Our Board and Staff Make Our World Go ‘Round!
Earlier this month, the OICF Board of Trustees held its annual meeting to elect new trustees and officers to the Board, and recognize retiring trustees for their valuable service. Each of the retiring trustees contributed actively throughout their time at OICF, and all met weekly through the pandemic as the Foundation responded to the emerging needs of the community. A few highlights of their work include:
Susan Alter served on the Grants Committee and played a key role in leading the Governance Committee to improve and update the bylaws, board policies and procedures, as well as board and committee development systems. We are grateful that she will continue to serve on the Governance Committee.
Diane Berreth brought extensive nonprofit expertise to the Governance Committee, led improvements to the Foundation’s governance, actively encouraged professional development for staff, mentored fellow trustees, and lifted OICF to a new level of professionalism. Diane also facilitated several community projects and conversations hosted by OICF over the years and helped lead OICF workshops for people interested in board service on the island.
Angela Foster guided the hiring committee and Board through the entire search for an Executive Director while Board Chair of OICF, ensuring the organization and board were prepared for a smooth succession of leadership. She also served on the Grants Committee and and Chaired the Governance Committee in her final year on the Board.
Sarah Lyle served as an active member of the Grants Committee and strong leader and advocate for the growth of the Island Reproductive Health Initiative, which is fiscally sponsored by OICF. Sarah’s willingness to show up and enthusiastically help out with projects large and small has been greatly appreciated.
Lisa Steckley has served on the Grants Committee and contributed greatly to capacity building initiatives during her tenure on the Board. Lisa’s business acumen shined in leading the Board through the complex purchase of the Pea Patch property. We are grateful for her continued service on the Finance and Investment Committees.
Meet OICF’s New Trustees
Michael Breen is an executive leader, strategist, policy expert and former military officer with deep and diverse experience at the intersection of technology, global security, human rights, politics, and markets. He currently leads strategic planning and initiatives at Anthropic PBC, where he develops and implements new approaches to advance the company’s AI safety and research mission. He currently resides with his family on Orcas Island and serves on the Board of the Orcas Island Food Bank.
Frank Greer founded the international communications firm GMMB and served as senior partner for 42 years before his retirement in 2023. Over the course of his extraordinary career, Frank has helped elect presidential candidates in the U.S. and internationally, and provided strategic advice and counsel to some of the world’s leading foundations, public interest groups, labor organizations and corporations, as well as candidates running for Congress, governor and Senate. He was a founder of Amnesty International in the U.S. and served on their international board, as well as several other boards over the years. Most recently he served on the Executive Committee of the successful Renew Our Land Bank campaign.
2025-2026 OICF Officers
Susan Gudgell, Chair
Minor Lile, 1st Vice-Chair
Mary Clure, 2nd Vice-Chair
Patricia Benton, Treasurer
Stephanie DeVaan, Secretary
Meet OICF’s New Team Members
Kim West Actkinson recently joined OICF as Development and Communications Manager. Kim briefly lived on the island almost 30 years ago and recently moved back to raise her family on Orcas, where she looks forward to supporting the community through her work at OICF. She is returning with a wealth of experience in fundraising, nonprofit management, event coordination, and community engagement.
Ali Walker joined OICF in May as Administrative Assistant to support special projects, assist our finance team, and keep our office running smoothly. Ali is no stranger to the Orcas Island nonprofit community, serving in various roles with Camp Four Winds Westward Ho, Funhouse Commons, YMCA Camp Orkila. She is an active volunteer at the Orcas Island Public Library, serves as a mentor with the Funhouse, and is an avid quilter.
Thank you for joining us in thanking our retiring trustees for their leadership and contributions to the community, and welcoming our new trustees and staff. Together, we look forward to continuing the foundation’s strong tradition of fostering philanthropy to enhance and preserve the quality of life on Orcas Island!
Enough about us! Here are a few upcoming opportunities to see some of the programs funded by GiveOrcas in action this summer:
- YMCA Camp Orkila is hosting plenty of fun experiences this summer including family swimming, biking, and day camps. Get all the details here!
- Orcas Center’s Free Summer Concerts are happening weekly on Sundays on the Village Green.
- Leadership San Juan Islands is now accepting applications for its 2025 Leadership Cohort.
One last thing: OICF is seeking ideas and feedback from the nonprofit community regarding workshops and resources to help support staff training and board development. If you work or volunteer at a nonprofit, please take our survey.
Wishing everyone a safe and fun 4th of July next week!
Lindsay
Lindsay Jennings Executive Director Orcas Island Community Foundation lindsay@oicf.us 360.376.6423