Contact Us

1063 S Capitol Way # 211
Olympia, WA 98501
p.360.943.4241
f.360.570.8415

About Us

The Center has built a strong team of Cooperative Development Practitioners.
Skills specific to start-up and organizational business development include:
feasibility research, business planning, financial management, communications, strategic planning and group facilitation

All Center work is guided by the Madison Principles, professional standards set and agreed upon by co-op development leaders.

Who We Are

Diane Gasaway: Executive Director
Diane joined the Center in 2003 and together with the NWCDC Board of Directors has been responsible for building the agency into what it is today. Her specialty is in strategic planning, co-op education, co-op development, grant administration, and budget management for a multitude of projects. Diane has 13 years of experience in the financial services industry. She received a Master of Public Administration (with a co-op emphasis) from The Evergreen State College.
Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Eric Bowman: Co-op Development Specialist
Eric joined the Center as an Intern in the Winter of '03/'04. He has since managed workshop series, authored feasibility studies, supervised interns, and provided technical assistance with committees seeking to form co-ops. He is a volunteer Director with the Tulip Credit Union in Olympia. In addition, he currently represents the Center on the Woodworks steering committee. Eric has holds a BA from the Evergreen State College with a focus in nonprofit administration and political economy. Eric’s previous experience includes owning/operating a small business and several years on an agro-tourism operation conducting Ag education and small animal husbandry.
Connect with him on LinkedIn.

Teresa Young: Organizational Development Specialist
Teresa joined the Center in 2005 after she facilitated NWCDC’s strategic visioning process as her thesis project for a Master’s program at the Leadership Institute of Seattle. She assists with group facilitation, strategic planning, cooperative education and training, visioning and leadership development.
Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Ben Dryfoos-Guss: Manufactured Housing Program Manager - Co-op Developer
Ben joined the Center in 2006 after a year-long internship in co-op development with the Evergreen State College. He values the core co-op identity, and sees a strong future for the co-op movement. Ben has provided valuable research support and administration to many of the Center's projects. He is currently the Editor of the Center’s Connections newsletter. He's Board Chair of South of Sound Community Farm Land Trust. He is focused on shared equity housing and specifically works in resident-owned, manufactured home communities and community land trusts. Ben also operates a freelance photography business, forwardphoto.com, assisting community organizations become more sustainable by visually telling their stories.
Connect with him on LinkedIn.

Mary Webb: Cooperative Development Consultant
Mary joins the Center from Ireland and is a Nuffield Scholar. Mary has 15 years experience at the most senior level working with agricultural co-ops and nonprofit organizations. She is experienced in managing enterprise development projects, and co-ops in the forestry, rural development and alternative energy sectors. She delivered management training to all Irish co-op boards and executive staff, and represented Irish Co-ops at National and European Union fora.
Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Maura Schwartz: Cooperative Development Consultant
Maura has 20 years experience working with co-ops in the USA and internationally. She serves on the NWCDC Board and the Jefferson County Cultural Coalition Board. Maura was the Managing Director of the Minnesota Association of Cooperatives (1999-2003); worked in Eastern Europe (1993-1997) and continues to consult on international development projects, focusing on cooperatives, associations and training. Maura holds a MS in International Agricultural Development (UC-Davis); BS in Animal Sciences (UVM); and MBA coursework in accounting and marketing (VPI).
Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Jan Boldt: Cooperative Development Consultant
Jan joined NWCDC as a Graduate-level intern in 2008 while pursuing his MBA at Concordia University. He has 20 years experience working in international procurement and supplier business development. He is experienced in commercial and residential development projects, and desires to provide housing solutions for cost conscious seniors. He has actively participated in senior care giving and advocacy. He's counseled businesses in operational and financial efficiencies for the Columbia Gorge SBDC and assisted the Mid-Columbial Economic Development District author Strategy and Goals for its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. His focus at the Center is on seeking cost effective housing through co-op models for seniors.
Connect with him on LinkedIn.

1063 S. Capitol Way # 211
Olympia, WA 98501
p.360.943.4241
f.360.570.8415