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PAUL (P.J.) HILLESTAD — maintenance technician for Pend Oreille County Public Works and secretary-treasurer of Local 1135-P — has been recognized nationally for bringing the labor and scouting movements together in his community.
He received the George Meany Award, approved by the AFL-CIO Executive Council, for his activities in the Boy Scouts of America and labor as well as for being active in his community in Newport, north of Spokane, to make it better for children.
Since he joined the Boy Scouts in first grade, Hillestad has been active in the movement, becoming a merit-badge, pow-wow and train-the-trainer instructor and providing outdoor leadership training.
Hillestad also is involved in his community in other ways. He is youth director at the American Lutheran Church in Newport, is a voluntary fire officer and secretary of the Newport Fire Department, an active member of Newport Kiwanis Club, and assistant head coach for the Washington State Special Olympics skiing team.
He earned a doctorate last year from the College of Commissioner Science.
How does Hillestad manage all these activities and still find time to balance his community and family lives?
“The most productive people are the most active,” says Hillestad. “And it doesn’t hurt to multi-task.”
Hillestad maintains his calendar six months to a year ahead. to ensure he meets all his commitments.
