
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Queena Tupou
Queena Tupou is a proud daughter of the Pacific. Not just the Pacific Northwest, but also the Pacific Islands of Samoa. Born and raised in Tacoma, WA, she has dedicated much of her career to serving her community and being a champion for health equity, ensuring that all individuals have equal access to healthcare..
Queena led the implementation and development of the FaithHealth in Action Program, launching health ministry programs in over 30 churches serving the African American, Pacific Islander and Hispanic communities of Pierce County. She has also been recognized by the Seattle Reign and Starbucks Legends Campaign and in South Sound Business Magazine’s 40 under 40 for her health equity work. The Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs recently honored her with the Unsung Hero Award for her community service. Queena currently serves on the Board of Directors for American Leadership Forum Tacoma/Pierce County, Hilltop Artists, Leaders in Women’s Health and the Milgard Women’s Initiative Advisory Council at UW-Tacoma.
In her personal time, Queena enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, extended family and friends.
My Power 9
My favorite Power 9® is Loved Ones First. “I feel extremely blessed to come from a culture that emphasizes the importance of strong family values. I would not be where I am today without the love and support of my husband, daughter, parents, siblings and extended family. One of my favorite Samoan proverbs is ‘O le ala i le pule, o le tautua’ which translates to ‘The pathway to leadership is through service.’ This has been a guiding light leading me to live in service to my family and to my community.”

ORGANIZATION AND WELL-BEING LEAD
Taryn West
Taryn West has lived in Pierce County for over 18 years. A dedicated public health professional with a focus on wellness program development and management, Taryn’s expertise includes well-being strategy, program design and implementation and partner collaboration.
Taryn graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.S. in Zoology and from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center with a Master of Public Health, specializing in Health Promotion. She holds certifications as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist (CCWS). Prior to joining Blue Zones, Taryn managed the systemwide employee wellness program for MultiCare Health System — serving over 20,000 employees across Washington state.
Taryn is passionate about building collaborative relationships to deliver innovative and impactful programs that improve the health and well-being of populations. In her personal time, she enjoys going for walks outdoors, gardening, camping and yoga as well as spending time with her husband, their son and dog Biscuit.
My Power 9
My favorite Power 9® is Downshift. Stress impacts our bodies in so many ways. Allowing ourselves time to rest, relax, and practice gratitude is a gift we can give to ourselves and others.
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ENGAGEMENT & MARKETING LEAD
Joseph Gomez
Joseph Gomez proudly hails from Grit City, aka Tacoma, WA. Prior to joining Blue Zones Project – Parkland-Spanaway, he was dedicated to getting the word out on community resources for underrepresented Hispanic communities living in Pierce and South King County.
Joseph has earned a bachelor’s in business marketing with a focus on Digital Marketing from Northwest University and is also a recipient of the Degrees of Change Leadership Scholarship. He has been recognized for his work at El Centro de La Raza, the Mosaic Multicultural Organization, and for his work in ministry at The Table Church.
When Joseph’s not working to get the word out on community resources, you can find him dropping in on the bowls at Sprinker Skatepark or going for a walk with his wife along Owens Beach.
My Power 9
My favorite Power 9® is Downshift. In our overworked society, my goal is to enjoy rest and practice gratitude regularly with my community. By making time for rest and gratitude, we can improve our overall well-being, reduce stress, and increase our sense of connection with others. related to relieving and/or managing stress to improve their quality of life.

PROJECT MANAGER &
OFFICE COORDINATOR
Tammy Jones
Tammy Jones, a proud native of Pierce County born and raised, has spent over 20 years honing her skills in Business Administration, Sales, and Early Childhood Development. She received her Business Administration Certification from Pierce college, has worked in various administration positions in the Bethel School District, and served birth to three kiddos as a Family Resources Coordinator for the Bethel, Franklin Pierce, and Puyallup School Districts.
Tammy’s commitment to building strong relationships has always been an important part of her approach to work and life. Growing up in Pierce County, specifically spending a decade in the Parkland-Spanaway area, has instilled a deep appreciation for the power of community connections.
Outside of work, Tammy loves to go camping with her family and group of friends, sharing stories around the campfire and letting her comedic flair shine through! She states that laughter is the best medicine for the unexpected road bumps of life.
My Power 9
My favorite Power 9® is Loved Ones First. We never know how long we have with our loved ones. My family is my treasure, and each day is a blessing. We accept each other for who we are and hug with a whole lotta love.

PROJECT MANAGER &
OFFICE COORDINATOR
Krista Timm
Krista Timm, Krista Timm, a proud native of Pierce County born and raised, has spent her career working in substance use prevention, understanding it takes programs and policy, systems and environmental changes to effectively decrease youth substance use. She got her degree in Human Development from Washington State University and spent some time after college working at Walla Walla County Health Department and found a love for Public Health and policy change. Here she served as the Tobacco Policy Co-chair for Blue Zones Project Walla Walla Valley. Outside of work, Krista loves to go camping with her family and group of friends, volunteer with animals and try new and sometimes difficult meals!
My Power 9
My favorite Power 9® is Loved Ones First. My family has always held a special place in my heart, and the hardest part about living in eastern Washington was not being able to see them every day! I would call my mom every time I walked to class, call my grandma when I had long drives, and call my sister when I needed fashion advice. I recently moved back to Lakewood and was reminded how nice it is to be home for the whole holidays season and to have family meals together multiple times a week. Moving home and in with my sister was the best thing to happen to me in 2024!