Joel VanEtta joined Gogerty Stark Marriott in 1987, and manages issues for such clients as Group Health Cooperative; International Speedway Corporation; Salishan-Mohegan, Davis Wright Tremaine; Glacier Northwest; Swedish Medical Center; Washington Dental Service; Virginia Mason Medical Center and Whole Foods Markets.
 
His project management experience includes developing strategy and managing the implementation of communications plans for complex public issues with multiple objectives and modes of communication, and statewide campaigns on initiative election issues. He has also provided strategic direction and managed numerous projects involving controversial public issues; complex governmental review and approval processes; crisis communications; government, media and community relations; and grassroots organizing and communications.
  
An award-winning reporter, photographer and editor at the Tri-City Herald for six years, VanEtta is a proficient writer and editor. He holds a journalism degree from the University of Washington and a liberal arts degree from The Evergreen State College.
 
He is a member of the boards of directors for the Seattle Center Foundation and a past director of the Seattle Police Foundation and Seattle City Club.  He is a lifetime member of Trout Unlimited and a member of the Federation of Flyfishers and American Rivers.
 
He is married to Lori VanEtta, a dedicated and talented elementary school teacher, and they have a son attending the University of British Columbia.