Meet the Board of Trustees

Frieda smiling

Frieda Takamura, Board Chair

Appointed to the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees in November 2015.

Career Profile
My career focused on the public education system, first as a junior high school and high school teacher, and then as the Human/Civil Rights Program Coordinator at the Washington Education Association.

Education Profile
Frieda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Whitman College and a Master's in Education from the University of Washington.

Community Involvement
Frieda is involved with various community-based organizations, including the Wing Luke Asian Museum, the Puget Sounds Advocates for Retired Americans, and the Asian Pacific Directors Coalition, among others. She is a former commissioner on the Washington State Commission of Asian Pacific American Affairs, where she served as the Education Chair. Frieda is currently serving on the Washington Education Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee.

Why are you a Renton Technical College Trustee?
Renton Technical College is a vital community resource that provides an alternative for those seeking further education and/or training, and whose needs are not necessarily met by a traditional four-year college. As the demography of South King County changes, so must our education institutions. They must continue to evolve to meet students' need as they strive to reach full potential. I believe I can contribute to helping RTC continue to do that.

Frieda Takamura, Board Chair

Appointed to the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees in November 2015.

Career Profile

My career focused on the public education system, first as a junior high school and high school teacher, and then as the Human/Civil Rights Program Coordinator at the Washington Education Association.

Education Profile

Frieda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Whitman College and a Master's in Education from the University of Washington.

Community Involvement

Frieda is involved with various community-based organizations, including the Wing Luke Asian Museum, the Puget Sounds Advocates for Retired Americans, and the Asian Pacific Directors Coalition, among others. She is a former commissioner on the Washington State Commission of Asian Pacific American Affairs, where she served as the Education Chair. Frieda is currently serving on the Washington Education Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee.

Why are you a Renton Technical College Trustee?

Renton Technical College is a vital community resource that provides an alternative for those seeking further education and/or training, and whose needs are not necessarily met by a traditional four-year college. As the demography of South King County changes, so must our education institutions. They must continue to evolve to meet students' need as they strive to reach full potential. I believe I can contribute to helping RTC continue to do that.

Jessica Norouzi, Vice Board Chair

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

Community Involvement

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. 

Debra Entenman

Appointed to the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees in July 2015.

Career Profile

Debra has more than three decades of community engagement and advocacy work. She served in the office of Congressman Adam Smith, U.S. House of Representatives for 12 years, and as District Director from 2015-18. In 2018 Debra was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives for the 47th Legislative District. She currently serves as the Vice Chair of the College and Workforce Development Committee and Vice Chair of the Black Members Caucus.

Education Profile

Received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Seattle University.

Community Involvement

Debra has served as a board member for Neighborhood House since June, 2014, and is a member of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle.

Why are you a Renton Technical College Trustee?

As a former non-traditional student, I understand the challenges of working and raising a family while attending school. I believe that Renton Technical College is a 21st century leader in higher education. RTC accepts students that span the educational spectrum, and work with them to fulfill their dreams of attaining higher education. At RTC, helping a student to reach their goals is important. I look forward to being part of making that happen.

Timothy Cooper

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

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

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

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.