2026 - 2028 BOARD NOMINATIONS
Help Lead Our Industry: NUCA Board of Directors Nominations Open – We Need Your Voice!
The governing body of the NUCA of Eastern WA & North ID Chapter is the Board of Directors, which has the responsibility for leading the direction of the Chapter’s activities and programs, including setting the Chapter’s policies, determining how the Chapter’s budget is developed and spent, and coordinating with the Association on Chapter partnership programs and administrative functions.
NUCA of Eastern WA & North ID is now accepting nominations for our Board of Directors, and we invite you to help shape the future of our chapter and our industry.
If you know a member—or are a member yourself—who demonstrates strong industry leadership, a commitment to safety and workforce development, and a passion for strengthening our contractor community, we encourage you to submit a nomination.
Who is eligible?
Any NUCA of Eastern WA & North ID member in good standing may be nominated. Self-nominations are welcome.
What does the Board do?
Our Board of Directors helps drive:
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Legislative and regulatory advocacy
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Member services, training, and events
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Workforce development initiatives, including Signing Day & scholarships
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Dozer Day planning and community outreach
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Strategic planning for the chapter’s growth and impact
What makes a strong candidate?
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Demonstrated professionalism and integrity
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Industry experience and community involvement
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Willingness to attend board meetings and participate in committees
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Passion for strengthening NUCA’s mission and supporting our members
How to nominate
Simply email the nominee’s name, company, and a brief statement (2–3 sentences is fine) about why you believe they’d be a great addition to the Board to sheri@nuca.com
👉 Submit your nomination by November 28, 2025
OPEN POSITIONS
December, 2025
Ballot for 2026-2028
NUCA Eastern WA & North ID
Board of Directors
Navigate to:
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Acts on behalf of the President when the President is unavailable.
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Administers the chapter’s bylaw amendment procedures as described in the bylaws.
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May be appointed by the President to serve as chair of a key committee or task force.
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Serves as an officer on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
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Serves on the Budget and Finance Committee and Nominating Committee.
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Performs other duties as identified in the bylaws or assigned by the President.
Mat Haneke is an outstanding candidate for NUCA EWNI Vice President (President Elect). With over a decade at WM Winkler and currently serving as Senior Estimator, Mat brings deep industry knowledge, strategic insight, and strong leadership to every project he touches. He has been an active NUCA member since our chapter's launch in 2017 and is truly the heart and muscle behind Dozer Day—NUCA’s flagship fundraiser that delivers a tremendous impact on our local community. Mat’s organization, dedication, and passion for our industry are the driving forces that make this major event successful year after year. His commitment to NUCA’s mission and to elevating the excavation and utility construction field makes him an exceptional choice for Vice President.
Mat Haneke - WM Winkler
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Acts on behalf of the Vice President when the Vice President is unavailable.
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Oversees the custody of corporate records, including the Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation.
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Records the minutes of Board, Executive Committee and General Membership meetings in the absence of the Executive Director..
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Serves as an officer on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
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Performs other duties as identified in the bylaws or assigned by the President.
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Works with Executive Director to oversee the custody of financial records.
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Serves as chair of the Budget and Finance Committee.
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Advises the Executive Committee and Executive Director on the chapter’s fiscal matters.
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Works with Executive Director to oversees all funds, investments, and bank accounts.
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Works with Executive Director to develop annual budget proposal, monitors chapter’s operating budget, and presents financial status reports.
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Administers and upholds the chapter’s financial policies and controls.
Laura Hays-Aldrich
Laura Hays, a new NUCA EWNI member from Aldrich, has been nominated for the role of Treasurer, bringing more than 20 years of public accounting experience to the position. Her background includes performing and supervising financial statement audits, reviews, and compilations, as well as managing client relationships across manufacturing, distribution, construction, and nonprofit sectors. Laura also brings extensive expertise in overseeing and conducting audits of employee benefit plans. Her strong financial acumen, deep industry experience, and commitment to excellence make her an exceptional candidate to help steward NUCA EWNI’s financial responsibilities and support the continued growth of the chapter.
Contractor Director Candidate (3 Positions Open)
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Attend Board meetings & supports the President.
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Participates in planning and goal setting and helps determine the association’s priorities.
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Promotes the association’s image.
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Helps recruit new leaders and members.
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Approves the dues structure and rates.
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Stay current on issues and trends impacting the association and the membership.
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Act as liaison between the members and the Board.
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Assist in operation of Board meetings by speaking on agenda topics and proactively bringing forth any matters of importance.
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Get involved in committee work.
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Assist with fund raising and membership recruitment.
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Recruit future leaders to help govern the organization.
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Readily communicate with staff for needed information and assistance.
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Fulfill the duties of fiduciary responsibility.
Justin Hauge-Copenhaver Construction Inc. (Incumbent)
Growing up in Odessa, Washington, Justin learned early the value of hard work and strong community ties. After earning his Bachelor of Business Administration with a finance major from Eastern Washington University, he joined Copenhaver Construction, where he has spent the past seven years building relationships, operating heavy equipment, and advancing into roles that include business operations, project management, estimating, and technology management. Justin has served on the NUCA EWNI Board for the past two years and is an active member dedicated to strengthening the industry. Through his work with NUCA, he is especially passionate about advancing workforce development and supporting the future of excavation and utility construction.
Mary Lyons-Simco (Incumbent)
Mary Lyons of Simco has been nominated to continue serving as NUCA EWNI’s Contractor Director, a role she has held with dedication for the past two years. Born and raised in Montana, Mary built a strong foundation in sales and leadership development before moving to Idaho, where her passion for creative problem-solving found new purpose. As Simco’s office manager, she wears many hats—overseeing operations, coordinating events like the Complete Home Builders Expo, supporting HR, and even organizing the popular Simco Golf Tournament, which raises funds for the NUCA Next Generation Scholarship and Workforce Development Fund. Mary’s versatility, commitment, and active involvement make her a valuable leader within NUCA and the industry.
Brooke Kelly-ACI Northwest Inc. (Candidate)
Brooke Kelly is a Project Manager and Estimator with ACI Northwest Inc., bringing a unique blend of construction experience and a seven-year background in the financial sector. She entered the industry through Musselman Equipment and quickly discovered a passion for building communities, tackling challenges, and forming strong professional relationships. Brooke thrives in a fast-paced, traditionally male-dominated field, viewing every challenge as an opportunity to demonstrate skill, confidence, and leadership. She is a strong advocate for women in the trades and encourages others to pursue the industry’s rewarding career paths. Her approach centers on continual learning, collaboration, and delivering the best outcomes for both teams and customers.
Associate Director Candidate (3 Positions Open)
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Attend Board meetings & supports the President.
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Participates in planning and goal setting and helps determine the association’s priorities.
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Promotes the association’s image.
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Helps recruit new leaders and members.
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Approves the dues structure and rates.
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Stay current on issues and trends impacting the association and the membership.
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Act as liaison between the members and the Board.
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Assist in operation of Board meetings by speaking on agenda topics and proactively bringing forth any matters of importance.
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Get involved in committee work.
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Assist with fund raising and membership recruitment.
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Recruit future leaders to help govern the organization.
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Readily communicate with staff for needed information and assistance.
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Fulfill the duties of fiduciary responsibility.
Todd Hickman-Lee Equipment / Bobcat (Incumbent)
Todd Hickman has been a dedicated NUCA associate member and an active member of the Board of Directors for the past six years. As a driving force behind Dozer Day since its launch in 2019, Todd’s passion for building the future construction workforce has made him an invaluable leader within the organization. His commitment to industry development also helped bring NUCA’s Signing Day to life, creating powerful opportunities for students entering the trades. With more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry and a deep understanding of infrastructure issues, Todd brings both expertise and heart to NUCA’s mission—continuing to strengthen our association and the industry we serve.
Jim Majeskey-Marsh McLennan (Incumbent)
Jim Majeskey began his insurance and surety career in 1991 and has spent the past several decades providing surety bonds, risk management guidance, and insurance programs to construction clients throughout Spokane. As one of NUCA EWNI’s founding members, Jim has been actively involved since day one, contributing generously to initiatives like the Next Generation Scholarship & Workforce Development Fund and the NUCA Cares Christmas Wish program. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the local CFMA chapter. Jim’s ongoing commitment to supporting contractors and strengthening the industry makes him a highly valued board member, and NUCA is fortunate to have him seeking another term.
Cade Dovenberg is honored to be considered for the NUCA EWNI Board of Directors. Although he has been with D.P. Nicoli for only two years, trench safety has quickly become his passion and focus. With a background in concrete and asphalt, Cade has been on construction sites since age 16 and has fully immersed himself in trench safety—visiting thousands of job sites, teaching over 35 competent person training classes, and building strong relationships with leading civil contractors across Eastern Washington. Cade has been a dedicated supporter of NUCA, contributing through training, event setup, Trench Safety Summits, and ongoing assistance to Executive Director Sheri Nowlan and Executive Admin Nichole Thrift at monthly social events. He brings energy, expertise, and a deep commitment to safety, and would be honored to help advance NUCA’s mission as an Associate Director.
Cade Dovenberg-DP Nicoli (Candidate)
Dylan Haag-United Rentals (Candidate)
Dylan Haag brings seven years of trench safety experience across multiple markets nationwide, offering a strong technical background and a proven commitment to industry advancement. He is certified to teach Confined Space Entry and Competent Person training for Trench and Excavation Safety, and has been an active leader within NUCA chapters throughout the country. Dylan has served on the Board of Directors for the NUCA of Southern Idaho Chapter since its inception, contributed to the San Antonio chapter, and supported the launch of the Austin chapter. He has also helped plan several large-scale Trench Safety Stand Down events, demonstrating his dedication to promoting safe excavation practices. Dylan currently works as a Trench Safety Specialist with United Rentals, where he continues to advocate for education, awareness, and excellence in trench safety.
Leadership
NUCA Chapter President Marshall Sampson
Marshall Sampson currently serves as board president for the NUCA Chapter of Eastern WA & North ID. Marshall has been in the underground utility industry for roughly 20 years. After gaining valuable industry experience at Halme Construction, Marshall founded Inland Infrastructure in 2021 and has quickly become one of the premier contractors in the Inland Northwest . Marshall takes great pride in his work as a construction project manager of many complex infrastructure projects throughout the Inland Northwest. Specializing in water, storm water, and wastewater utility, along with structural concrete and street improvements, has allowed him the opportunity to develop a diverse reputation of delivering locally significant projects, on schedule, and under budget.
In striving to create an extensive history of safe, innovative, and profitable projects, Marshall has learned that planning, expertise, and hard work come second only to the relationships and teams that materialize from a successful project.
Marshall and the Inland Infrastructure team joined NUCA of Eastern WA & North ID in 2022 and have brought new ideas and energy to the association. Marshall feels the value NUCA brings to his business is extensive safety and leadership training, networking opportunities, and most importantly, workforce development.
Contractor Directors
Rick Oliver, United Rentals Trench Safety - Immediate Past President
Mary Lyons, Simco - Contractor Director
Justin Hauge, Copenhaver Construction -
Contractor Director
Mat Haneke, WM. Winkler Co -
Ex Oficio Officer
Associate Directors
Todd Hickman, Peak Machinery-Bobcat
Executive Director
Sheri Nowlan
Jim Majeskey - Marsh McLennan
Executive Admin
Nichole Thrift
