FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: EASC Names Robert Knoll Board Chair to Succeed Dr. Paul Pitre

EASC Bids Farewell to Outgoing Board Chair Dr. Paul Pitre, Announces Robert Knoll as new Board Chair

Everett, Wash., July 14, 2026 — Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) is announcing that Dr. Paul Pitre is stepping down as EASC Board Chair. Current EASC Board Vice Chair Robert Knoll, from Puget Sound Energy, will serve out the current term as Board Chair and Mark Duffy of Mountain Pacific Bank will fill out the term as EASC Board Vice Chair.

EASC would like to thank Dr. Pitre for his service to the EASC and his commitment to Washington State University Everett, the City of Everett and, indeed, the larger Snohomish County community.

Dr. Pitre was a founding dean of the Everett branch of WSU — including 10 years as Chancellor. Dr. Pitre will be returning to faculty and teaching at WSU’s main campus in Pullman, Wash.

Dr. Pitre was instrumental in growing WSU Everett’s footprint including launching 11 new academic programs and developing the county’s first LEED Gold academic building whileoverseeing construction of the college’s new campus in 2017.

He also engaged the university with local businesses, governments, agencies and organizations to enhance economic development in the region. Several of the new academic programs were designed specifically to meet an emerging need in Snohomish County and expanded access to high-quality degrees made WSU Everett one of the region’s premier four-year universities.

Since 2025, Dr. Pitre has served as Chair of the EASC Board of Trustees. Under his leadership, EASC has continued a legacy of advocating as the county’s business voice and connecting people and business to resources for growth, expansion, international trade, government contracting assistance and future workforce initiatives.

“Dr. Pitre has been instrumental to many of the improvements and advancements in our community as well as for EASC,” says Ray Stephanson, EASC President & CEO. “With major shifts in energy, next generation technology and advanced manufacturing all occurring, his leadership, always focused on innovation, has pointed EASC and Snohomish County firmly into the future as we prepare to address the challenges and opportunities our region’s economy and workforce will soon face.”

As Dr. Pitre embarks on a new chapter, EASC expresses our deepest gratitude for his time in Snohomish County and best wishes in his future endeavors. 

“Our region would be completely different without Dr. Pitre’s leadership,” continues Stephanson.  “We are proud of Dr. Pitre, grateful for his leadership and vision, and we are sure he will make continue to make an indelible mark in his community for years to come, as he has here in Everett.”

Robert Knoll will begin his tenure as EASC Board Chair effective immediately. 

Robert works in Government Affairs at Puget Sound Energy, where he partners with local governments, community stakeholders and policymakers on energy policy and infrastructure issues across Washington state. He brings more than a decade of experience in government relations, public policy and community engagement.

“We are excited to begin a new era in economic development and growth with Robert at the helm,” says Stephanson. “Robert has already shown his willing leadership and wisdom in his role as a board Vice Chair. His love of Snohomish County and interest in the health of our region are evident. EASC is proud and ready to work with Robert.”  

Before joining Puget Sound Energy, Robert held a variety of legislative and political roles, including positions with the Snohomish County Council, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene and the Washington State House of Representatives. His background includes government affairs, advocacy, public outreach and strategic communications.

Robert attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He is active in civic leadership and has served as Board President of the Snohomish County Hospice and Homecare Foundation, Chair of the Advocacy Committee for the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Village Theatre.

Mark Duffy is the President, CEO and Founder of Mountain Pacific Bank and brings more than four decades of experience in the banking industry. He will replace Robert Knoll as EASC Vice Chair effective immediately.

Having deep roots in Snohomish County, he is passionate about supporting organizations that strengthen the region.

“Mark’s knowledge of the people and communities make him an invaluable addition to the Board leadership team,” offers Stephanson. “We know we can expect a quality of work that is on par with the quality of opportunity we have here in Snohomish County.”

In addition to his leadership in community banking, Mark serves on the board of directors of the Providence General Foundation and Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center, contributing his experience, leadership, and commitment to advancing the community he is proud to serve.

About Economic Alliance Snohomish County:
As the leading regional economic development organization in Snohomish County, Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) supports a globally competitive regional economy in which all businesses can thrive and participate equally.