Crystal Davidson hired for Gazette graphics

In the first of two staffing changes, the Gazette has hired Crystal Davidson as a graphic designer. Davidson will join Angie McDonald, advertising manager, on the Gazette's advertising team.

She is taking over for Cara Tomlinson, who joined the Gazette last year after receiving a degree in communications from Washington State University. She plans to study graphic design at Seattle Central Community College.

Davidson began training with the Gazette three weeks ago. She most recently worked at Rosauers in Colfax as the grocery manager. She said some of her experiences at Rosauers will be applicable to this position.

“For Rosauers, I had done a lot of the their displays and all of the signs throughout the store,” she said. “I'm pretty creative, and I'd like to use that.”

Davidson studied wildlife biology at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. After graduation, she worked in that field for a time.

“Once I got out of school, I worked in wildlife biology on Snoqualmie Pass,” she said. “It was great work, but most of it was seasonal. I needed something that was more consistent for my family.”

She and her family moved from Ellensburg back to the area about six-and-a-half years ago, and she began at Rosauers as the scan coordinator. Her husband, Shane, works at Hayden Homes.

“A lot of his work is in Pullman, but he's kind of all over the region,” Davidson commented.

They have three children. The oldest is out of the house, and the younger two attend school in Pullman. One of their sons has special needs.

“The resources available in Pullman for him are what he needs,” said Davidson.

Davidson lives with her family in St. John, where they moved three years ago. She is originally from Moscow, and her husband is originally from Colfax. Davidson said she is looking forward to this new position.

“It is a lot to learn, but I'm excited. I like to learn, and I like a challenge. I think I'm going to fit well,” she said. “I'm really looking forward to a positive team atmosphere and am excited to utilize my creativity.”

In addition to the change in the graphic design position, Jana Mathia, who works in production with the Gazette, will be temporarily working as a reporter this summer. Mathia will cover the reporting duties normally assumed by Kara McMurray. Mathia was originally hired at the Gazette 10 and a half years ago as a reporter, and in the last 10 years has worked in that position, as the office manager, graphic designer, advertising manager and in production.

McMurray will take a temporary leave of absence starting in mid-June due to ankle surgery.