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# How to engage with CougsFirst!
There are many ways to participate in our network, including: attending events, posting and searching for jobs/internships, looking for and supporting Cougar businesses, and following us on social media.
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WSU   
USI   
BECU   
PRH   
Collective   
Valley GMC   
Valley RV   
DABCO   
College Hill   
WSSP   
Flatstick   
Kellybrady   
Asset Advisors   
Cascade Print Media   
Cherie Amour   
Downtown Pullman Assoc.   
Dryland   
Esary   
Ty Gilday - Farmers   
Hampton Inn   
Krista Gross   
Pike   
PUW Airport   
RealVantage - Alex Hendrickson   
SEL   
Sun Storage   
Tacoma Rainiers   
Talkin Cougars   
Tomfoolery   
Washington SBDC   
Woodbridge   
Ryan Swanson   
Cross Country   
T-Mobile   
Hogg Davis  Next Previous © 2025 CougsFirst!  |  Site by 
### Get In Touch!
          Email icon and link   info@cougsfirst.org !!
### Quicklinks
 © 2025 CougsFirst!.  All Rights Reserved | Site by
# About Us
## About CougsFirst!
CougsFirst! is a business network that encourages Washington State University alumni and friends to Think CougsFirst! for products, services, and hiring.
​Through a combination of special events, social media and advertising CougsFirst! provides a network for WSU alumni and friends to connect and interact in a positive business environment.
CougsFirst! educates WSU alumni and friends about businesses -owned, -managed and -affiliated with WSU alumni.
## Meet the Team
 !!
### Reconnect, Network, Discover
CougsFirst! is a business network that encourages WSU alumni and friends to Think CougsFirst! for their products, services, and hiring. With over 240,000+ loyal alumni spanning across the globe, our mission is for Cougs to support Coug businesses.
## WSU Network Statistics
## How the CougsFirst! network can benefit you
COUGSFIRST! DRIVING BUSINESS TESTIMONIAL
Sponsors make connections resulting in new business.
COUGSFIRST! HIRING TESTIMONIAL
Many employers hire Cougs specifically for their loyalty, passion and work ethic.
There are many ways to participate in our network, including: attending trade shows, posting and searching for jobs/internships on handshake, looking for Cougar businesses and following us on social media.
 !! © 2025 CougsFirst!  |  Site by 
# Our Team
**Tony Poston**
 **Executive Director**
Tony is a WSU '08 grad and a serial entrepreneur whose most recent company, College Hill, was named to the Inc. 5000 fastest growing privately held companies in the U.S. He is passionate about all things WSU and really enjoys working with Cougs every day.
He loves spending time outdoors with his wife, Emily (WSU '14) and sons Jack and Tyler. If he's not in Pullman, you can usually find him on a river or lake in North Idaho, a golf course, or traveling in a foreign country.
His favorite memory at WSU was College Gameday 2018.
**Angela Lenssen**
 **Executive Assistant & Special Events Coordinator**
Angela is an experienced communication and promotions professional, with over a decade of experience at WSU Pullman in these areas. She most enjoys using her skills in events planning, communications, and member relations at CougsFirst!
Angela also actively volunteers for various organizations, including her local church, foundations, and community-driven initiatives. She enjoys traveling to new places, exploring the brewery and winery scene, or catching live concerts and stage productions. She's a mom of three (almost) adult children and her family is the fourth generation to farm here on the Palouse.
Her favorite WSU memory was the epic, 5-set Volleyball Apple Cup in 2021. The set four score was 46-44 and the Cougs beat those Huskies with a packed house!
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**Corissa Cruzen**
 **Marketing & Communications Manager**
Corissa is a WSU '21 grad and a passionate marketing professional. She grew up in a Coug family and has many fond memories of WSU, including being a 3rd generation Coug! Working with fellow WSU alumni and finding ways to help grow their businesses is one of her favorite things about working for CougsFirst!
Corissa also loves to spend time with her family and friends, travel to new places, and ski during the winter.
Her favorite memory at WSU was the 'Minshew Mania' football season!
# Meet the Board
**Max Baer**
 Vice President, Board Member
 Redmond, Washington
**Kevin Bay**
 Board Member
 Mercer Island, Washington
**Dustin Benson**
 Chairman & President, Board Member
 Seattle, Washington
**Dan Blau**
**Paul Casey**
**Ben Haberman**
 Treasurer, Board Member
 Spokane, Washington
**Brian Hurley**
 Snoqualmie, Washington
**Eric Johnson**
**Kate Kurkjian**
 Coalition
**Matt Miera**
**Jessica Moore**
 Bellevue, Washington
**Keri Rhodes**
**Paul Sorensen**
**Joel Tallman**
 Edmonds, Washington
**Luke Wetzstein**
**Lisa Young**
 Renton, Washington
**Megan Wood**
 Secretary, Board Member
## Ex-Officio Board Members
**Debbie Compeau**
 Interim Dean
**Mariah Maki​**
 Executive Director
**Nick Garner​**
 Assistant Athletic Director, Student-Athlete Experience
# Frequently Asked Questions
## Organization
 What is the purpose of CougsFirst!? *Expand*
Our purpose is multi-faceted, but often boils down to this: **We want more Cougs to do business with more Cougs.**
We serve as a platform for Washington State University alumni and friends to connect, interact, and collaborate within a positive business environment.
 Why is CougsFirst! so unique? *Expand*
There is no other university network that elicits the same emotion, connection, and passion as WSU.
**CougsFirst! is the only alumni business network of its kind in the Pac-12.** Many other universities have an Alumni Association with memberships for individuals and some have a list of alumni-owned businesses, but we've yet to find another organization like ours.
 How does CougsFirst! connect the Cougar community? *Expand*
We connect the Coug business community primarily through special events held year round and leveraging the power of social media.
These initiatives provide WSU alumni and friends with opportunities to connect, share experiences, and form valuable professional relationships that ultimately lead to more business being done between Cougs.
 Is CougsFirst! an independent organization? *Expand*
Yes! However, we have close partnerships with both WSU and the WSU Alumni Association, which allow us to bring our community together and make sure that each of our organizational purposes are met.
 How was CougsFirst! founded? *Expand*
CougsFirst! has a captivating history rooted in the vision and camaraderie of our founders - Jack Thompson, Glenn Osterhout, Robbie Tobeck, Mike Bernard, Paul Dent, and Kyle Basler.
Some might say that it all started with a Ford Flex. That is, when Jack Thompson wanted to purchase a vehicle from a Coug-owned dealership and wished there was a list of Coug-owned businesses to reference.
This sparked an idea of supporting Cougs wherever possible and making it easier for all WSU alumni and friends to find Coug-owned and -managed businesses. Shortly after this experience, Jack and Glenn gathered this small group of alumni for lunch where they shared their stories and reflected on the special connection they felt as Cougs.
Shortly after, this group set out to create a business network that would empower and support fellow Cougs. Thus, starting the journey of CougsFirst!, all driven by the idea of "Thinking CougsFirst!"
## Membership
 Can I join the network as an individual? *Expand*
All businesses, organizations, or individuals that own their own business (e.g., Real Estate Agents, Insurance Agents, etc.) are encouraged to join the network and have a listing on the CougsFirst! Business Directory.
While joining the network as a member is intended for businesses and organizations, any and all individuals can participate in CougsFirst! events and networking opportunities.
If you have more questions or a specific situation, please reach out to info@cougsfirst.org for more information.
 How can I join as a member? *Expand*
To join as a business member, please visit  and submit an application.
We have various membership options to fit your specific business needs, starting at only $100/year.
 How can I stay up to date as an individual? *Expand*
The best ways to stay connected with the CougsFirst! network include:
* Subscribing to our 
* Downloading the 
* Following us on social media (, , , , and )
* Registering and attending 
 How can I participate as a member business? *Expand*
After joining the network, you can unlock the full potential of your membership by:
* Making it a point to attend as many events in your geographic area as possible.
* Coming to events with a well-rehearsed elevator pitch that succinctly highlights your expertise and goals.
* Exhibiting at a trade show or career expo (if applicable to your business).
* Creating a comprehensive and engaging profile for the CougsFirst! Business Directory.
* Engaging with fellow members through your member hub and networking opportunities.
* Leveraging our online resources, communities, and communications to access educational content, stay ahead of industry trends, and take advantage of exclusive opportunities for members.
If you have additional questions or ideas for our membership team, please reach out to info@cougsfirst.org.
 What are the best ways to get connected with fellow Cougs? *Expand*
One of the primary ways to get connected is by attending our . These events provide an incredible opportunity to meet fellow Cougs, exchange ideas, and create meaningful connections!
You can also engage actively through your  and our website to share valuable insights, ask questions, and offer support to fellow members. Through this platform, you can seek out fellow members whose skills or services complement yours and explore opportunities for joint projects or ventures. By pooling resources and expertise, you can create a stronger impact and tap into new markets or customer bases.
## More Questions?
If you have additional questions that are not answered above, please reach out to us at info@cougsfirst.org.