2026 Board Elections Slate

The following slate is presented by the Board Nominating Committee and will be voted on by the membership at the Annual Meeting of the Members on January 22, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., in accordance with the bylaws.

Up for Re-Election

The following directors are standing for re-election to an additional term:

  • Dan Bucci
  • Janine Williamson
  • Kim Wells
  • Theresa Turpin

Candidates for Election: 

Chris Gardner: 

I’ve lived in this area for the past seven years, and our surrounding trails have become a big part of my daily life and identity. Being involved with the Foothills Coalition has been incredibly rewarding, and I’d love the opportunity to serve at a deeper level through a board role.

I believe trails are more than just paths through the woods, they connect people to nature, to each other, and to a sense of place. Serving on this board is a chance to help protect and promote the landscapes we all care about, while expanding access so more people can experience the outdoors in meaningful and inclusive ways. I’m especially motivated to support responsible land stewardship, collaboration with partners, and long-term thinking that keeps our trail systems healthy and accessible for years to come.

Professionally, I bring over 20 years of leadership experience building and guiding high-performing teams through complex challenges. My career began in athletics and transitioned into executive roles, where I lead with a team-first mindset, clear direction, and accountability. I’m hands-on, outcome-oriented, and focused on aligning people, resources, and strategy to deliver results.

Outside of work, I have the privilege of coaching my daughter and a dedicated group of young athletes on the South Hill Cross Country team. Our family life revolves around the outdoors, spending as much time as possible on the trails, exploring the mountains, and chasing ultra distances on anything that looks remotely runnable.

These landscapes have shaped who I am, and I’m committed to helping ensure they remain protected, accessible, and thriving for future generations.

Jaime Pardo-Colling:

Hi! My name is Jaime, and I’ve worked in outdoor recreation and conservation for more than 20 years. I currently serve as a Program Officer at the REI Cooperative Action Fund, where I manage grantmaking operations and partner with REI members, employees, business partners, and donors to support organizations creating more accessible and inclusive outdoors – work that strengthens the health and well-being of people and communities.

Before joining the REI Fund team, I spent 12 years at the REI co-op, where I localized the corporate social impact program and deepened community advocacy and investment in the places where REI operates.

I hold dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Social Science (Social and Environmental Issues) and Communication from the University of Washington. I also serve on Washington State’s No Child Left Inside Advisory Committee (2018-present ) and volunteer with One Step at a Time Outdoor Recreation Club (2013- present). 

Outside of work and volunteer commitments, you’ll find me hiking, cycling, rock climbing, or skiing with my family- and almost daily, exploring our hometown of Buckley via the Foothills Trail. As a frequent trail user, I am committed to stewarding this vital ecosystem for future generations.

Dan Whitaker:

I am a lifelong Washingtonian and Puget Sound resident. I first became aware of the Foothill Trail in the early 1990s when I was on the Board of Washington Trails Association. Since then, I have been an avid user of the trail, usually running some leg of it two or three times a month. I have lived in Auburn since 1987, raising two boys (fully launched!) with my wife, Barb.

After graduating from WWU I’ve spent most of my career in finance, primarily in the commercial real estate industry. Today, I run a real estate investment company in Seattle.

In my spare time, I enjoy running, doing volunteer trail maintenance, occasionally riding my motorcycle, and traveling. I have been so grateful for the trail, and I look forward to bringing my passion to the Board and helping in the next phase of the trail’s growth.