create new partnerships, grow local tourism, grow chamber brand and membership base.

Victor Torres, Director

Law Offices of Torres & Haroldson
Office: 425.458.3170
Email:  victor@torresharoldson.com

Hello, my name is Victor J. Torres, and I am a husband and father first and foremost.  I have been married to my wife Misty D. Torres for 18 years and together we have brought into this world four boys:  Tristan (13), Hayden (12), Quentin (11), and Landyn (6).  We moved to Maple Valley in 2006, drawn here by the Tahoma School District and the suburban bedroom community feel that was conducive to raising a family.

I am an attorney and partner at the law firm of Torres & Haroldson, PLLC, here in Maple Valley. Rather than working in the city, I decided to bring my talents closer to home and assist my neighbors and friends with their legal issues. I focus my practice on personal injury law and handle all types of catastrophic injury cases, including those involving car accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and falls, and wrongful death. The Firm also handles estate planning, family law, and guardianships.  We serve individuals, families, and businesses throughout the Puget Sound area.

With our boys reaching school age, my wife Misty recently opened up Torres Mental Health Services, PLLC. Coming out on the other side of the pandemic, mental and emotional health issues have been exacerbated and on the rise.  Like me, she felt the need to bring her talents to our community and assist those in need. She focuses her practice on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental, behavioral, and emotional health disorders, relationship issues, and life challenges.

I’ve given back and served my community in all the ways that I can.  I’ve coached several Maple Valley Pony Baseball teams. I am an active Rotarian working on the betterment of our community and the world through service. And, my Firm has sponsored several local organizations and events including Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce, Maple Valley Rotary, Maple Valley Pony Baseball, Kent Covington Youth Soccer, and Tahoma Performing Arts Boosters.

I feel strongly that I can provide valuable service to the Chamber and its Board by advocating for the success our local businesses and the betterment of the political economy so as to provide the optimum environment in which our businesses will thrive.

Ron Cox, Director

Lake Wilderness Golf Course
Office: 425.432.9405
Email:  rcox@lakewildernessgc.com

I moved to the Pacific Northwest from Southern California in December 2018 to be near my two daughters, Angela and Michelle and granddaughters, Zoe, and Hartley.  I have been in the golf business since 1986 and a Member of the PGA since 1994.

My career in the golf business has afforded me the opportunity to meet and learn from so many great people from all walks of life.  My goal through my career has been to respect and treat others the way I would like to be treated which I knew would help start, build, and grow relationships.

I was hired by CourseCo Inc to manage Lake Wilderness Golf Course in October 2019 which is owned by the City of Maple Valley.  From the beginning it was easy to see what a great community Maple Valley/Black Diamond was from the golf course members and guests to City staff to engaging with the Chamber and Food Pantry with their golf tournaments and seeing their love for the community and all the residents and businesses.

If given the opportunity to serve the community through the Chamber of Commerce on the Board of Directors, I would work with others to support the local businesses in our town which is what Maple Valley is all about.

Janelle Stallings, Executive Director

Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce

Office: 425.432.0222 x101
janelle@maplevalleychamber.org

Our family moved to Washington state back in 2002 from North Carolina.  We settled into Maple Valley back in 2003.  My husband and I raised our 2 children and they both attended the Tahoma School District.  I also had the good fortune to be an employee at the Tahoma School District.

I grew up in the Midwest and after high school, began her career in the U.S. Army, serving three years at Fort Bragg, NC where she worked as a Personnel Administration Center for the 7th Transportation Battalion, 2nd Brigade COSCOM. She was responsible for evaluation reports for over 1,000 personnel support battalion.

After my military stint, I attended Campbell University night school where she studied business administration where she met her husband, Albert. When he retired from the military after 21 years, they relocated to Washington State in 2002 and then to Maple Valley in 2003. We raised two children who both attended the Tahoma School District.

She worked for a time as an employee at the Tahoma School District before later joining the Chamber in 2022 as an employee.

While working at the Chamber, she’s been able to learn the rhythm and needs of the organization.

“When I was given the opportunity to become an employee of the chamber, I jumped at the chance,” she said. “During this time, I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting our current members and have focused on growing our membership. I humbly accepted the position of Executive Director and will work diligently for all our members.”