Jessica Ballard, Board Member

Jessica Ballard joined Infinia as a Business Development Assistant in 2008. Within a year, she was promoted to leading Infinia’s government and community outreach and then later promoted to Project Analyst of Infinia’s sustainable energy research and development activities. Ms. Ballard demonstrates a wide range of capabilities encompassing communication, leadership, and technology. These competencies, coupled with her adaptability, have earned her key roles in project and program management; client interface; financial reporting; and coordination of numerous business development activities. Ms. Ballard also holds roles in several community organizations including membership with the leadership of the Mid-Columbia Energy Initiative (Manufacturing/Vendor Subcommittee); Pasco Washington Jaycees; board membership with the Young Professionals of Tri-Cities (Professional Development Co-Chair); and involvement with the Mid-Columbia Chapter of Engineers Without Borders. 

Traci Jao, Board Member

Traci Jao joined Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) in December of 2007 as a Project Manager. TRIDEC is the lead economic development organization for Benton and Franklin Counties in Washington State. As Project Manager, Ms. Jao is responsible for providing support to the Director of Business Recruitment and the Director of Business Retention and Expansion. In January 2009, TRIDEC launched the Mid-Columbia Energy Imitative (MCEI). MCEI is focused on economic development that capitalizes on local infrastructure, resources, and expertise in the energy sector, while retaining and recruiting businesses and jobs that promote solutions to current and future energy challenges. With this new initiative, Ms. Jao’s responsibilities have expanded to supporting MCEI with a primary focus on Communications and Business Recruitment. In addition to her roles and responsibilities to TRIDEC and MCEI, she also serves as Chair for the Young Professional Community Roundtable (since June 2008) and Co-Chair of Young Professionals of Tri-Cities (since April 2009). Ms. Jao’s primary role in these leadership positions is to recruit and retain young professionals to the Tri-Cities region.  

Leigh Felton, Board Member

Leigh Felton is a highly skilled strategic business executive and program manager, with a track record of significant organization contribution. With over 14 years as an executive at Microsoft Corporation, Ms. Felton is a Principle Partner at Alternative Designs Inc., and holds an MBA in Business Communications. She is responsible for all program, vendor and budget management, business reporting, communications and contract negotiations. Leigh will bring her dynamic energy and background to coordinate outreach for YPE with companies and energy related groups primarily in Seattle and other areas on the Pacific side of the mountains.  

Lauren Swanson, Board Member

Lauren Swanson is currently a Civil and Environmental Engineering student attending Washington State University (WSU), whose passion for engineering principles and applications has driven her to explore and cultivate professional education throughout the Tri-cities. Ms. Swanson recently began an internship with Infinia in April, 2011, and has since been entrusted with various projects intensely involved in market research, economic analysis, business development, and project management. In addition to her involvement with YPE, Ms. Swanson is also a founding member and the Vice President of the WSU, Tri-Cities Engineering Club; purposed with promoting, preparing, and propelling students into the disciplines of engineering. Lauren Swanson will utilize her roles in the student community to further expand YPE’s goals and vision among young, aspiring professionals.  

Back