BOARD & STAFF MEMBERS BIOS – MAY 2014
David Alexander David’s love of boating first brought him to the San Juan Islands in the early 1970’s. He has since cruised extensively through the San Juan and Gulf Islands with extended trips into northern BC and SE Alaska. He is a hiker, skier, fisherman, gardener, guitarist and loves kayaking and sailing the waters around Deer Harbor. David retired in 2008 after a 29-year career in the commercial real estate industry where he was president and owner of a Seattle-based commercial brokerage firm. In addition, he was a principal in a development company, which produced several medical office buildings and clinics co-owned and managed by David and his partner until sold in 2007. He received his B.A. degree from the University of Washington in 1977 with an emphasis in real estate and finance. While living in Seattle he was involved in the community as a member of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, IFMA, NACORE, and was a member of the boards of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America – Seattle Chapter, and the Seattle Repertory Theater. Upon retirement, David and his wife Sonia moved to Orcas Island, where he has served as a member of the Orcas Island Community Foundation Investment Committee, as president of the Orcas Tennis Club, as a steward for the San Juan Preservation Trust, and as a member of the Orcas RC Airplane Club.
Andrea Anderson The natural environment of the Pacific Northwest, and the San Juan Islands, have been an important part of who Andrea Anderson is. She grew up summering at her grandparents’ cabin on the shores of the Tulalip Indian Reservation, fishing, crabbing and clamming, and later spent every free weekend and summer at her husband’s family cabin on Henry Island. A graduate of the University of Washington in Forest Resource Management and Land Use Planning, Andrea set off on a diverse career working with the US Forest Service, coaching figure skating, and maintaining a visual art practice, which she continues today. Amidst these endeavors, career opportunities took Andrea and her husband Erik to the East Coast, South America and Europe. Happy to be back at home in the Northwest, they purchased property on Henry Island where they built and enjoy their own home. Recently, Andrea and Erik became the owners of the oyster farm in Westcott Bay which they are currently rejuvenating and will soon re-open. The island influence runs deep in the veins of Andrea, and she is excited to be a part of and contribute to the work of the Preservation Trust.
Tom Bayley, along with his brothers Frank and Doug, incorporated the San Juan Preservation Trust in 1979, and Tom served for one year as the organization’s first Treasurer. Before assuming his current position as President of C.D. Stimson Company in Seattle, Tom was a copywriter for Bantam Books in New York and a landscape and garden designer. He currently serves on the boards of People for Puget Sound and the Pendleton and Elisabeth Miller Charitable Foundation, and served on the Meany/UW World Series board, the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance board and The Nature Conservancy’s Philanthropy Committee. A native of Seattle, Tom has a BA degree from the University of Washington and an MA degree from New York University. He maintains a home near Deer Harbor on Orcas Island and has spent summers on Orcas since his was born!
Margaret (Margie) Carper of Orcas Island, a native of Washington State, grew up north of Spokane and spent many summer vacations exploring the beaches and tide pools of the Olympic Peninsula. She earned her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Washington in 1983. Upon graduation, she moved with her husband Daniel to New York where she worked in hospital administration at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. While in New York, she also served as a member of the board for Boys Hope/Girls Hope, a non-profit organization dedicated to BOARD & STAFF MEMBERS BIOS – MAY 2014
helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve academic success. Margie and Dan first visited Orcas over 30 years ago and have owned property on the island since 1995. Now retired, they enjoy hiking, kayaking, scuba diving and skiing. Margie feels privileged to call the Pacific Northwest her home and is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the San Juan Islands for future generations to enjoy.
Geoff Dunbar Geoff Dunbar and his wife, Jennifer, first stumbled upon the San Juan Islands in 1997 when they needed a place to moor their newly-purchased boat. They were so taken by the beauty of the islands that they purchased a home on San Juan Island within a year and have kept their boat in Roche Harbor year-round to this day. Avid long distance cruisers, they have cruised throughout the San Juans and the Inside Passage as far North as Alaska. After graduating from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, Geoff began his career as a consultant with Booz, Allen & Hamilton, a large general management consulting firm. He then served 10 years as COO and CEO of two small, high tech companies. Geoff spent the last fifteen years of his career as a Senior Partner of Heidrick & Struggles, a global executive recruiting firm, building Boards of Directors and senior management teams for private equity clients worldwide. He has also served on a number of Boards of Directors, for both public and private corporations. Geoff and Jennifer now happily spend the majority of their time in the San Juans with their golden retriever, Thatcher. “The islands are a treasure which are as fragile as they are beautiful. The San Juan Preservation Trust represents our best hope for preserving them for future generations.”
Keith Gerrard has lived on Shaw Island for twenty years, after living on Lopez Island for eleven. Keith served as an attorney with the law firm of Perkins Coie for nearly 47 years, after graduation from Harvard Law School. Keith has devoted much time serving on boards of a variety of non-profit organizations, including the Shaw Island Library and Historical Society, Shaw Islanders, Inc. and The Museum of Flight, where he is currently a Trustee Emeritus. Keith remarks, “The San Juan Preservation Trust is essential to the preservation of these islands. I have been in love with the San Juans since I first came up here in the 1960s … the islands are still beautiful, but fragile. They need to be preserved, and this is a deep personal concern of mine.”
Charles Givens is a lifelong learner who retired with his wife, Nancy, after a varied career as a mechanical draftsman, industrial photographer, printer and publisher and model railroad retail business owner. The magazine he co-founded, The Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, is still going strong today. His interest in trains and photography led to a passion for history and then for the environment. He watched California’s Santa Clara Valley evolve from the “Valley of Heart’s Delight,” with thousands of acres of orchards, into Silicon Valley, where not a single orchard remains today. In 1997, Charles and Nancy moved to a forested site on Lopez Island and began their commitment to the Preservation Trust, donating an easement on their property and volunteering in the Preservation Trust office until Charles joined the board in 2005. He also has served on the board of the Lopez Island Historical Society, including terms as vice-president and as treasurer. More recently he has served on the board of the Lopez Island Hospice & Home Support including three years as treasurer.
Thor Hanson lives on San Juan Island with his wife, Eliza, and their son, Noah. He works as a conservation biologist and is also an award winning author. A former land steward for both SJPT and the San Juan County Land Bank, Thor has deep island roots and a strong commitment to local land conservation. Thor holds undergraduate degrees in ecology and writing, a master’s degree in botany, and a doctorate in natural resources. Though his career has taken him around the globe, the San Juans have always remained firmly at the center of his orbit.
Carolyn Haugen of San Juan Island earned her undergraduate degrees in elementary education at Stanford University and she received her doctorate in Education Planning and Policy Administration from the University of Southern California. Her professional career in public school education as a teacher and administrator spanned thirty-nine years. Becoming an islander in 1999 has given Carolyn a sense of place. She believes in the importance of educating children and adults in seeking ways to preserve and protect the natural beauty of our San Juan Islands.
Alice Hurd graduated from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, studying biology & natural sciences and receiving her teaching certification. She later earned a Masters Degree in Education at Portland State University. Alice has been a full time resident of San Juan Island since 2002, after purchasing her property in 1995. She has been active for years with the San Juan Island Trails Committee. She has enjoyed her role as Trustee since 2009, learning more about these incredible islands and joining our efforts in preserving and caring for them.
BOARD & STAFF MEMBERS BIOS – MAY 2014
Steve Jung, after 22 years of service, retired in 2008 as Executive Director of Internal Audit and Institutional Compliance Emeritus at Stanford University and the Stanford University Medical Center. Before joining the Stanford Internal Audit Department, he served 17 years at the American Institutes for Research (AIR) in Palo Alto, California, and Bangkok, Thailand. Steve is a Certified Internal Auditor with bachelors and masters degrees from the University of New Mexico and a Ph.D from Arizona State University. He is currently Vice President of the Orcas Island Community Foundation in Eastsound, Treasurer of the Coffelt Farm Stewards in Crow Valley, and Treasurer of the Eagle Lake Community Association, all on Orcas Island. Steve and his wife Susan McBain built a home on Orcas in 2001 and moved to the island permanently in 2011. Their hobbies generally involve travel to and hiking in lovely places.
Steve McKeon, and his wife, Barbara, have long been drawn to the beauty and tranquility of the San Juans and have had “a place in the islands” since 1983. Members of the Preservation Trust since the mid 1980’s, they believe the good work of the Trust is critically important to preserving the unique character of these islands for future generations, including our grandchildren and their children, to enjoy. Steve is a retired lawyer and business executive who practiced business transactions law at Perkins Coie in Seattle for 25 years and then served as a member of the Puget Sound Energy management team for seven years.
Judy Meyer has a BS in zoology from the University of Michigan, an MS in oceanography from the University of Hawaii, and a PhD in ecology from Cornell University. She served on the faculty at the University of Georgia for three decades, doing research on rivers and streams and teaching about the ecology of freshwater ecosystems. Her research contributions were recognized with an Award of Excellence in Benthic Science from the Society for Freshwater Science and a lifetime achievement award from the International Society for Theoretical and Applied Limnology. She has served on the Water Science and Technology Board and the Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology of the National Research Council/National Academy of Sciences. She currently serves on USEPA’s Science Advisory Board, on California’s Delta Independent Science Board, and on the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee of American Rivers, a national river conservation organization. Judy and her family spent summers on Lopez for many years, and she and her husband, Gene Helfman, moved to Lopez in 2008 after retiring from the university. Judy says, “I am drawn to the beauty and ecological wonders of the San Juans and am eager to use my skills and experience to help sustain and protect this landscape. As an aquatic scientist, I am particularly sensitive to the growing threats to freshwater systems and recognize the critical role of land preservation in conserving both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.”
Mary Miller discovered Orcas Island in 1992, and with a deep love of the outdoors and the rural life, Mary and her husband, Steve chose to relocate to Orcas Island in 1999. After leaving a successful career as a Senior Fraud Analyst in Loss Prevention for Seafirst/Bank of America, Mary changed her career path. By working as a naturalist, she deepened her appreciation and concern for conservation in the San Juan Islands. Currently, Mary is a property manager/personal assistant to several island families where she integrates her belief in conservation and preservation. Mary’s experience includes a lifetime of volunteer efforts in conservation and in her community, including Life Sciences for the Seattle Aquarium, YMCA Camp Orkila, multiple island organizations, as well as having served in several positions on the board for the West Sound Community Club and Fidelis Circle. Mary and Steve enjoy their leisure time caring for their garden, hiking, traveling and camping in the Northwest.
David Perera has been a Preservation Trust volunteer since 1990. In 2005, he and his wife, Cherill, were the Trust’s Volunteers of the Year. David has twice served as a member of the board nominating committee. David is currently a member of the San Juan County Board of Health. Also, he is active in the Lopez Lions Club, and has served as president and vice president of both the Davis Head Homeowners Association Board and board of the Lopez Island Clinic. During 30 years as a physician with Group Health, David served in a variety of management and leadership positions. He is a clinical professor of medicine at The University of Washington, has experience in medical research, teaching, and personnel and budget management.
Steve Simpson earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon then served as a navigator in US Air Force for five years. He returned to the University of Oregon for a Masters degree. His academic studies were in urban geography and park and recreational facilities management. Steve headed up parks and recreation departments in Clallam County, Port Angeles, and Edmonds, WA, before moving to San Juan Island. He directed the Port of Friday Harbor for 22 years. He has served and continues to serve on a variety of volunteer boards and commissions, BOARD & STAFF MEMBERS BIOS – MAY 2014
including the Islands Oil Spill Association. He and his wife Nan live on land that borders San Juan Preservation Trust-managed land near Friday Harbor. They are active in boating, kayaking and nature photography.
Allen Smith and his wife, Sara, first came to Orcas Island on vacation in the mid-nineties, fell in love with the islands, and shortly thereafter built a home in Victorian Valley. Allen was the co-founder and CEO of ISX Corporation, a developer of advanced computer software systems located in California. After he retired in 2000, Allen remained as chairman of the board until 2006. Allen has a PhD in Anthropology from Princeton University, and has served on a number of non-profit boards, including the OPAL Community Land Trust (of which has been president). He is excited to serve on the Board of the San Juan Preservation Trust and states “We live in an environment that is lovely but fragile. I want to help preserve it so my children and grandchildren can enjoy is as much as I have.”
Keith Wentworth The interest Keith Wentworth has in conservation began when he moved from Michigan to Washington State in 1973, and his love of the San Juan Islands started when he kayaked among them. He and his wife Jane escaped the city for Bainbridge Island, where Keith served for several years on the board of the Bainbridge Island Land Trust with a stint as Treasurer. They purchased land on Stuart Island and built a cabin, a labor of love that involved them milling the timber from the property to final inspection 14 years later. In 2011, they became full-time residents of San Juan Island, which they consider home for the rest of their lives. With a Masters in Social Work, Keith was on the faculty of the University of Washington Center for Law and Justice before he launched his practice as a Certified Financial Planner, which he continues today. Keith believes the San Juan Islands are unique and whatever we can do to preserve this rare and delicate environment for future generations is “simply smart stewardship of our nest”.
LAND COUNSELORS (All of the current land counselors were former members of the Board of Trustees)
Morris Dalton, Lopez Island Alan Davidson, Orcas Island Cynthia Dilling, Lopez Island Anne Hay, Orcas Island Oakley Goodner, Lopez Island Harvey Himelfarb, Orcas Island Mitch Hoyt, Lopez Island Mindy Kayl, Orcas Island Wendy Mickle, Lopez Island Mary Riveland, Orcas Island Dianne Pressenda, Lopez Island Sam Sprenger, Orcas Island Sally Reeve, Lopez Island Jonathan White, Orcas Island Patsy Sangster, Lopez Island Fred Whitridge, Orcas Island Andy Wickstrand, Orcas Island Karin Agosta, San Juan Island Charlie Bodenstab, San Juan Island Eliot Scull, Henry Island Bob Stavers, San Juan Island Peter Ways, Henry Island Joe Todd, San Juan Island Dale Hazen, Fidalgo Island Bob Weaver, Waldron Island Rick Machin, Fidalgo Island Judie Wilgress, Waldron Island Ferdi Businger, Sinclair Island
BOARD & STAFF MEMBERS BIOS – MAY 2014
STAFF
Tim Seifert has been Executive Director of the San Juan Preservation Trust since 2002. Prior to joining the organization, he worked for 15 years in the forest products and environmental consulting industries in business development, international management and senior leadership roles. Tim holds an MBA degree from Duke University and a BS degree in forestry and land use planning from the University of Washington. A third generation resident of the San Juans, his family has owned a cabin on Waldron Island for over 50 years, and his grandfather served on the Preservation Trust’s original board of trustees. Tim, his wife and their young daughter divide their time between Seattle and their small farm on Lopez Island.
Debra Clausen, Director of Conservation, holds a Masters of Science in Environmental Management from University of London and a Bachelors in Environmental Studies and Anthropology from the University of California at Santa Cruz. Debra’s passion for the natural world took her to Alaska where for 21 years she worked as a Habitat Biologist for the State of Alaska and later served on the Alaska Board of Forestry. After moving to the San Juan Islands in 2000, Debra served two years on the Preservation Trust Board. She has been employed in her current position since 2006. In her free time Debra enjoys sailing the Salish Sea.
Barbara Courtney, Director of Philanthropy, moved to Orcas Island in 2005 to work for Orcas Center. In her spare time, she hiked and began to appreciate the protected areas of Orcas, particularly Moran State Park and Turtleback Preserve. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southern Methodist University and a Masters in Not-for-Profit Leadership from Seattle University, both of which led her to a career spent entirely in the nonprofit sector, specifically in the arts and the environmental fields. She loves these islands and wants to help protect them.
Dean Dougherty, Director of Stewardship, holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Washington with a specialization in invasive plant control. He started working full time with the SanJuan Preservation Trust in 2002 after escaping from the computer industry. He now lives in Olga with his wife on a small farm and volunteers with the Orcas Island Fire Department.
Kathleen Foley, Program Director, has been a staff member of SJPT since 2005. She is a Washington native with a long history of exploring the San Juan Islands by boat, kayak and foot, and enjoys a wide variety of outdoor pursuits. Prior to working for the Preservation Trust, Kathleen worked for a number of years as both a wildlife rehabilitator and the volunteer coordinator for PAWS Wildlife Center in Lynnwood, WA. Kathleen has a B.S. in Wildlife Science from the University of Washington, and a B.A. in Business/Marketing from Washington State University. She is a resident of San Juan Island.
Barbara (Bella) French, Membership and Outreach Manager, first became enamored with the islands while a student at Friday Harbor Laboratories in the early 1980s and has been exploring them ever since. She joined the staff of SJPT in 2013, bringing 15 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations including The Nature Conservancy where she worked as the Community Engagement Manager. Bella does just about anything she can to get outdoors and enjoys kayaking, biking and gardening. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Botany from the University of Washington.
Laurie Naylor, SJPT’s Office Manager, has lived in the Pacific Northwest for more than 40 years and continues to be amazed by the area’s natural beauty. Laurie and her husband, Kevin, realized the San Juan Islands were idyllic when they purchased their home on Lopez Island in 1994. Accounting is not for everyone, but Laurie with more than 25 years experience loves accounting and is happy to use that talent and her other essential office skills in working for the Trust. Laurie is a graduate of Washington State University with a general business degree.