The primary function Ila performs for Currie & McLain, P.S., is as time and billing clerk. Additionally, she provides back-up support in the front office with tax packet completion preparation and receptionist duties. Her computer organizational skills are valuable in maintaining an easy access to records and files.

Ila brings with her an extensive background in secretarial and computer experience. When she returned to the US from Canada in 1984 she created The Word Works, Inc. secretarial and business support service in Hazel Dell. Prior to its sale at the end of 1998, it served the needs of more than 1600 loyal and varied clients. Leslie Currie was one of Ila's original clients at the second Word Works' office established in 1986 in the Vancouver Commerce Centre. The company handled the secretarial requirements of the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association's Region IV office for over five years. Her background dictates that she function in a professional, competent and confidential manner.

Aside from The Word Works' activities, Ila has also completed four years working for the United States Postal Service, as a data conversion operator, computer forwarding service clerk, and as Associate Supervisor. She maintains a small family-based data management and computer service, Westergard Northwest, in her spare time. Ila inherited a pioneer family farm in Cando, ND that she has returned to native grasses and that now functions as a wildlife preserve. With her husband, Arlen Stanek, she spends time traveling and on home improvement projects. Her son, Ryder, is an IT Specialist at Kaiser Permanente, and her daughter, Alissa, is a social activist in British Columbia, Canada.

In her role as secretary for the Hazel Dell/Salmon Creek Business Association, Ila handles a monthly newsletter for the membership, in addition to functioning as communications liaison. She has been actively involved in HDSCBA since 1985. The non-profit association is involved in activities that benefit area schools, provides annual scholarships to Clark College, and supports the Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek and Felida business and residential community in general. It has sponsored the annual Hazel Dell Parade of Bands the third Saturday in May for the last 41 years. In conjunction with Clark County Fire District #6, HDSCBA sponsors the annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest.

Ila serves on the steering committee for the Highway 99 Corridor Revitalization Team ("Team 99") and functions as secretary and communications person. This effort is concerned with assessing the current use, appearance and accessibility of the Highway 99 corridor and making recommendations for improvements to make it a more resident-friendly link to business and community services. In conjunction with this project, Ila has been serving on the Mixed Use Committee to develop a new ordinance for Clark County's code.

In her continuing efforts on behalf of the residents of Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek and Felida, Ila represents the West Hazel Dell Neighborhood Association on the Neighborhood Association Council of Clark County (NACCC). She serves on the West Precinct Sheriff's Advisory Board as well as on citizen committees for Clark County Fire District 6 and its activities.

When she isn't functioning in community and neighborhood roles, Ila is working with the Loo Wit Group of the Sierra Club as the editor of its newsletter, The Rumblings (which refers to Mt. St. Helens' periodic quakes and shakes). She is also on the Executive Committee and the Advisory Board of Loo Wit.

Since 1986 Ila has provided secretarial, editorial, proposal, grant writing, support and site improvement services for the Podhora Family Foundation. This is a local homestead built over an ancient Indian encampment and housing well-documented artifacts from the native population in this area as long ago as 6,000-8,000 years. This artifact-filled site is the last remaining undeveloped parcel n the original 1865 Covington Land Grant. The Podhora family homesteaded the original farm 100 years ago and have served as its stewards ever since.