RONNIE BEHNKE
Appointed to the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees in March 2002.

Career Profile:
Employed by The Boeing Company for 26 years and is currently a machine parts inspector. She is a member of the International Association of Machinists District 751 and has served as Local Recording Secretary, District Council Delegate, and District Legislative Co-chair.

Education Profile:
Received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Washington and her Associate of Arts from Green River Community College.

Community Involvement:
Commissioner, King County Fire District 40

Why are you a Renton Technical College Trustee?
“Being a Trustee has been a wonderful experience. I have been able to be a part of making Renton Technical College a great place for people to come and receive a quality education.”

FRANCISCO IRIGON
Appointed to the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees in November 2002.

Career Profile:
Worked for 28 years in the social service arena, including 13 years for the Department of Social and Health Services, 10 years at the Center for Career Alternatives, four years at the International District Community Health Center, and one year at Washington Asian Pacific Islander Families Against Substance Abuse prior to retiring in 2002.

Education Profile:
Received his Masters in Social Work and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington.

Community Involvement:
Board Member, National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse Board Member, Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum Member, Regional Alcohol and Drug Awareness Resource Network Steering Committee Member, NASW Partnership in Program Planning for Adolescent Health Board Member, International District Community Development Association Member, Asian Pacific Directors Coalition Chair, Asian Pacific American Caucus, Washington State Democratic Party Board Members, International District Emergency Center

Why are you a Renton Technical College Trustee?
“I was approached by Mr. Rod Kawakami, Trustee Emeritus, about my interest in becoming a Trustee. I thought about it and replied that I would be. I bring to the trustee position my vast experience in work as a community social worker and my employment in various administrative and professional positions.”

IRA SENGUPTA
Appointed to the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees in December 2004.

Career Profile: 
Works as the Executive Director for the Cross Cultural Health Care Program and has worked in cross cultural issues in health and social services for the past 14 years. Areas of focus include cultural competency training, community based research, and organizational assessments.

Education Profile:
Currently enrolled in the Doctoral program in Human and Organizational Development at the Fielding Graduate Institute. Received her Masters in English from Jadavpur University, India.

Community Involvement: 
Member of the National Committee for Development of Cultural Competence Curriculum for Primary Care Physicians
Member of the Expert Panel on the National Initiative for Children’s Health Quality
President of the Indian Association of Western Washington
PTA President at Ridgewood Elementary and Meeker Junior High School
Received the Governor’s Award for Volunteer of the Year in 1989

Why are you a Renton Technical College Trustee?
“Community responsive education is my interest and focus. Renton Technical College is building community capacity and strength everyday with its multitude of educational programs. It is my honor and privilege to support this vital endeavor to ensure a viable future for all our communities.”

RICH ZWICKER 
Appointed to the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees in October 2005.

Career Profile: 
Member of the Renton City Council. Chair of the Legislative Steering Committee and member of the Executive Committee for the Washington State Trustee’s Association of Community and Technical Colleges (TACTC). Member of the Renton Technical College Foundation and Alumni Association. Employed by the State of Washington Office of the Attorney General as a Paralegal.

Education Profile:
Graduated from Renton High School and is a graduate of Renton Technical College’s Legal Assistant Program.

Community Involvement:
A lifelong resident of Renton
Past President and current member of Board of Directors for the North Renton Neighborhood Association
Panelist, City of Renton Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program
Past Member, Renton Airport Advisory Committee
Past Member, Piazza Renton
Acknowledged by Governor Locke in the 1999 Governing for Results Program
Committee member and presenter, Ethical Standards for Appointed Staff Conference for the Lowry administration.

Why are you a Renton Technical College Trustee?
"As a graduate of Renton Technical College, I know firsthand what a positive influence a quality technical-based education can make to a student. I also have witnessed the positive effect these educated workers have on the businesses that hire them as well as the community as a whole. I join the other trustees in bringing a common-sense approach to providing direction and support to the wonderful and dedicated staff of RTC. I am pleased to have the opportunity to assist in continuing RTC's tradition of supplying our friends and neighbors with superior educational opportunities in an affordable manner."