People in Business
Washington Trust Bank announced Sharif Burdzik has been added to its small business banking team in Vancouver. He will serve as a vice president and relationship manager.
With more than 19 years of banking experience, Burdzik will be responsible for providing small business clients with lending services and business development. Burdzik joins Washington Trust from Columbia Credit Union, where he served as a business lending officer. Burdzik holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and mathematics from the University of Kansas. He is also a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School.
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The Greater Vancouver Chamber has promoted Janet Kenefsky to chief operating officer and Hadley Phillips to program manager & strategic community partnerships.
Since joining the Chamber in 2019, Kenefsky has been instrumental in the success of programs including Business POD (Pathways to Opportunities and Development), Lemonade Day, the Civics Bee, the Southwest Washington Nonprofit Collective and the Executive Women’s Council. Under her tenure, the Chamber’s budget has grown nearly 70 percent.
As COO, Kenefsky will oversee GVC’s operations and strategic initiatives, further driving innovation, expanding services, and supporting professional development within the organization.
Phillips joined the Chamber in 2019 as member engagement and events coordinator and quickly became a key force behind the chamber’s events.
In her new role, Phillips will oversee core initiatives, including the Southwest Washington Nonprofit Collective and Women in Leadership programming. She will also take the lead on Give More 24!, Southwest Washington’s largest day of giving, further expanding nonprofit support and community participation.
Other Business News
Nominees for the Greater Vancouver Chamber’s 2025 Iris Awards honoring local women of achievement are Jacquie Hill, the owner of LiveWell Camas and Downtown Camas Association Executive Director Carrie Schulstad; Ridgefield Chief of Police Cathy Doriot; Dr. Cassie Gabriel, medical director at Allen Gabriel Aesthetic Center in Vancouver; Erin Huffard, president of the woman-owned Squires Electric; and Cheri Perry, president of Total Merchant Concepts in Vancouver.
“This year’s finalists exemplify innovation, resilience and service, inspiring future generations to lead with purpose,” Greater Vancouver Chamber President and CEO John McDonagh said in a news release. “Each year, the Iris Awards shine a light on the remarkable women whose leadership and dedication strengthen our communities.”
The chamber said the Iris Awards, formerly known as the Women of Achievement Awards, have honored women in the community since 1985.
The Greater Vancouver Chamber will announce the 2025 Iris Awards winners during its annual Inspire HER conference at noon March 13, at the Hilton Vancouver Washington.
