The City Council has announced new appointees to fill vacant positions on the Diversity Commission and Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.

The Diversity Commission advises the Council and staff on policy matters involving the community's cultural and ethnic differences, ensuring that these differences are considered in the decision-making process.

The Commission is well known for its community involvement and cultural events. Appointed to the commission are:

Jaye Zern

Jaye Zern, a Minister of Community Outreach at Community of Christ-St. Luke's Church.

She has a BSBA in Marketing, Travel, and Tourism from the University of New Mexico and has been a cast member and participant in "Up With People."

Ms. Zern has lived in Federal Way for four years.

Lawrence Yapp

Lawrence Yapp, who has been a resident of Federal Way for over 20 years.

He is employed as a consulting software engineer and has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering.

Susan Honda

Susan Honda, who has lived in Federal Way for 18 years.

Ms. Honda, a graduate of the Tacoma General School of Nursing was appointed as an alternate to the commission. She has worked as a volunteer for the City, the school district, scouting, and church groups for many years.

The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee advises the City Council on the allocation of lodging tax revenue for programs and activities that encourage tourism activity in Federal Way.

Members must represent either the local lodging industry or be a representative of activities that are authorized for funding by the city's lodging tax revenues.

The city appointed the following citizens to this committee.

Mike Dunwiddie

Mike Dunwiddie, who has served on the committee since December 2002. He is the Facility Director of the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center.

Dunwiddie was the director for the 2003 US Olympic Trials Synchronized Swimming event, and has served as a board member of the Federal Way Boys and Girls Club and the Community Center Advisory Group.

Carrie Wells

Carrie Wells, who has been in the hospitality industry for 13 years and is currently the Director of Sales at the LaQuinta Inn & Suites in Federal Way.

She is originally from Oregon, moving to the Seattle area 16 years ago. She is married, has three stepchildren, and is a new mom.

Michael Yim

`Michael Yim, who grew up in Federal Way and earned a degree in Chemistry from the University of Washington.

He is the new general manager of the Comfort Inn/Quality Inn & Suites.

The City Council welcomes these new additions to the citizen advisory boards and appreciates their service to the Federal Way community.