Following the journalistic adage that nobody knows a community like the people who live among it, The Reporter is pleased to introduce the latest addition to its news team, Staci Barsness.

A resident of the Issaquah Highlands, Staci comes to The Reporterfrom the communications department at Costco, where for more than five years she helped produce the monthly magazine, Costco Today.

An alumni of Eastern Washington University, Staci has had a varied and colorful career, which included time in the legal department of a Hollywood studio, and as a prominent, and regular, extra in television and film.

But it is writing that has always been Staci’s first love, and she is looking forward to telling the many tremendous stories that sometimes go untold in places like Issaquah and Sammamish.

“I’m very excited about my new role,” she said. “I look forward to expanding my writing skills and becoming more involved in my community.”

Though she will go where the news takes her, Staci will be focused mainly on Issaquah and the Highlands. Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter Editor Jake Lynch will continue to cover the Sammamish beat.

“What really convinced me that Staci was the right person for The Reporter was her natural affinity for Issaquah,” Jake said. “She knows so many people here already, and I know she is looking forward to meeting many more.”

Staci said she enjoys the community’s small town feel, as well as its proximity to activities in the big city.

She is especially fond of the nearby hiking trails. Staci is no stranger to a long trek, having just returned from a trip to England where she trekked 84 miles along Hadrian’s Wall.

The Reporter welcomes Staci to the team, and looks forward to seeing her relationship with the community grow.