BUSINESS — Oliver new First Fed board chairman; Blake is vice chairman

PORT ANGELES — First Federal’s board of directors has named Stephen Oliver as the board’s new chairman and David Blake as vice chairman and expressed thanks to outgoing chairman Richard Kott for his contributions.

Oliver has served on the First Federal board since 2001.

“Steve’s dedication to our organization, employees and customers embodies First Federal’s commitment to strengthening our communities for over 90 years,” said President/CEO Larry Hueth.

“We are very fortunate to have his leadership as we continue to grow.”

An attorney with more than 30 years of experience in the areas of banking, real estate development, environmental and municipal law, Oliver owns the legal consulting firm S.E. Oliver Inc., which he started in 2010.

Prior to starting his consulting firm, Oliver was a stockholder in the Port Angeles-based Platt Irwin Law Firm, beginning his affiliation in 1978 and serving as president from 1991 through 2009.

He currently serves as board president for the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend and formerly served as board president of the Olympic Medical Center Foundation.

“I am truly honored to serve First Federal as the next chairman of the board,” Oliver said.

“We are thankful to Mr. Kott for his time, dedication and guidance as chairman and are pleased that he was elected by the members to serve another term as a board member.

“Mr. Kott’s leadership helped grow First Federal to be the 16th largest bank headquartered in Washington state.

“It is also a privilege to have Mr. Blake as vice chairman share in this leadership role with me,” Oliver added.

“Dave brings over 44 years of local business experience with a comprehensive understanding of the financial needs of individuals and businesses in our community.”

Blake has spent 44 years with Blake Sand & Gravel as the CEO until 2010. He is currently the operations manager.

He also serves as a board member for the Albert Haller Foundation and spent 31 years as a member of the Sequim School District Board of Directors from 1975-2006.

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