After more than 23 years as a member of the ESD 112 team, Bernice Sundby retired at the end of January.

Bernice served as the Associate Director of Construction Services Operations and Programs for Construction Services Group (CSG) from 2018 until her retirement, providing supervision and management of CSG operations and assigned programs, as well as leadership for ESD/CSG personnel, the Board of Directors, contractors, vendors and school districts. She originally joined CSG in 2014 as a Fiscal Officer.

Bernice pitching in on Service Day in 2010.

“As a consummate business management professional serving and building positive relationships with students, parents, teachers, staff and local school board members throughout the state, Bernice’s outstanding and compassionate contributions have only served to build stronger, healthier and more resilient local communities,” said Kirk Pawlowski, Executive Director of CSG. “The impacts of her service will continue to be long-lasting and impactful for each person who has had the opportunity to share their lives with her.”

Bernice and Tim at an ESD Christmas party

Prior to joining Construction Services, Bernice spent 17 years as a member of ESD 112’s Business and Financial Management Program, where she assisted local school districts with the development and management of annual operating budgets, the preparation of state-required financial reports, and much more.

“I am most fond of the relationships that I have developed over time with ESD/CSG and school district staff,” explained Bernice when asked to reflect on her career. “It feels good to be part of our ESD family and to have provided assistance to our important staff, programs and ‘clients.’ I am very grateful to Tim (Merlino) for hiring me so many years ago, for his leadership mentoring and his friendship. I have many fun, happy, sad and endearing memories of the people I have met and worked with that I will carry with me forever.”

In retirement, Bernice said she looks forward to spending more time with family, hunting and fishing with her husband of 50 years, exploring more of the Pacific Northwest, and doing volunteer work.