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City of Vancouver Washington

Public Facilities District Board

Board Members

Abbie Layne

Board President

Abbie Layne is a semi-retired consultant. She was employed as an energy and cyber security engineer for 30 years. Abbie brings to the Board considerable expertise in management, strategic planning, budget assessment and engineering.

Azsha Preble

Board Secretary/Treasurer

Hunter Byrnes

Board Member

Hunter Byrnes serves as a project manager at an owner’s representative firm, collaborating with a diverse group of non-profit, tribal, and public entities in the Pacific Northwest.

With a foundation in design, Hunter has contributed to a broad spectrum of construction projects throughout the United States, gaining valuable experience in fieldwork, design, and management. He brings to the board a wealth of construction expertise, adept problem-solving skills, and effective management skills.

Ken O’Hollaren

Board Member

Ken is retired from a 38-year career in the public port industry, including 24 years as Executive Director of the Port of Longview, and 2 years at the Port of Port Angeles. Ken has been active in promoting economic development both in Cowlitz and Clallam counties, as well as at the State level through his leadership positions in the Washington Public Ports Association.
Ken and his wife Denise reside in the Ellsworth Springs neighborhood of Vancouver.

Cody Scherer

Board Member

Cody brings over 20 years of experience in business development, community engagement, and organizational leadership across both public and private sectors. He currently leads client development and marketing at an owner’s representative firm serving public and private clients throughout the region.

A Vancouver resident since 2011, Cody values opportunities to give back and enjoys spending time with his family exploring the area’s vibrant parks, events, and local businesses.

About

The Public Facilities District (PFD) was created by the City Council to develop the Special Events Center in downtown Vancouver (governing document – RCW 35.57.010). The PFD owns several parcels of land, including the parcel under the Hilton hotel and convention center in downtown Vancouver. The land is leased to the City’s Downtown Redevelopment Authority (DRA).

The PFD receives funding from the state sales tax credit program and transfers it to the DRA. The sales tax credit revenue funds a portion of the tax supported bonds issued to fund the construction of the Hilton/Convention Center. The PFD board is also responsible for approving annual budgets and monitoring use of the funds.

The PFD is a separate governmental entity, independent from the City of Vancouver. It is governed by a Board of Directors. Members of the board serve four-year terms in a voluntary capacity. Applicants are not required to live within city limits.

Meeting Time: Twice a year (typically in May and December) and as needed.

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Meeting Information

Contacts