Board President

Kirsten has been a home owner for several decades on Whidbey Island and has a background as an attorney focusing on human services in Seattle. She is passionate about creating solutions for the Whidbey Island community, and is an active board member with extensive training in Community Land Trusts through the Grounded Solutions Network.

Secretary / Treasurer

Neal and his family live just outside Langley where they have a small homestead. Neal has a background in sustainability and ecological resilience. His professional work took him from working internationally on climate change adaptation policy and threatened species conservation to community development through real estate development, sales, and management in the Pacific Northwest.

Board Member

David has a deep affinity for Whidbey Island where he has been a longtime home owner. Some of his fondest moments are playing with his four kids on Whidbey’s beaches. David brings over two decades of commercial real estate experience both nationally and internationally as a principal of the firm Meriwether Advisors.

Board Member

Ross came to Whidbey Island in the early 80’s where he was called towards a way of life. Through a career in architecture and design, Ross has been a part of designing, and redesigning many homes and buildings in the community. His community-oriented home and pocket neighborhood design work has gained him international attention. He has experience designing community-driven and innovative neighborhoods across the country. Recognizing the severe need for attainable homes for the viability of a community he holds so near and dear, Ross is a major proponent of Community Land Trusts methods.

Board Member

Sarah has been a member of the Whidbey Island community since she was little when her family moved from Southern California. Sarah is a local realtor on the island, and has experience serving on the board of Friends of Friends Medical Support and she volunteers at the Freeland Cat Cottage. Through her work and lived experience, she knows intimately the real need for affordable homes for Whidbey Islanders.

Kirstin joins Home On Whidbey first as someone that has a deep appreciation for community housing. She is part of a group of friends developing an intentional community in Clinton. She is also a number crunching wiz and has a professional background as an accountant.

Advisor

Madrona Community Development SPC

Paul is a community development specialist that was one of the founding members and first Executive Director of Kulshan Community Land Trust in Bellingham, WA. From his experience establishing Kulshan to be a premier CLT’s in the state, to his on-going efforts develop the capacity of Community Land Trusts around the region, Paul’s expertise on affordable home solutions is a real asset for Home On Whidbey.

Membership & Communications Coordinator

Kathryn joined Home on Whidbey in February 2024. As the membership and communications coordinator, her role supports the organization’s outreach Island-wide. Kathryn’s work will entail member relations, program support & development, and informational outreach for the organization.

Kathryn brings over 20 years of nonprofit management experience as well as her education background of photography, graphic design, and a master’s in public administration to her position. She has served in leadership roles for libraries, museums, salmon recovery, and conservation.

Kathryn and her husband moved to Whidbey Island from Alaska in 2015. She fell in love with the island’s natural beauty and charm and knew she wanted to make Whidbey Island her permanent home. Kathryn, her husband Kevin, and their recently adopted husky spend most of their free time exploring the many trails and beaches on the island.