BIAW announces a new events manager and legislative director

June 17, 2024

The Building Industry Association of Washington proudly announces a new events manager and legislative director. These changes make the BIAW staff team even stronger!

New events manager

As Association Services Director Brenda Kwieciak retires after 30 years, BIAW has hired Olympia native, Kristi Dohring as its new events manager. Kristi has played a big part in Olympia’s business community for years. She started Paprika Catering and then opened Paprika Cafe in downtown Olympia. There she enjoyed competing in local food competitions with her award-winning stuffed mushrooms and clam chowder.

For the past seven years, Kristi has worked as the Catering Sales Manager at Indian Summer Golf and Country Club. In that role, she organized, collaborated and managed all types of events. She also won many awards for sales excellence.

She enjoys the support of her husband, Chris, and stays active with her two children, Amelia, 9, and Imre, 11.

Research and policy staffer promoted

Based on her solid history of policy and research expertise, BIAW has promoted Policy and Research Manager, Andrea Smith, MPA, to serve as its new Legislative Director.

Prior to joining BIAW, Andrea was the Communications & Education Manager for the Building Industry Association of Clark County. From advocating for increased aggregate supply in Clark County to coordinating volunteers for Dozer Day Vancouver, Andrea has dedicated her career to protecting and promoting the construction industry. She has also worked for various initiative campaigns in Oregon and Washington, the Washington State Legislature, and the City of Vancouver.

When not at work, Andrea enjoys spending time with her fiancé, taking her two dogs on adventures, hiking trails with waterfalls, and volunteering. She brings strong communications and government affairs skills to our stellar team.