Federal Way’s community leadership organization, Advancing Leadership, recognized two important selections at its annual fundraising dinner, Evening with the Stars on Saturday.

Lawrence A. Garrett, a 2010 graduate of Advancing Leadership, was selected as the organization’s new executive director, and will be transitioning into this role during the 2014-15 program year. Garrett began researching best practices in leadership development as a student at Howard University, and is now a nationally recognized speaker on this subject. In addition to Advancing Leadership, he has been a regular speaker in the Puget Sound area for organizations as diverse as the Seattle Urban League, area churches and Federal Way Public Schools.

“Lawrence was a standout participant in our program, and was very willing to share his time and expertise with us as a guest speaker, volunteer and board member,” said Advancing Leadership’s board president and Federal Way Police Chief Andy Hwang. “He has the winning combination of extensive leadership development experience, personal passion and a deep understanding of our programs. Our board is confident that he will be able to bring the whole package to the role of executive director, and engage our community with his vision.”

Another 2010 Advancing Leadership graduate, Janice Siebenaler was presented with the 2014 Bob Wroblewski Servant Leadership Alumni Award. Siebenaler is the branch manager of the Pacific Highway branch of Heritage Bank in Federal Way and a prolific community volunteer. In addition to her work on Advancing Leadership’s board of directors and alumni committee, Siebenaler is a member and busy volunteer with many local service organizations, including Federal Way Soroptimists, Kiwanis, FUSION, and Reach Out. She is a Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce ambassador and a member of the Federal Way Farmer’s Market’s advisory committee.

Siebenaler was nominated for the award by fellow alumni and past award recipient Rose Ehl.

“Janice has such a warm and compassionate heart for this community,” Ehl stated in her nomination. “Her impact on the community is endless, as many of the committees that she serves on require a lot of time and talent. She puts her whole heart into everything she does with enthusiasm and vigor.”

For more information about Advancing Leadership, visit advancingleadership.org.