I am a special education teacher, father of eight, lifelong Yelm resident, and dedicated community leader. I’ve led three successful school levy campaigns, served as Vice Chair of Citizens of Yelm, chaired the Alumni of Yelm Committee, been elected to two nonprofit civic engagement boards, and organized numerous efforts to strengthen schools and local institutions.

I hold an MBA and bachelor’s degrees in business and education, with a minor in government. After 12 years as a sales manager and business owner, I pursued my lifelong dream of teaching.

I consider myself a full-time volunteer, always ready to step up when my community needs me. The Port of Olympia needs fresh leadership and a broader perspective, one that reflects all of Thurston County. That’s why I’m running.

The Port needs change. In recent years, new development has taken a priority to other programs that could benefit citizens.

I refuse all special interest funding because timber companies, developers, and contractors have used contributions to influence port decisions. I want to represent rural communities and struggling families, working for people, not businesses or special interests.

The Port of Olympia is funded by all Thurston County taxpayers, yet most investments stay near the waterfront or airport. Rural towns like Yelm, Tenino, and Rochester help pay the bill but are too often excluded. I will ensure every community has a voice in port decisions.

I support a full Budd Inlet cleanup to restore the shoreline for public use, even if it takes decades. No land should be sold or leased long-term without thorough environmental studies and a plan that protects water, wildlife, and the public interest.

Public land should serve the public good, creating jobs, supporting families, offering recreation, and preserving green space, not just generating profit.

I am running against Commissioner Iyall, a respected leader seeking his second term. He identifies as a fiscal conservative and is endorsed by Thurston County Mainstream Republicans and Let’s Go Washington, groups that have pushed to cut school funding and reverse the state excise tax. He has supported long-term leases for developments that raise community and environmental concerns, often providing limited benefit to areas outside port property. He has accepted funds from industries including logging and real estate development.

My campaign is focused on bringing value to the entire county. I support expanding recreation and green space at the port and prioritizing projects that benefit disadvantaged communities, especially those that pay port taxes but see little return. I refuse all special interest contributions because public trust in the port depends on putting community needs ahead of business interests, and the perception of the public is that they are running the show.

Elected Experience:
Elected to multiple nonprofit boards focused on education, civic engagement, and community service.

Other Professional Experience:
Special education teacher with a background in business management. Led community initiatives and local campaigns across Thurston County. Former legislative intern at the Washington State House of Representatives. Business manager and small business owner for over 10 years.

Education:
Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on large-scale project management. Dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Business and Education, with a minor in Government.

Community Service:
Lifelong advocate for education and civic participation. Served on three community-focused nonprofit boards, organized local campaigns, mentored students, and supported community events throughout Thurston County.

Statement:
I'm a special education teacher and longtime community volunteer with no ties to special interests or outside commitments. I have always stepped up to serve, not for personal gain but because I care about the people and places that make Thurston County home.

The Port of Olympia has the potential to benefit everyone, but many communities feel overlooked. While residents pay into the Port through taxes, the returns are not always felt equally. I believe we can do better by making sure Port projects reflect the needs and values of our entire county.

As your Port Commissioner, I will focus on community-first development. That means protecting public land, supporting projects that include public access and recreational opportunities, and ensuring residents have a voice in decisions. I will bring transparency, accountability, and a commitment to listening.

I am proud of the community support behind this campaign, from local educators to environmental advocates and working families. I have no business interests, no corporate ties, and no agenda beyond serving our community. If you are looking for someone who understands everyday challenges and wants to make the Port more accessible, inclusive, and beneficial for everyone, I would be honored to earn your vote.

Key Endorsements

• Thurston County Democrats

• Olympia Indivisible

• Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove

• County Commissioner Rachel Grant

• Yelm Mayor Joe DePinto

• Krag Unsoeld, Port Commissioner Candidate

• Over 300 community members from across Thurston County

• And many more will be listed soon!

As a volunteer in rural Thurston, I have strong support in rural communities. Through my work as as a progressive activist, I also have a broad progressive base. My campaign has the largest social media following of any race in the county.

I have 1,000 campaign signs ready to be placed and a goal of knocking on 10,000 doors before Election Day. I believe that the recent Primary results has shown that voters are ready for a new perspective at the Port.