Board

The current Board of Directors consists of volunteer community members, including low-income individuals:

Tina Gilbert Chair Co-owner and principal of Avatar Associates, Bainbridge Island, an architectural construction and project management firm. 30 years of experience in construction management for commercial, residential, public and private projects in the Northwest. Extensive experience in owner representation, budgeting, scheduling, and staff communication. HRB board member since 2004; presently board vice chair.

Carolyn Leigh Vice-Chair Seattle native with BA from University of Washington. 25 year island resident recently retired after 14 years as Windermere Real Estate Associate Broker. Extensive negotiation and management skills. Presently self-employed as organizer and home stager. Dedicated to making lives better. HRB board member since 2002; board secretary 2003-2005.

Kate Smith Secretary Has lived on Bainbridge for 19 years and has two children in high school. Following her divorce, and nine years as a stay at home Mom, she re-entered the work force at the lowest level. She sold her home because she could not afford the mortgage payments. Eventually she found herself the sales manager for a software/hardware company overseeing domestic and international sales. Although she now earns a strong middle income, she is no longer able to buy into the housing market in her community. This fact and watching her community become increasingly stratified by high cost homes and low income needs, Kate became inspired to get involved in preserving and creating diversity in the community through preservation and the creation of homes. She joined the HRB Board in the fall of 2007, and she is a strong proponent of the Community Land Trust model of home ownership and rental property.

Del Miller Treasurer Founder and senior partner of Miller Bateman LLP, a boutique commercial corporate and real estate litigation law firm formed in 1999; 30 years practicing law with large Seattle law firm (Bogle & Gates LLP); served several years as outside general counsel for non-profit hospital chain (Sisters of Providence). Served on boards of Medina Children’s Service and Children’s Trust Foundation. HRB board member since 2002; presently board chair.

David Cinamon Architect with Bohlin Cywinski Jackson (Seattle), residential and civic projects. Prior to that 14 years with Cutler-Anderson Architects and Marc LaRoche Architects working on residences around the region. Bainbridge resident since 1991. Interested in preserving a diverse population on Bainbridge by maintaining and growing the availability of affordable housing stock. HRB board member since 2006.

Craig Dorr Moving to the West Coast in 1988, Craig settled in Salem Oregon. Over the past 15 years, he worked for Key Bank as a senior mortgage advisor for their Community Reinvestment Department. His area took in Central and Southern Oregon, helping first time home buyers and low to moderate buyers purchase homes. Craig worked with several non-profit organizations to develop down payment assistance programs and taught first time home buyer classes. He moved up to Washington in April of 2007 as Manager of the Residential Mortgage Department for American Marine Bank which has its headquarters on Bainbridge Island. His wish is to continue helping people purchase affordable housing. Board member since 2007.

Mark Fredrichs Currently, and for the past 15 years, Mark has worked in the publishing industry. His housing related experience is long and diverse. He has built relief housing in a typhoon ravaged 3rd world country, written federal grants for and built special needs housing, as well as subsidized housing, built over 50 single family homes, and done historic & family renovation projects. He brings to our board extensive experience in the non-profit arena, as both an administrator and board member. Mark and his family have lived on Bainbridge Island for over 5 years. 2007 is Mark’s first year as an HRB board member.

Don Heppenstall Manager of various businesses; for the past 30 years owner and principal of Pleasant Beach Construction. Extensive experience in all aspects of building construction (finance, management, client relations, etc.). HRB board member since 1999; board vice chair 2001; board chair 2002-2004; presently board treasurer.

Ned Palmer 1980-present Senior Vice President, Bank of America. Municipal finance banker with Bank of America, N.A. its securities affiliate, Banc of America Securities LLC specializing in affordable housing finance. Has underwritten 40 bond offerings for public housing authorities, half of which have involved tax credits. Responsible for $350 million credit portfolio, $150 million of which is tax credit “bridge” or permanent financing. Served on boards of Woodland Park Zoo and Helpline House. HRB board member since 1998; board chair 2000-2002; board treasurer 5 years.

Karla Shultz Recently retired professor of German and Comparative Literature from the University of Oregon. 35 years of research, teaching and administrative experience, also editor, conference chair and play director; publications in cultural studies, literary theory and poetry. Strong interest in social issues. HRB board member since 2002; presently board secretary.

Anna Tofani Owner and principal of Green Door Interior Painting, a painting and faux finish company. Recently relocated from Ipanema, Brazil. Former art school teacher in Rio de Janeiro. HRB board member since 2004.

Sue Transeau Copy editor in marketing for local grocery chain. Came on the HRB Board in September 2007.

Ann Wilkinson Over the past 10 years, Ann has been involved with feature film, corporate events & record producing. She moved to Bainbridge Island with her parents in 1972 and was active in the theatre, and musical arts. She has worked and lived in Seattle, Kirkland, and New York City, coming back to the Island in 2000 to work on a film project. Affordable housing was and continues to be a constant issue for her. Since 2000 she has moved seven times, and is currently enrolled in the Islandhome Transitional Housing Program. As a single Mom of two young children she knows the importance of finding affordable housing. Elected President of Islandhome in 2007, and she currently serves on the HRB Board. She is happy to represent her community to advocate for affordable housing and for the diversity of it’s residents…including her!