FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2026

Enumclaw School Board Selects Dr. Mark Wenzel as Next Superintendent

ENUMCLAW, Wash. — The Enumclaw School District Board of Directors announced tonight that Dr. Mark Wenzel has been selected as the district’s next superintendent, pending formal contract approval.

The Board announced its unanimous decision during a special board meeting on Thursday, May 14, following an executive session for board deliberation.

Mark Wenzel is an accomplished educational leader with more than 25 years of experience across U.S. public school systems and international schools, known for his ability to strengthen community trust, elevate teaching and learning, and build cohesive, high-performing organizations. His leadership reflects a systems-oriented mindset paired with a strong commitment to student well-being and continuous improvement. Mark brings deep roots in Washington State alongside a broad perspective shaped by leadership experiences across multiple countries.

“Selecting a superintendent is one of the most important responsibilities of a school board, and we approached this decision with great care,” said Board President Tyson Gamblin. “Dr. Wenzel brings extensive superintendent experience, a strong background in community engagement and a clear commitment to teaching, learning and organizational leadership. We are excited to welcome him to Enumclaw School District.”

The Board’s decision follows a comprehensive superintendent search process facilitated by Northwest Leadership Associates, the executive search firm retained by the Board to support the search. The district received 25 applications for the position. After careful review, the Board selected six candidates for preliminary interviews before advancing two finalists to the final stage of the process.

Community input played a central role throughout the search. Feedback from the Leadership Profile Survey, stakeholder focus groups, a community input session, finalist forums and online feedback opportunities helped guide the Board’s decision-making and identify the leadership qualities, experience and priorities most important to students, staff, families and community members.

During the finalist process, Dr. Wenzel spent a full day in the district meeting with principals, student leaders, staff, union representatives and district leaders, as well as touring schools and district facilities. Community members, staff and families were also invited to participate in a public forum and provide feedback to the Board.

Dr. Wenzel served as superintendent of Anacortes School District from 2013 to 2020, where his leadership included strengthening community engagement, supporting labor-management relationships, securing philanthropic support and passing a $90 million capital bond that supported construction of a new high school and major facility upgrades. He also previously served as superintendent of Methow Valley School District, where he launched the district’s first technology levy and helped establish a 1:1 learning environment.

Most recently, Dr. Wenzel has held senior leadership roles with Cognita Asia Schools Group, including superintendent of Stamford American International School in Singapore and regional director of education overseeing instructional quality and leadership development across schools in Singapore, India, Vietnam, Thailand and Hong Kong.

Dr. Wenzel began his career as a classroom teacher and also served as communications director for Bethel School District. He holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Washington, a Master of Science from the London School of Economics, a Master of Arts from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Arts from Earlham College.

“The Board is grateful to the students, families, staff and community members who shared their perspectives throughout this process,” Gamblin said. “Your input helped shape this decision and will continue to support a strong transition for the district’s next superintendent.”

The superintendent contract is expected to be considered by the Board at its May 18 regular board meeting. The new superintendent contract is expected to begin July 1, 2026.

More information about the superintendent search process is available on the district’s Superintendent Search webpage.

PORTLAND, Ore. – On May 14, fire restrictions will go into effect for all Bureau of Land Management administered lands throughout Oregon and Washington. The BLM and U.S. Wildland Fire Service leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of active restrictions and closures as warmer, drier weather sets in around the Pacific Northwest.

These fire restrictions help reduce the risk of human-caused fires. Starting May 14, the use of fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition (core or jacket), tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns is prohibited.

"We are increasingly concerned that 2026 could rival the most extreme years on record for heat and dryness in the Pacific Northwest,” said Jeff Fedrizzi, U.S. Wildland Fire Service, Assistant Chief of Operations, for the Pacific Northwest.

“Every visitor must understand that even one small spark can lead to a costly and destructive fire in these high-impact conditions.”

People who violate the prohibition may be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression.

For more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service manages wildfire prevention, response, and recovery across lands administered by the Interior Department. It conducts these operations in close coordination with Interior’s land management agencies. Together, we are fostering fire-resilient landscapes and safeguarding communities.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

SALEM, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management is seeking its next Artist-in-Residence at the breathtaking Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, and this year’s opportunity is something special. The selected artist will help capture and share the rugged beauty, cultural stories, and coastal magic of Oregon during a milestone year: the Nation’s 250th anniversary and the BLM’s 80th birthday.

“We welcome any applicants who want to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of Yaquina Head,” said Ricardo Escobar, Yaquina Head Manager. “Creativity and art provide an engaging opportunity to share the value of public lands and their connection to local communities and beyond.”

The residency runs Sept. 11– 27, 2026, offering artists an immersive opportunity to explore, create, and connect with the landscape. Applications are open through June 14. Selections will be based on portfolio strength, resume, a proposed community event, and the artist’s creative vision.

Perched on the Oregon coast in Newport, just 2.5 hours from Portland, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is a dramatic meeting of land and sea. Towering cliffs, vibrant tide pools, sweeping ocean views, and abundant wildlife make its 100 acres a living canvas for inspiration.

Full details and the application form are available on the Yaquina Head Artist-in-Residence webpage. For additional information, contact Sabrina Gorney at gorney@blm.gov">srgorney@blm.gov.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Serial Arsonist Sentenced to 240 Months in Federal Prison for Setting Multiple Wildfires and Illegally Possessing a Firearm

TACOMA, Wash., May 12, 2026 — Columbia Bank has been named the “Outstanding Lender of the Year” in Washington (Seattle District) by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This marks the fifth time since 2020 the SBA has recognized Columbia Bank for excellence in SBA lending and its commitment to delivering capital to a growing number of businesses across the state.

According to Amy Davis, Director of Business Banking and SBA Production at Columbia Bank, this year’s recognition reflects the bank’s focus to ensure SBA financing goes to the businesses that need it most and to supporting their continued, long-term success.

“This honor speaks volumes about Columbia Bank’s commitment to get working capital to the small businesses that power Washington’s economy,” said Davis. “Small businesses truly are the lifeblood of our communities. I couldn’t be prouder of our entire SBA team for all they do to help entrepreneurs and owners across our footprint turn their vision into reality.”

For fiscal year 2025, Columbia Bank provided nearly $27 million in SBA financing to support the growth of 252 small business owners, helping fund job creation, expansion and economic growth throughout the region.

In fiscal year 2026, Columbia Bank currently ranks as the #15 SBA lender nationally, including:

• #1 in Washington and Oregon
• #3 in Idaho
• #13 in California

The recognition also adds to a growing list of honors Columbia Bank has received so far in 2026.

Columbia Bank’s 2026 honors include:
 

• Crisil  Coalition Greenwich Awards: Best Bank – Satisfaction in Cash Management for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West); Best Bank – Satisfaction with Relationship Manager for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)
• Forbes: America's Best Banks
• Global Finance: Best Bank for Small and Midsize Enterprises, West
• Global Finance: Best Trade Finance Partner, West

Learn more about the solutions Columbia Bank offers to small businesses at www.ColumbiaBank.com.

About Columbia Bank

Columbia Bank is an award-winning preeminent regional bank with offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. It combines the resources, sophistication, and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver superior, personalized service. The bank supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking, Small Business Administration lending, institutional and corporate banking, and equipment leasing. Columbia Bank customers also have access to comprehensive investment and wealth management expertise as well as healthcare and private banking through Columbia Wealth Management.