Meet the Board of Trustees
Timothy Cooper, Board Chair
Appointed to the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees in November 2022.
Career Profile
Tim has a broad background in healthcare administration. Currently Executive Director of Medical Specialties at Kaiser Permanente of Washington, he previously held leadership roles at Seattle Children’s, Providence, Harborview Medical Center, and Valley Medical Center.
Education Profile
- Master’s Degree, Healthcare Administration, University of Washington
- Bachelor of Science, Medical Technology, University of Washington
Community Involvement
American College of Healthcare Executives
Why are you a Renton Technical College Trustee?
I believe in the importance of diverse educational opportunities for students and recognize the importance of RTC to our community. The college is a vital part of the framework of our growing city, and I want to be a part of the leadership team who carries the torch forward to continue providing more students the opportunity to further their education. Healthcare is struggling to find staff to support clinical operations. Schools like RTC play a vital role in training future medical assistants and surgical technicians who are the backbone of our systems.
Robert "Bob" Zappone, Vice Chair
Appointed to the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees in March 2023.
Career Profile
A graduate of RTC when it was known as Renton Vocational Technical Institute, Bob worked for decades as a union carpenter and labor leader. He served as the Project Labor Agreement Administrator for King County and Director of Council Relations for King County Executive Ron Sims before retiring.
Education Profile
Carpenters Apprenticeship Graduate, Renton Vocational Technical Institute (now RTC).
Community Involvement
- Carpenters Union and King County Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Training Council
- Member, Seattle Wood Tech Advisory Council
- Volunteer, St. Mary's/St. Vincent De Paul
Why are you a Renton Technical College Trustee?
I have a long-term interest in the vital work of Technical College and Apprenticeship programs, and I want to see these programs continue far into the future. As a graduate of the Carpenter's Apprenticeship program, I have been able to provide a great life for my family. Now retired, I see service on the RTC Board of Trustees as an opportunity for me to continue my support of programs that empower individuals to pursue family-wage careers in our community.
Peter Aiau
Appointed to the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees in February 2026.
Career Profile
Retired after a long career as an educator and union representative, Peter focuses on supporting the next generation in South King County. He taught in the Renton School District and served the Washington Education Association and other teacher unions.
Education Profile
- Master’s Degree, Lewis and Clark College
- Bachelor of Science, History, Political Science, Social Science, and Secondary Education, Portland State University
Community Involvement
Peter is actively involved in the Renton Community and serves many community organizations. Among them, he serves on the board Renton Regional Community Foundation and is president of the Scholarship Committee.
Jessica Norouzi
Appointed to the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees in July 2022.
Career Profile
Jessica is an experienced higher education administrator who serves as Assistant Dean for Advancement at the University of Washington College of Education. She also worked at Seattle Central College, most recently as Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships, and worked with Year Up, a workforce development agency working to ensure equitable access to education and economic opportunity.
Education Profile
- Master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy, University of Washington
- Bachelor’s Degree, University of Washington
Community Involvement
- Board Member, Northwest Education Access
- Steering Committee Member, Womxn of Color in Education
- Board member, Broadway Business Improvement Area
Why are you a Renton Technical College Trustee?
RTC is focused on career readiness and access while meeting the unique needs of each individual student. The college has deep roots in the community and values the diverse talents, skills, and experiences all its stakeholders bring - from students to employers to community partners.
Shana Peschek
Appointed to the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees in February 2026.
Career Profile
Shana is the executive director of the Machinists Institute, working to build a better future for aerospace, manufacturing, and machinist workers across the region. She previously served for 11 years as the director of the Construction Center for Excellence at RTC.
Education Profile
- Master of Business Administration, City University
- Bachelor of Arts, English, Washington State University
Community Involvement
Shana is involved with numerous statewide association boards and workforce-focused committees, including the National Skills Coalition Work-based Learning Advisory Board and the Tradeswomen Task Force.