Personnel file: Martin-Fedich named VP at UPS; Hamilton GM at KBTC

Laura Martin-Fedich has been named the new vice president for enrollment at University of Puget Sound, following an extensive and highly competitive national search. She will assume the position on Jan. 17.

Laura Martin-Fedich, Vice President for Enrollment, University of Puget Sound. Credit: UPS.
Laura Martin-Fedich, Vice President for Enrollment, University of Puget Sound. Credit: UPS.

Well known for her leadership skills, commitment to excellence, and impressive track record in her field, Martin-Fedich comes to Puget Sound from Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, where she currently serves as vice president for enrollment and dean of admission and financial aid.

“Laura Martin-Fedich is clearly a talented, experienced, and innovative leader who shares Puget Sound’s values, and who will be a strong addition to our leadership team and campus community,” said President Isiaah Crawford. “We look forward to welcoming her to campus and working together on the many opportunities that lie ahead for Puget Sound as we seek to build upon our reputation as a college deeply committed to high-impact educational experiences.”

In her new role Martin-Fedich will be responsible for enrollment planning, student recruitment, admission and financial aid, as well as student retention. She will work closely with President Crawford and other members of the campus community on the development of the liberal arts college’s new strategic plan.

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Bates Technical College President Dr. Ron Langrell announced the appointment of DeAnne Hamilton as executive director and general manager of KBTC Public Television.

DeAnne Hamilton, executive director and general manager of KBTC Public Television. Credit: Bates Technical College.
DeAnne Hamilton, executive director and general manager of KBTC Public Television. Credit: Bates Technical College.

In her new position, Hamilton will be responsible for providing leadership and direction in the strategic development and funding programs and activities of the PBS-member station, which operates as a service of Bates Technical College. She will also work in the community and with federal, state and local governments for the benefit of KBTC Public Television and Bates Technical College.

Hamilton’s experience includes more than 30 years in both public and commercial media. She most recently served as interim executive director of PublicSource, an investigative news organization located in Pittsburgh, Pa. Prior to that, she served as founding general manager of 90.5 WESA/Essential Public Media in Pittsburgh, Pa., general manager and director of broadcasting services at Michigan State University’s WKAR Public Broadcasting, and vice president and television station manager at KQED Public Television in San Francisco.

Hamilton brings experience serving on several industry and community boards and associations, including the Association of Public Television Station. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from University of Washington.

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 Kit Evans announced that she will be stepping down as Executive Director of Hilltop Artists this spring. Kit has led the organization for the past decade. Her successor has not been named.

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Alan Varsik, a lifelong zoologist with deep administrative experience at several zoos, was named interim Director of Zoological and Environmental Education for Metro Parks Tacoma

He was appointed to the post by Metro Parks Tacoma Executive Director Shon Sylvia. Varsik has been Deputy Director of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park since 2015.

In his new position, he will oversee all operations at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek.

Varsik succeeds Gary Geddes, who is retiring after nearly 36 years with Metro Parks Tacoma. Geddes served in the Zoological and Environmental Education directorship since 2000.

Varsik joined Metro Parks Tacoma 22 months ago, coming from Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, where he served as Chief Operating Officer.

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Port of Tacoma commissioners named Dick Marzano to lead the 2017 Commission. Marzano, who was first elected to the Commission in November 1995, succeeds Connie Bacon as president.

A Tacoma longshore worker for more than 36 years, Dick Marzano served as president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 23 for six years.