Laird Norton Company Appoints Marie Mentor as Family President

Laird Norton Company LLC, a seventh generation family‐owned business founded in 1855, announced today the appointment of Marie K. Mentor as Family President. Mentor follows Chalan Colby who held the post since 2005.

“The role of Family President is a unique feature of our governance,” LNC
chairman Laird Koldyke said. “Marie’s role assures that the Family’s values remain the foundation of our business decisions and activities.”

Mentor is a former Washington State director of the Trust for Public Land; former president of the Laird Norton Foundation; former chairman of the Laird Norton Company Nominating Committee and a past consultant to non‐profit organizations throughout the region. She has served as a board member and treasurer of Shared Salmon Strategy an organization that oversees and set goals for salmon recovery efforts in Puget Sound.

Mentor said that her initial objectives will be to engage and prepare the family’s next generation of leaders; build a shared vision for the company’s future; and create greater awareness throughout the community about the power of family businesses.

“I am proud to be of service to our family legacy that spans seven generations,” Mentor said. “Providing younger family members with the opportunity to learn, develop skills and relationships, and later give back to Laird Norton Company will be a strong focus of my work.”

Mentor said that her vision of the Family in the next 5 to 10 years is to continue to operate successful businesses that place a high priority on family participation and family leadership. “As a Laird Norton Family member, I take seriously my responsibility to give back to the family and steward the success of the Laird Norton Family, its businesses, philanthropy and family programs,” Mentor said.

Mentor received an MPA, Public Affairs, from the Dan Evans School of Public Affairs, University of Washington. She is a graduate of Linfield College.