 |
|
|
|
|
KulshanCLT Staff
 |
Paul Schissler, Executive Director
KulshanCLT's Executive Director has over sixteen years of community development planning and housing experience, including extensive use of federal and private funding for affordable housing projects. |
|
 |
Erika Malone, Programs Director
Ms. Malone has over eight years of experience in community development. She has been involved with community land trusts in numerous ways since 1998. Previously she served on the board of directors of South of the Sound Community Farm Land Trust in Olympia, served as the coordinator for the Northwest Community Land Trust Coalition and provided technical assistance to Community Housing Development Organizations while employed at the Rural Community Assistance Corporation. |
 |
Ann Russell, Outreach and Education Coordinator
Ann is KulshanCLT's Outreach and Education Coordinator and helps applicants move through the homebuying process. Ann also coordinates the HomeBuyer Education Classes and the Homeownership Services Workshops. Ann is keenly interested in how creating healthy sustainable communities involves a dedication to both environmental and social justice issues.
"I believe creating fair and livable communities involves a move away from feeling like we need to decide between financial security and sustainability, and it involves a move away from feeling like the former is only an individual responsibility."
Ann holds a B.S degree from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry and a M.S. degree from Western Washington University. |
 |
Christy Bell, Programs Coordinator
Christy oversees KulshanCLT's infrastructure, bookkeeping, office/volunteer management and assists with grants, events and outreach efforts.
"Whatcom County has been my home all my life and I have witnessed much growth, especially over the past few years. Keeping homes affordable in Whatcom County is so important to me. I want my children, grandchildren and my extended family to continue to live here! I fully embrace KulshanCLT's vision of growing a community everyone can afford."
Christy holds an A.A.S. in Business Computing, a B.A. in Human Services and has worked as a Volunteer Program Director with Whatcom Volunteer Center, Para Educator/Special Projects Assistant with the Mt. Baker School District and Program Assistant for Administrative Services with Whatcom Community College. |
 |
Christina Olson, Homeownership Coodinator
I grew up in Seattle and moved to Bellingham in 1997 to attend Western Washington University. Ten years later I cannot imagine leaving. I am happy to be working for KulshanCLT because I see how the organization allows people that feel fondness for Bellingham to remain a part of the community. |
 |
Jill Clark, Development Director
Development Director Jill Clark has over fifteen years experience in fund development and marketing with primarily arts- and education-related nonprofits, most recently directing fundraising for Bellingham Technical College Foundation and coordinating programs for WWU's College of Fine & Performing Arts. She has served as a campaign volunteer for Whatcom Film Association and was a founding member of Whatcom Fund Development Association, providing technical assistance to nonprofit personnel throughout Whatcom County. |
KulshanCLT Board Officers
 |
Alex Ramel, President
Alex joined the board in 2003 after becoming KulshanCLT's 14th homeowner. He has served as a member of the Finance Committee, the 2005 Annual Campaign fundraising team and Chaired the Resale Review Committee. Alex holds a B.A. in Environmental Policy from Huxley College of the Environment, Western Washington University and is Program Manager for ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. He is also the loving father of six year old Alden. |
 |
Jessica Wight, Vice President
Jessica became our 50th homeowner in August 2006 and is a Case Manager for the Northwest Regional Council. She was a founding member of the board of the Mother Baby Center and Interfaith Coalition Friendly Visitors advisory board, and brings volunteer and event management experience. “Supporting KulshanCLT is something that we can all do right now to ensure affordable homes and thriving neighborhoods today and for years to come. I am thrilled to be a new board member and look forward to serving in the years ahead.”
|
 |
Eric Plum, Treasurer
Eric, a massage therapist, grew up in New Jersey with two younger brothers. He attended college in North Carolina and graduated with a B.S. in Accounting. His post-graduation travels brought him to Bellingham and he fell in love with the community the first summer he was here. He and his two children, Adrienne and Oscar, became proud KulshanCLT homeowners in March of 2004. Shortly thereafter, he sold his car and now bikes, walks or takes the bus most everywhere he goes. "I look forward to helping KulshanCLT grow its membership and its ability to influence the way in which our community thinks about and approaches homeownership." |
 |
AnnMarie Jordan, Secretary
AnnMarie became a KulshanCLT homeowner in 2004, two years after moving to Bellingham to accept a position as Resource Specialist with the Northwest Workforce Development Council. AnnMarie is skilled in facilitation, teaching and public speaking and brings a creative, problem-solving approach to her first nonprofit board experience. “Serving on the Board of Trustees is a privilege and an opportunity for me to work with others to promote the incredible possibilities KulshanCLT offers to first-time homeowners in our community.” |
 |
Bill Findley and his wife Julia moved to Bellingham from Houston Texas and are lovingly restoring a southside Victorian home. Bill, a retired scientist and real estate developer says, "The Bellingham area has experienced a rapid appreciation of real estate values that has far outpaced increases in salaries. The ability of people, with a healthy cross-section of income, to own their home must be protected. This will help insure pride and responsibility associated with community citizenship."
|
 |
Andrew Connor has been a Bellingham resident since 2003. He is active in the Sunnyland Neighborhood Association, is a performing artist and one-half of the local comedy duo ‘The Cody Rivers Show.’ “KulshanCLT provides a meaningful nexus through which I can help to address my interest in urban planning, land conservation and economic justice.” |
 |
Tim Douglas joins KulshanCLT with an enthusiasm for forging partnerships and drawing on shared core values of community sustainability and maintaining a sense of place. Tim’s tenure as Director of the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development gives him insight into the complexities of financing affordable housing. His professional, board and neighborhood affiliations give him a broad perspective and keen interest in working closely with neighborhood groups as Bellingham updates its Comprehensive Plan to provide infill opportunities and mixed-use projects. “I hope I can help KulshanCLT work with the City, its neighborhoods and the private sector to find solutions that create permanently affordable housing while enhancing economic development and wise land use.” |
 |
Elsie Heinrick is active in community and civic affairs, including current or recent service on the boards of the YWCA, AAUW, Bellingham Festival of Music and others. Following a 20-year career with a local nonprofit organization, Elsie offers business and financial expertise and a belief that “KulshanCLT helps provide homeownership opportunities at a time when housing prices have soared in our community. I want to help with solutions.”
|
 |
Bill Sterling is owner of Sterling Custom Services, a general contractor and stone masonry company. Bill, a lifelong Whatcom County resident, was a founding director of Evergreen Land Trust in 1983. He also was one of the co-founders of KulshanCLT in 1999 and served as a Trustee through 2006. “I am passionate about KulshanCLT’s work in the community and proud to bring a perspective that includes over 20 years experience with the land trust strategy.“ |
KulshanCLT Panel of Advisors
In addition to the Board of Trustees, KulshanCLT has enlisted the help of many civic-minded professionals who have agreed to serve on a Panel of Advisors, being available on call to help on specific issues related to their areas of expertise
Billie Heath, Senior Housing Specialist
Rural Community Assistance Corporation
Fred Holubik, banker
Northwest International Bank
Jeff Yegian, Technical Assistance Provider
Institute for Community Economics
Lisa Byers, Executive Director
OPAL Community Land Trust
Nicholas Zaferatos, PhD, AICP, Director of Communities-Connections
Western Washington University faculty
Gary Southstone, Owner
Southstone Home Inspection
Dave Finet, Director
Opportunity Council Housing Services
Chris Drillias, Landscape Designer
Schwiesow & Drillias
Terry West, Owner
West Construction
Brian Deveau, CPA Senior Accountant
Moss - Adams
Brian Evans, Owner
Green Mountain Homes
Sharon Robinson, Trustee
Architect, Zervas Group Architects |
Prospective Homebuyer - Member/Benefactor
- Programs and Projects - About KulshanCLT - Links - Contact Us
|
|
|
