About Me

 I've always felt our small but mighty "neighbors serving neighbors" fire department is one of the great examples of how expertly our island community can pull together to help one another. And I believe that "neighbors serving neighbors" not only applies to our crews, but our commissioners as well. Our department has many great things about it, but even the best of organizations have their difficulties. I believe I can provide a fresh perspective and collaborative approach that our great department needs. 

I grew up on Orcas and feel incredibly lucky for the childhood I had in our amazing community. After college, I returned to the island where I lived and worked full time for many years. Along my professional path, I ventured into the fire service and spent four years working for Northshore Fire in King County. There I concurrently held the roles of Administrative Specialist, Public Records Officer, and Board Secretary. During this time, I was involved with every division of our department: Training, Operations, Fire Prevention, Finance, HR, the Board of Commissioners. I was fortunate to join a department that was highly stable and had a great group of people. But as with any agency, it went through it's rough patch. I had first-hand experience in how leadership at the highest levels can impact the operations of a department as a whole. For better and for worse. I believe that the unique experience and perspectives I bring to the table will be of great value to the community and OIFR.

In addition to experience in the fire service, I am a certified Project Management Professional. As such, I plan for success by utilizing consistent processes and clear communication among stakeholders. While maintaining the ability to pivot when things don't go as planned. I believe these are valuable traits that I will bring to our fire & EMS leadership. 

As a local voter, I'm passionate about fiscal responsibility with our tax dollars and electing leadership that will listen to and engage the public they represent. I believe in asking questions, seeking input from all stakeholders, and supporting decisions that meet the needs of our community in the most fiscally responsible manner possible.

 In addition to my professional experience, I bring a commitment to community service. I joined my first local board at age 22, and have continued serving our community since, including while working full-time for a mainland fire department. I was on the Vestry of Emmanuel Episcopal Parish, have been on the board for Actor's Theater since 2010, recently left the board of Orcas Recycling Services/The Exchange after 8 years, and joined the board of Orcas Longhouse in 2022. 

I would love the opportunity to blend my professional experience in the fire service with my love for serving our special island community by becoming your next fire commissioner!