The Tacoma Events Commission 2007

The Tacoma Events Commission is a volunteer organization dedicated to making memories in the South Sound through family-oriented entertainment events.  Best known for producing Tacoma's Freedom Fair, now in its 29th year, TEC also produces the Orting Pumpkin Fest in October and Gray Sky Blues Music Festival in April.  In 2005, the Tacoma Events Commission created and produced the first-ever Tall Ships Tacoma festival and was proud that their efforts contributed to "Port of the Year" accollades from the American Sail Training Association.   Commission members and members of the board of directors represent a diverse cross-section of our community, and continue to volunteer their time to keep on making memories for friends, family, neighbors and visitors.

Our Leadership Team:

Doug Miller - Executive Director & CEO of Tacoma Events Commission

For twenty-five years, Doug Miller has been a key player in the successful production of many of the most significant festivals and events in Western Washington. Doug has endured when others walked away and inspired others to achieve what some only dream. His mantra “We are in the memory-making business” has inspired event volunteers to reach objectives that at the time seemed impossible to attain. Doug has an inner drive to help make memories for thousands of people he will never meet; that drive led to over two decades of service to our community.

Doug understands the importance of community festivals and events. He is constantly searching for ways to make them fresh and even more entertaining. His expertise as a festival promoter is second to none, and he encourages those who work with him to continually grow and learn more. He has put together a cohesive (all-volunteer) management team, some with no previous festival or event experience, and guided them to a high level of achievement. His ability to get the best effort from each volunteer contributes to the strength of the entire team, and ensures enjoyment at all levels - from volunteer worker to local families who attend the festival to guests from all over the world who say Freedom Fair is “one of the best!” Doug councils and supports other festival organizers to improve or create events. He has set a new standard for all of us in the festival and events industry, and stands ready to help us exceed that standard.

Without Doug Miller, the heart of our event would simply disappear. Although Doug has encouraged and trained a strong board of directors who can handle the mechanics of this important event, the spark that earned the festival international recognition would be lost without him. It would take a dozen people to replicate the knowledge, experience, drive, enthusiasm and commitment that Doug Miller personifies.

Doug was inducted into the Washington Festivals & Events Hall of Fame in 2006.

Carole Lail - Chair of the Board and Director, Volunteer Coordinator

Carole has been with the Tacoma Events Commission since 1994, and joined the board of directors in 1997. She brings extensive experience in event production, project management and volunteer administration, gained during 23 years with the US Air Force and beyond.  She recently was awarded a Certificate in Volunteer Administration, the only such designation acknowledged internationally, and is widely regarded as an expert in the areas of volunteer recruitment, training, and retention.  She represents the Tacoma Events Commission as a board member of Washington Festivals & Events, where she leads the membership development committee and lectures at the annual conference on volunteers and project management.  In her spare time, she is active with the Kiwanis Club of Tacoma, Soroptimist International of Tacoma, Tacoma's Toy Rescue Mission, and the McChord AFB Chapel program.  Carole's husband, Dave, and her daughters, Chelsea (husband Jason) and Courtney, are also long-time event volunteers, and son DJ, age 8, will join the group soon.  Three grandchildren are waiting in the wings to get involved!

Rob Smith -- Vice Chairman of the Board and Director, Technology

Rob is a Technical Systems Developer, with GeoEngineers, Inc. and he was a valuable technical advisor to our management team during Tall Ships Tacoma 2005. Rob is our newest board member. He brings extensive experience in areas of technology, and helped bring us GeoEngineers as a major sponsor.

Nick Ehli  -  Treasurer and Director, Marine Emergency Services

Nick is a long-time Freedom Fair volunteer who has spearheaded marine rescue services in conjunction with the Freedom Fair Air Show.  He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the commission.

Gary Grape - Chairman of the Board and Director, Vendor and Entertainment Management

Gary is a retired PierceCounty Public Works manager, and has strong ties to the entertainment industry in this community. He has been involved in the production of Freedom Fair for several years, and integral in managing vendors and entertainers for Freedom Fair and Tall Ships Tacoma 2005.

Gary Johnson - Treasurer and Director, Finances

Gary is a Vice-President of Frontier Bank, and was a zone manager during Tall Ships, he is a Daffodilian, with experience in producing the annual Daffodil Festival.

Jeff Nordstrom

Another long-term volunteer with Freedom Fair, Jeff has served in various capacities over the years, but is always available where help is needed the most.

Fred Oldenburg

Fred is active not only with TEC, but also in the local community. He has produced the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce annual Business Expo. He is a familiar face with our vendors as he directs them during load in and set-up each year during Freedom Fair.

Glenn Suggs

Glenn first volunteered for the TEC during Tall Ships Tacoma 2005, and has since been a dedicated volunteer for other TEC events.  He recently joined the board and is committed to providing leadership and guidance as the TEC approaches its 30th year.