Last year, U.S. Banker magazine named her one of the 25 most powerful women in banking. Melanie Dressel is president and CEO of Columbia Bank. This fan of The Fountainhead lives in Gig Harbor with her husband, Bob, and their two sons, Robb and Brent.

What is your favorite place in Washington?
Watching the sun set over the Olympic Mountains from our Gig Harbor home on a warm summer evening.

What is your idea of happiness?
Feeling as though I have truly invested my day wisely, whether professionally, personally or in my community.  

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Along with my husband, Bob, we have raised two sons who have grown to become responsible, caring young men.

What do you most regret?
I don't spend nearly as much time as I would like with friends. This is always at the top of my list each year as a "needs improvement."

What do you most fear?
Losing the use of my mental faculties, my sight or my hearing.

Who in history do you most admire?
Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor for her persistence, clear thinking, compassion and her position as a role model for women.

What Washington CEO do you most admire?
There are so many great CEOs in our region that it would be hard for me to pick just one.

What personal trait would you rather not have?
Impatience. When I know what needs to get accomplished, I just want to get it done.

What trait bothers you most in others?
Blatant inconsideration for others.

What is the most overrated virtue in an executive?
Being a workaholic. Being more balanced in terms of work and play would probably be helpful to all of us.

When do you find it necessary to lie?
Never. It is too hard to keep a story straight if you lie.

What person - living today - do you most despise?
The dictators throughout history who have used the oppression of people for their personal gain.

What is the greatest love of your life?
Without hesitation, my family. I have been blessed throughout my life to have a wonderfully supportive family.

When and where were you most happy?
On a sunny beach in Hawaii with my family and a great book with no schedule and no watch.

What talent would you most like to possess?
Instant name recognition.  I remember faces very well. It would be nice to remember names more readily.

What do you see as the greatest obstacle to Washington's future economic growth?
Being able to attract new and retain existing businesses throughout our state. If we aren't successful, we won't have the tax base to provide the level of social services we need.

What is your most significant achievement?
Professionally, I am most proud of having the opportunity to lead Columbia Bank and accomplish the level of profitable growth we have experienced while still maintaining our community bank focus.

If, after death, you could come back as another person or thing, what would it be?
A Supreme Court Justice. I think it would be fascinating to interpret, and attempt to properly and consistently apply, the principles of our Constitution to very challenging legal issues. 

What is your most valued possession?
My health.