About Us
Management
Edward Mawe
President and CEO
Ed has been in retirement housing and health care management for over 21 years. Ed attended Western Washington University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, and his M.Ed. in Health and Natural Sciences.
He began his professional career as a high school science and math teacher and then worked as an operations analyst and training consultant with Ford Aerospace before entering the field of senior services. Ed worked for the Hillhaven Corporation as the Director of Operations for Washington prior to coming to Franke Tobey Jones. Ed is also currently serving as a Board Member for the Northwest Sinfonietta (Chamber Orchestra), and has served as a Board Member for the American Red Cross, as well as Chair for the State Association – Washington Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (WAHSA). Ed has served as Franke Tobey Jones’ CEO for over 11 years.
Judy Dunn
V.P. Finance and Support Services
With more than 20 years of accounting and non-profit management experience, Judy is a great asset to Franke Tobey Jones. In addition to Accounting and Administration, Judy manages the Information Technology and Support Services functions. She has excellent management skills and has been invaluable in making sure Franke Tobey Jones remains a fiscally responsible organization. Graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Judy earned her Bachelors Degree in Accounting. Her professional affiliation is with Healthcare Financial Management Association. Her past and present community and civic activities include the YWCA Pierce County, The Fund for Women and Girls, Annie Wright School, and the Tacoma Farmers Market.
Kathie Mikita, ARNP, GNP
Senior Director of Clinical Services
Kathie received her Nurse Practitioner’s certification from the University of Washington. She has an extensive background in ambulatory and long-term care of the elderly. Residents and their physicians benefit from her high-level assessment and professional skills.
Michelle Newberry
Senior Director of Residential Accommodations
Michelle has been with Franke Tobey Jones since 1999, and continues to
enjoy building relationships with the residents and their families. Michelle began her career while attending college in 1984, and she remained in retail management until 1996. After working with Windemere Real Estate as a Listing Coordinator, she embarked on her journey with Franke Tobey Jones. One of Michelle’s highlights during her time at FTJ has been her integral involvement in the planning and completion of a $13 million building project to incorporate a brand new independent apartment complex and Wellness Center on campus.
Michelle enjoys helping residents and their families work through the feelings that go along with a lifestyle change and deal with the challenges that many seniors face in their own homes. The high standards, excellent reputation and beautiful campus that Franke Tobey Jones offers makes it easy for her to love her job, and the people that live and work at Franke Tobey Jones.
Laura Runkle
Sr. Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Laura came to Franke Tobey Jones in 1997 managing fund development and community relations. She was named Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations in 2001. Laura manages speaking opportunities, special events, public relations, advertising, and communications. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations/ Journalism, and has over 24 years experience in the fields of Marketing, Public Relations, Advertising, and Development. Her professional affiliations are with Public Relations Society of America; Vice President for Pierce County Healthcare Providers; Finance Committee member and Membership Operations Committee Chair for our state association WAHSA – Washington Association of Housing and Services for the Aging; a Charter member of the Senior Resource Alliance of Pierce County member Tacoma Rotary #8; Leadership Committee and Survivor Committee member for American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life; Committee member of Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk.
Sarah Idstrom
Senior Director of Development
Sarah has 12 years of fund development experience, previously as Pierce County Campaign Manager for ArtsFund, Director of Development Information at the University of Puget Sound, Director of Annual Fund for The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Regional Campaign Manager for the University of Minnesota’s Capital Campaign. She also previously held the position of Vice President of Trust Administration at Key Private Bank. Sarah holds a B.A. degree in English Literature from Macalester College in St. Paul and a M.A. degree in English Literature from the University of Minnesota. She currently serves on Arts Fund’s Pierce County Cabinet, the Tacoma Arts Commission, and the board of the Tacoma Youth Chorus. Sarah has lived in Tacoma for over 17 years.
Jim Tonjann
Senior Director of Dining Services
Jim has over 26 years experience in food services, with over 21 of that in management. He has been affiliated with Franke Tobey Jones since 1989. He graduated from culinary arts school in 1977 and has a kitchen design background for Health Care facilities. Jim previously served eight years with the Air Force in food services.
Emily Happy-Miller
Director of Pt. Defiance~Ruston Senior Center
Emily came to Franke Tobey Jones in 2005 and was named Director of the Senior Center in 2007. Emily attended both the University of Washington and Evergreen State College, and graduated with a B.A. with focus in psychology, writing and social change. She has 10 years of experience in non-profit management, community organizing, strategic planning, policy change, as well as writing and editing social service programs and training curricula. Emily is a board member on the Pierce County Chemical Dependency Advisory Board.