Discover the Rewards of Serving the PNA’s Board
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in your community? The PNA invites dedicated community members to join us in advancing our mission and vision of fostering a strong, connected community. Our vision is to transform strangers into neighbors and neighbors into a warm and compassionate community. Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you!
Inclusivity is Our Strength
At the PNA, we deeply value diversity in all its forms – diverse opinions, lived experiences, ages, races, ethnicities, abilities, and sexual orientations. We are actively committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive Board and organization. We encourage individuals who represent the rich tapestry of our community to apply and serve. Together, we can build a stronger and more inclusive community for all.
Your Impact
“I joined the PNA Board shortly after my partner and I moved to the neighborhood because I was hoping to meet some people in my neighborhood and contribute time and energy into an organization whose purpose is to serve the people who live and work right here. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to contribute ideas and support in ways that are visible as I walk around the neighborhood, and continue to be amazed at how many programs and services the PNA offers.”
– Tiara Adams
“Serving on the PNA Board is rewarding because you get a deep dive into the wide variety of things the PNA does for the community. You’re gonna meet some great people and have a lot of fun”
– Bill Thorness, Former Board Member and Current Volunteer
“Growing up in the 60s & 70s, community activism, war protests, social justice, and the Civil and Equal Rights Movements permeated the landscape. Leaders in these causes, including my grandma Hulda, the daughter of Danish immigrants, had a strong influence on me. It’s clear that through their example I learned that building, connecting, and caring for community is what matters most. Serving on the PNA board is a great way to put these lessons into action. It’s also an opportunity to pay forward my grandma’s legacy of fairness, kindness, and connection. Additionally, it’s a wonderful way to get better acquainted with and support the PNA and all its incredible programs, staff, and other volunteers, and continue to make a positive impact.”
– Keri Pollock
Board Commitment and Engagement
Board Strengths and Dedication
The PNA Board comprises a dedicated team of 18 to 25 community members, working to further the organization’s mission. They play a pivotal role in providing financial oversight and exemplary leadership.
Commitment and Terms
Board members embark on their terms in January, committing to one year initially, with the opportunity to extend their service for up to two additional 3-year terms.
Active Engagement
Our Board members are not only committed but also actively engaged in their roles. Typically, Board volunteers dedicate 4 to 8 hours each month, participating in Board and committee meetings and actively supporting various events
Join the Board!
If you resonate with any of the following statements, we strongly encourage you to apply:
- Community Advocates: Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community?
- Engagement Enthusiasts: Do you enjoy rallying your friends and neighbors around causes and activities close to your heart?
- Team Builders: Are you skilled at fostering teamwork and uniting people towards a common goal?
- Diversity Champions: Are you committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging?
- Construction and Design Aficionados: Are you interested in or experienced with construction, design/build, or project management?
- Strategic Thinkers: Do you possess strategic thinking abilities or expertise in nonprofit management, planning, or financial planning?
- Community Service Experience: Have you worked with community or social service programs?
- Marketing and Communication Gurus: Do you have expertise in marketing, communications, fundraising, or public relations?
- Tech-Savvy Individuals: Are you comfortable with or knowledgeable about technology?
The 2025 class will be approved by the current Board of Directors at the December board meeting. To be included we request applications by November 1, 2024. You can download the application form below; please email gro.r1733359532etnec1733359532yenni1733359532hp@bi1733359532tsirh1733359532c1733359532 with any questions.
PNA Board of Directors
Abby Armato
Board of Directors
I moved to Seattle in Spring 2020, which was a weird time to try to find a sense of community in a new city. Since those early days of trying to connect with neighbors, I have been excited about the PNA and the awesome opportunities they offer NW Seattle to engage in community, support neighbors, and explore local businesses and artists. Four years and a move to Phinneywood later, I'm thrilled to be supporting this organization through Board service. In addition to enthusiasm, I bring a professional background in community development, storytelling, and main street development. You can find me walking my dog along the Ridge, hiking with my partner, or writing at a local coffee shop.
Abby Gawronski
Board of Directors
As a newcomer to the West Coast, it was a big leap for me to move away from my friends, family, and community in New York but I fell in love with Phinney the second I discovered it. Shortly after attending the farmer's market my curiosity led me to wanting to know how I became more involved with the PNA. I am excited to not only to build my own community through the PNA, but also support their mission by cultivating an inclusive community where everyone is empowered to find their place. My previous board leadership comes from a role as Hub Chair for one of Oceanic Global's local chapters. Additionally, my non-profit experience diversifies in a range of skill sets; fundraising, program development, event planning, and community engagement. Professionally, I am a program developer. My career moved me to Seattle where I currently lead a talent development program for enterprise's worldwide. For fun, I enjoy cooking Italian food, spending time with my younger siblings, going to the beach, traveling and yoga. I'm excited for my new chapter on the west coast and to be a part of the PNA board of directors!
Amy Williams Derry
President
As a North Seattle resident for nearly 25 years, Amy is drawn to the PNA for its community-building programs and its unique history. Amy is also the business owner of Seattle Jazzercise. As a local small business owner, Amy adds to the Board the unique perspective of a renter of PNA facilities. Amy’s pre-Jazzercise career was a litigation partner in a downtown Seattle law firm, where Amy had a national trial practice representing individuals, communities, and investors who were injured by corporate polluters, big business, and Wall Street Banks. Amy is excited to apply her legal training and interest in local community-building to the PNA Board.
Andrew Wilcox
Board of Directors
Andrew and his wife Debi moved to Phinney Ridge in 2017. The day they moved in was the same day they discovered they would be having a baby boy, which felt like the universe saying that this is the ideal neighborhood to raise a family. With the benefit of having lived in a few other great places (Brooklyn NY, Portland OR & Shanghai), they knew that they had discovered something special in Phinney / Greenwood. Their first exposure to the PNA was through the Farmer's Market, but then they realized there was so much more to the PNA than meets the eye. This neighborhood is truly special, thanks in large part to the concerted efforts of the volunteers, staff and board members of the PNA. Andrew is honored to join the board to do his part to continue making this a vibrant and loving community. In his day job Andrew is an advertising creative director. He helps big brands connect to customers through creative storytelling. He is hoping to draw from his experience to help the PNA communicate effectively with the community about all the amazing events, classes and services available to them. He is also here to learn from the community and its leaders, as he continues to strive to be a better friend, husband and father.
Andy Haon
Board of Directors
My wife and I have lived just a few blocks from the PNA for 25+ years and our 2 college age kids were born and raised in the neighborhood. We've loved living on Phinney and have felt very fortunate to enjoy and benefit from the many resources and programs that the PNA community provides. Whittier Kids, the tool lending library and new homeowner classes, the neighborhood wide garage sales and art walks, the Friday farmers market, the dragon room and Karaoke Bingo at GSC are just some of the many programs our family has enjoyed. I'm making a career shift after working on creating software products and services for many years. I'm excited to have more time to give back to the PNA community and to serve on the board, particularly at an exciting time of growth and transition in the neighborhood.
Caitlin Spence
Board of Directors
I moved to the Loyal Heights neighborhood in Ballard in 2014 and quickly put down roots. Now we’re a family of four, still in Ballard, and the PNA’s programs have touched our lives in many ways. From our time with the Ballard Preschool Co-op to community events and classes, I’ve met neighbors who turned into friends. My first career was in nonprofit communications, and I hold a Masters in Public Administration. Now I’m a Realtor with Lake & Company, where I continue to help people bring their vision to life. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to support the PNA as a Board member and give back to the community I’m lucky to call my home.
Christi Everett
Board of Directors
My husband and I moved to Seattle over ten years ago now, and immediately fell in love with the neighborhood. We love exploring and supporting all of the local businesses and have participated in many of the activities sponsored by the PNA since we moved to Greenwood in early 2012. The Winter Festivals, book exchanges, farmers markets, art activities, and educational offerings are so well-organized, fun, and fantastic! I began volunteering with the PNA Village in 2018, bringing my experience as a licensed Occupational Therapist and health care administrator in quality improvement and patient safety. I am passionate about ensuring the seniors in our community are able to retain access to services and remain active, connected, safe, and supported in their own homes for as long as possible. I am grateful for the opportunity to “give back” in service on the Board of Directors, to share ideas, energy, and leadership in order to help build and grow this amazing organization.
Deb Sundblad
Secretary
My husband and I first moved to the neighborhood 20+ years ago as new homeowners. I remember attending the PNA Home & Remodel Fair and then a class on seismic retrofitting and being so excited to tackle home projects and put our roots down here. Since that time, we’ve raised two kids who both attended the PNA’s 65th Street Preschool Co-op (now the Ballard Preschool Co-op), and are now off to college. Our family has attended so many fun PNA events, and made good use of the Tool Library! I’m an attorney and a writer, and over the years have served in various board positions and volunteer roles for my kids’ schools and sports teams. I’m always working on a home or yard project of some sort, and I love to see live music as often as possible. I am excited for the opportunity to be of service on the PNA Board, and to give back to this wonderful community that I feel so lucky to call home.
Helen Wattley-Ames
Board of Directors
Bill and I bought our home in 1995 in “Lower Phinney” and soon discovered the PNA and its wealth of activities. Our favorites included Winter Festival, the Farmers Market, and the neighborhood-wide Garage Sale. In 2007 my mother came to live with us, sparking our family’s relationship with the Greenwood Senior Center. Over the years she benefited from classes, support groups, knitting group, and even monthly haircuts, teaching us all over again the power of community. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to serve on the PNA board and am also a volunteer with the PNA Village. I’ve served on several nonprofit boards and am happy to give back to the community that has given us so much.
Jamie Campbell
Board of Directors
Jamie is a long-time Phinney Ridge resident and PNA patron. After years of enjoying farmers markets, art fairs, beer fests, community parades, and all the other wonderful services and activities offered by the PNA, he is excited to play a role in helping the PNA continue to grow an inclusive and welcoming community. By trade, Jamie is a software engineer who still remembers what it was like to ship shrink-wrapped software on floppy disks. Prior to volunteering with the PNA, he has been involved with several charitable organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Tableau Foundation. In his free time, he likes to relax with family, cheer on his beloved Mariners, and support live music.
Kayti Barnett O’Brien
Board of Directors
Kayti Barnett-O'Brien has lived in the Greenwood neighborhood since 2014 with her husband Chris and their terrier mix, Briggsbee. An experienced arts administrator, Kayti has been working in the non-profit performing arts for over 15 years and brings a broad range of operational management, finance, leadership, and theatre producorial skills to her current role as Managing Director of Book-It Repertory Theatre at Seattle Center. She holds a Masters in Non-Profit Arts Leadership from Seattle University and was a member of the Leadership for Social Change cohort with artEquity in 2016. She is also a member of Seattle Theatre Leaders, a group devoted to bringing equitable practices to theatre management and the local professional performing arts industry. Prior to her position at Book-It, Kayti served as Managing Director at New Century Theatre Company, helping to establish the working model for the shared theatre spaces at 12th Ave Arts, and has taught Non-Profit Finance at Seattle University. She has been a board member at Theatre Puget Sound (TPS), and served as a community member of the TPS finance committee until 2021. Kayti is an art jeweler in her spare time and an avid tea drinker. She is excited to join the PNA board and looks forward to finding new ways to support and join in with the PhinneyWood community!
Keri Pollock
Vice President
At a time when we most need community, the Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA) serves as a conduit of connection and impact. Phinneywood is home to some of my favorite places and fondest memories since moving to the area 23 years ago (It’s where my husband lived when we first met, and it’s where I got my first tattoo!) The PNA has been a space for personal growth and engagement. Professionally, I’ve worked closely with and supported the seniors’ programs, especially the Greenwood Senior Center (GSC), for many years. In my work in the field of aging, the GSC is a valuable source of support, collaboration, and friendship. I’m honored to serve on the board of an organization that’s a model of community impact and support. As a member, I look forward to contributing to the PNA’s growth and helping serve the community’s changing and diverse needs.
Kevin Kane
Board of Directors
Back in 2019 B.C (before covid), I joined a group of PNA members/volunteers who were organizing a community woodshop in the old fan room of the Brick Building. The emphasis is on community; welcoming PNA members interested in making, learning and inspiring one another with creativity, skill and community service. As an architect and part-owner of a 24-person practice, I worked with PNA staff and site committee members on accessible improvements to the Brick Building. These experiences helped me appreciate the varied roles and critical value of the PNA. It’s a privilege to participate on the board.
Kylen Stevenson
Treasurer
I’ve lived in Greenwood for two years, and before that lived in Licton Springs for three. I’ve been a PNA member for several years and have always enjoyed the beer tasting events and farmers market in the summer. I’m excited to serve the community here via board membership and my expertise as a commercial loan officer. In my free time I enjoy fishing, hiking, training my dog and spending time with my fiancée.
Neal Kawas
Board of Directors
My family and I moved to the neighborhood in 2019 from Wallingford and I am so excited to invest in the neighborhood. I personally love the Farmers Market in the summer. My favorite program would have to be the Tool Lending Library, which has enabled me to take on bold projects like redoing piping in my bathroom. I joined the PNA Board to volunteer, build community, and support the organization and neighborhood.
Shweta Jaywardhan
Board of Directors
Stay tuned to learn about Shweta!
Suparna Chhibber
Board of Directors
I'm originally from New Delhi, India and moved to the States in 2003. I've been a Greenwood resident since 2018 and feel blessed to live in an area thoughtfully nurtured by the PNA. I deeply value PNA's mission to create community and am here to offer my passion, skills and intellect to support this goal. Professionally, I am a business generalist with a background in technology, international business, strategy and marketing. I have worked as an intrapreneur, building new businesses and functional areas from scratch repeatedly in the context of diverse, multi-cultural and international environments. Moving forward, I want to take an active role in designing relational products, spaces and technology, i.e. those that strengthen our relationships and society. I have been on a trajectory of learning and reimagining my work. My writing (https://www.workingmeditation.co/) is the first "sprout" on this journey. The second "sprout" is what will eventually become Studio Yuj, a consulting practice and design-studio focused on embedding genuine ways of relating into the design of our everyday spaces, places and tools.
Tiara Adams
Board of Directors
When my partner and I were looking to move in the summer of 2021 it was important to us to find a place we could see ourselves putting down roots and investing not only in our home but also in our community. I came to the PNA to be able to access the tool library, learn about classes and ways to give back and attend local events. I joined the board to help support events and plan for services that knit our neighbors together.
Tracy Weber
Board of Directors
The first thing I remember about moving to the Phinney neighborhood was discovering a copy of the Phinney Ridge Review on the doorstep of my apartment complex. Over 25 years later, I still love the PNA and all that it does for our community. I hope to bring my experiences as a leadership development consultant and small business owner to the board and to help continue growing the PNA so it can be a positive support to our community for decades to come. My husband Marc and I live in the neighborhood with our precocious German shepherd, Ana, and I’m currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in clinical animal behavior. When I’m not studying, I spend my time teaching yoga, trying to corral Ana, and sipping Blackthorn cider at the 74th Street Ale House.
Get Involved
Make a Donation
Make a donation to the PNA. Support our programs and make an impact on your community. Give now or leave your legacy.
Become a Member
Join the PNA, support our programs, make an impact on your community, and enjoy the perks of being a PNA member!
Volunteer
Want to give back? Whether it's through applying your skills or workplace giving, volunteering with the PNA brings people together to support our community.