Eve Sahnow, CCE, Chair
Corporate Credit Manager, Orepac Building Products
I am proud to call myself an Oregonian since 2005. I manage the amazing credit team for OrePac Building Products, one of Oregon’s largest family owned companies. Prior to joining the OrePac family, highlights in my work experience ranged from SOX compliance, sales force training and institutional trade support. I earned my B.S. degree in Business Management from Metropolitan State University in Denver and was awarded certifications in both the Credit Business Fellow (CBF) in 2014 and the Certified Credit Executive (CCE) in 2016. As an alum of NACM’s Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management (GSCFM) program, I am passionate about promoting continuing education and the power of professional networking. In my spare time I enjoy fishing and crabbing with my husband, chasing our two children around and traveling to new places with family and friends.
David Newman, CCE, Vice-Chair
Credit Manager, Beacon Building Products
Before joining Beacon Building Products, I spent the last 8+ years at in various credit leadership roles in the building materials industry. I earned the Certified Credit Executive (CCE) designation in 2015. Like many of my fellow board members, I am a big advocate of the education opportunities offered by NACM Commercial Services and NACM National. Prior to Building Materials Industry, I spent years in the apparel & footwear industry with experience in many managerial roles, including credit, accounting, supply chain and corporate responsibility. I graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I am a native Oregonian and enjoy spending time with my family. Hobbies include bike riding, woodworking and golf.
Don Frigaard, Secretary-Treasurer
VP of Mortgage Lending, HAPO Community Credit Union
I started my financial career with a small S & L in Spokane, Washington where I first fell in love with credit. After attending the local Community College in Spokane, I went on to attend Eastern Washington University while continuing to grow my knowledge of finance. I took my knowledge of finance and used it to open several lending centers for banks and credit unions in Spokane, Boise, Colorado Springs, and Denver. Never losing my love for the Pacific Northwest, I returned in 2001, and in 2003 I met my beautiful bride. It was 2004 I moved from banking to start a commercial services department for a Spokane based Credit Union. At the Credit Union is where I became familiar with NACM, attending classes and finally becoming a Board Member from 2006 to 2013. Today I live and work in Tri-Cities, WA. My wife and I are blessed with two 27-year-old daughters and a 12-year-old son. Between my wife’s passion for horses, my love of dogs (particularly gundogs), our son’s schedule, and golf (who doesn’t love golfing?) we stay pretty active. I am honored to have been asked to serve again on the NACM Board of Directors.
Mark Teeter, CCE/CICP, Immediate Past Chair
Corporate Credit Manager, ESCO Corporation
I am a native of Portland, Oregon who attended the University of Oregon and Portland State University studying journalism, business, and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in advertising. I began my 23-year credit career in the outdoor apparel industry and 6 years ago redirected into the metals and mining industry with ESCO Corporation in Portland. I am an advocate of NACM’s educational and commercial offerings and hold the CCE and CICP designations. I enjoy cycling, camping, gardening, off-roading, kayaking, and adventure travels with my wife, two adult children, and grandson.
George Demakis, Director
Credit Manager, SCAFCO Corporation
While I currently live in Spokane, WA, I have spent time in many other locales including London, Chicago, New Orleans, Albuquerque, and San Diego. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a Master’s in Finance from Tulane University. I began my career in the banking industry, doing Loan Review and Special Asset workouts, transitioning into Lending and portfolio management. I consider that the beginning of my “Credit” life. Since that time I have worked in Corporate Finance as Controller and CFO, run a hotel, managed construction projects, ran my own telecom company and have managed the Credit Department at SCAFCO Corporation since 2017. I am a big supporter of NACM, particularly the educational opportunities and the industry groups. I recently got married again and am enjoying life tremendously with my new wife, traveling and spending time together.
Nick Luzania, CCE CCRA, Director
Credit Manager, Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC
I was born and raised in California’s Central Valley and have lived in the surrounding area of Fresno, CA my entire life. I attended California State University, Fresno, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business. While I was in college in 2016, I began my career with Helena as an intern. After graduating, I became a credit analyst before starting my current role as a credit manager in 2020. I now oversee Northern California and the California Coast. I obtained my CBA, CBF, and CCRA designations in 2019, and obtained my CCE designation in 2021. In my free time, I enjoy snowboarding, water sports, hiking, and really anything that involves being outdoors.
Tawnya Marsh, CCE, Director
Corporate Credit Manager, Pendleton Woolen Mills, Inc.
I am a native Oregonian born and raised in Eugene. I moved to the Portland area in 2007 with my husband and daughter. I have been in the credit field for over 20 years in various industries. I have been involved with NACM & CFDD for over 15 years which is where I learned all about credit. In 1999 I obtained my CBA certification and in 2015 completed the GSCFM course earned my CCE certification. I currently work for Pendleton Woolen Mills as their Corporate Credit manager. I have served on the CFDD Board of Directors and continue to stay involved with that organization and have served on the NACM Oregon, Northwest and now Commercial Services board. My husband and I have two beautiful daughters and two dogs, Blackie and Izzy, that keep us very busy.
Melissa Kobus, CCE, Director
Assistant Director of Credit, Walters Wholesale Electric Co.
I have worked in the credit industry for 25+ years and am currently at Walters Wholesale Electric Co as their Assistant Director of Credit. My husband and I moved to the Los Angeles area about 10 years ago. Prior to that we lived in the San Francisco Bay Area and met in Denver, CO. I earned a BA in Social Science & Psychology from CSU Pueblo and obtained my CBA, CBF and finally my CCE in 2011. I believe strongly in education and support my team in growing and learning. I was recognized with the CCE, Designation of Excellence from NACM in 2016. I have served on other boards in the past and enjoy giving back to my association, whether through service, training or being a mentor. Travel and visiting new places are a passion for my husband and I, we are always looking for our next adventure.
Frank Pagliarini, Director
Credit Manager, Brooks Sports, Inc.
Brian Rindels, Director
Global Director of Credit & Collections, National Pen Co., LLC
Currently the Director Global Credit and Collections at National Pen. Sr Credit, Collections leader. Enjoys the challenge of developing and managing the Credit to Cash cycle while taking costs out of the business and achieving best-in-industry results.
Scott Smithhisler, Interim Director
Retired, US Bank Global Trade Services Division
I'm a Washington native and have lived in the Portland area since 1980. For me, credit and NACM are part of a diverse background in international business. I spent a few years in international banking operations, then for twenty-five years was with Nike Inc. in a variety of leadership roles related to foreign sales, international credit, regional and corporate operations, transition management, trade finance, and supply chain. I had the opportunity to do a lot of travel and to live overseas for a while. In May 2012, I joined U.S. Bank as VP, Global Trade Consultant working with large companies across the western United States. Early in my career, what was then NACM Oregon played an important educational role for me and I've enjoyed being a long time International Trade Group member and former Chair. I strongly believe the organization that has grown and evolved to become NACM Northwest provides a vital contribution to the business community, and I am honored to help with its continued success.
Jennifer Walsh, CCE
Chief Executive Officer, NACM Commercial Services
I am a native Washingtonian, growing up in central Washington and eventually attending Eastern Washington University. I've spent over 20 years in business credit management, beginning in commercial lending at a regional bank and transitioning over to the COO position of NACM Inland Northwest in 2007. My husband of 25 years is a Commercial Marketing Rep for Costco Wholesale. We have three beautiful and active children, keeping our household on the move every day. We spend a great amount of time at sporting events and enjoying most anything outdoors in the Pacific Northwest.