Jessica Whitten Completes Term as LCCA President

For Jessica Whitten, 2005 was a very busy year. She not only worked full time as Business Manager for Schlecht Construction in Kelso but also served as President of the Lower Columbia Contractors Association.

“It was time consuming – especially with the move to the new location – but I feel good about what we accomplished,” she said. “My main goal was to build a positive team, and I think we’ve done that. The board members are more involved and more unified than at any time since I’ve been with the association.”

She pointed to the auction and Construction Excellence Awards dinners – both of which drew in excess of 100 people – as evidence of an increasingly positive and professional attitude.

Whitten credits the assistance of fellow LCCA members for making the year successful. “Former President Kim Adamson has been a great role model,” she said, “and I was lucky to have an awesome Executive Committee that provided great input and support.” She enjoyed working with incoming President Ray Pyle and is confident he will do a superior job in 2006.

“Membership needs to be the biggest push during the coming year,” she said, “not only bringing in new people but also making sure our current members are satisfied with the services LCAA provides.” She also believes more must be done to market the insurance benefits and return on industrial benefits programs available through LCCA.

Jessica was born in Chile, grew up in Vernonia, and graduated from high school in Hillsboro, Oregon. She moved to Longview in 1988 to attend Trend Business College.

After earning her degree in 1989, she was hired as a receptionist at Schlecht Construction in 1990. She was promoted to Office Manager in 1994 and then to her current position. As Business Manager, she handles human resources, marketing, contract administration, and safety.

Jessica feels at home at Schlecht and appreciates the opportunities for advancement that have come her way. “I like the team atmosphere and the fact that my input is valued,” she said.

Schlecht Construction has changed its focus during the past decade, moving away from a declining manufacturing market to specialize in commercial and light industrial development. “We’re leaner now than we were in the ‘90s,” Whitten said. “Sales have increased in the last couple of years, but we’re doing the work with fewer people.”

Jessica previously served as LCCA Secretary in 2003 and has been active on a number of committees. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, and playing golf. She also plays the guitar and composes her own songs. Jessica and her husband, Scott, have two children, Jasmine and Cody.