Chamber honorees include civic leader
Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Civic leader Connie Niva will be honored Dec. 11 as the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce’s citizen of the year.
Niva, a former Everett City Council member and former member of the state Transportation Commission, was selected for the honor because of her many years of public service, chamber officials said.
"She works tirelessly and with enthusiasm on issues that have far-reaching effects," said Bob Drewel, who is stepping down after his third term as Snohomish County executive.
Joni Earl, director of Sound Transit and a former deputy executive in Snohomish County, called Niva a strong leader and noted her 10 years on the transportation commission.
Niva, who is heading the transition team for county executive-elect Aaron Reardon, was named earlier this year to the Washington State University Board of Regents. She is also chairwoman of the board for Housing Hope of Snohomish County.
An honors graduate of WSU, Niva went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration at Seattle University.
She has served on a number of area boards and commissions. Among her favorites is the Center for Women and Democracy at the University of Washington, of which she is a founding board member.
Her work with the group has taken her to Eastern Europe and to Cuba, where she studied the role of women in government and society.
In addition to Niva, the chamber will also honor Rick Cooper, chief executive of The Everett Clinic, who was named executive of the year for what was described as visionary leadership, respected management style, community involvement and a focus on customer service.
Chamber executive Louis Stanton-Masten said the awards are the organization’s attempt to thank people "for the contributions they make to our entire community."
The awards will be presented at a reception and dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 11 in the ballroom of the new Everett Events Center at Hewitt Avenue and Broadway. Tickets to the event are $55 and can be reserved by calling 425-438-1487.
Other honorees include:
