Who We Are

Founder

Landscaper

I trained as an elementary school teacher and loved the work. When we moved to Rochester, MN, teaching jobs were scarce, so I created a free weekly after‑school program for Cambodian children. As they became established, Rochester welcomed 3,000 Somali refugees, mostly single mothers. I organized local churches to run a five‑day program called Friendship Place. After my husband retired in 2007, we returned to Whidbey Island, where I met a family facing homelessness. Helping them led to the creation of the Whidbey Homeless Coalition, where I oversaw housing. When need outpaced capacity, we formed THINC to build tiny homes for rent, and later, WILL to build owner‑based cottage homes.

Chair

Design/Website

My career began in fine art, painting murals in homes and businesses across the U.S. That led me to open a graphic design firm in downtown Seattle. I was then hired as Managing Editor for a publishing company founded by the former head of Microsoft Press, an experience that ultimately evolved into Sea Script Company—my book publishing and web design business, now in its 27th year.

Along the way, I spent two years working from the Caribbean. As a dual American and Canadian citizen, I also lived several years in British Columbia before returning to the U.S. and settling on Whidbey Island.

My volunteer work has included serving as head of hospice volunteers at a hospital in British Columbia.

Vice-Chair

CEO of  Habitat for Humanity for Island County and has a background in construction, including owning his own construction company. He began his career at HFHIC as the Construction Manager and worked his way through the ranks to COO and is currently CEO. Orin is involved in all aspects of the organization from construction to funding, family services, resource development, retail store operations, grant writing, and management.​.

Secretary

I have worked extensively in volunteer services with the deeply held belief that we are all here to help one another. I was an integral part of developing the THINC tiny house project, was there at the outset of the Whidbey Homeless Coalition, and am a long-time volunteer with Good Cheer Food Bank. I continue to work on the THINC houses and with the residents, offering support and encouragement to the community.

Treasurer

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by a large extended family in the Seattle area—some of whom faced periods of homelessness over the years. I left home for college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and spending decades working in communities across the country.

Forty years later, I returned to retire on Whidbey Island, a place filled with cherished family memories. Yet I never forgot the experiences of my family members and patients who struggled without stable housing. When the opportunity to join WILL arose, I felt called to support such an essential and compassionate service.

Head of Resources/Outreach

Chief Development Officer for Habitat for Humanity of Island County and grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and has lived in Washington since 1994, relocating to South Whidbey in 2012. Liz brings extensive experience in residential property management, small business management, and sales. She previously worked for Island County in the Treasurer’s Office and later as the ARPA Program Coordinator, partnering with HFHIC on multiple ARPA-funded projects. Liz is deeply committed to Habitat’s mission and is excited to support the partnership with WILL to expand affordable housing in Langley and the South Whidbey community.

Resources/Outreach

After retiring, my husband and I moved from Seattle to South Whidbey in 2017. We love this island and its community and try to stay actively involved. Early on, it was clear that housing is a major concern for working families, young people, and seniors. I recently joined the Habitat for Humanity Island County Board to support its sweat‑equity homeownership model, and I’m thrilled to serve on WILL’s board during the Grace Landing project—six cottages in the heart of Langley that will help meet local housing needs. I’m a retired attorney and former pro tem judge, longtime volunteer, lifelong learner, avid reader, justice advocate, tai chi practitioner, and dog lover. 

Communications

I moved to Whidbey Island after retiring from my career as an entrepreneur, business owner, and as leader of various organizations at Boeing. I'm a native of the Seattle area. I chose South Whidbey as my home, having spent here times here a child. My professional background includes managing technology teams, ensuring business operations run efficiently, and mentoring early-career employees. My volunteer efforts include advocacy efforts at the Washington DC level for better cancer research, chairman for the Seattle Pancreatic Cancer Gala venue, and Boeing Cares volunteer organization. In that role, I worked alongside Habitat for Humanity on local projects, providing hands-on labor for low-income homeowners.

Building

I am a native Texan living in Austin for over 50 years. For the last ten years, I've lived half the year in Langley. I taught high school and middle school for 23 years. I'm an active member of St. Austin Catholic Church in Austin and St. Hubert Catholic Church in Langley. After retiring from teaching, I continued to engage in home remodeling and new home building. Among other projects, I worked on two of the THINC houses. I've been married for 44 years, and we have a son, daughter, and grandson. My interests include reading, gardening, woodworking, and singing in the church choir.

Building/Technology

I have been an Island County resident since 1999, raising my family on Camano Island and moving to Whidbey Island in 2019. I retired after working in the telecom industry for 30+ years. I currently own a concrete construction company with my youngest son. I have a passion for helping the community and have volunteered on other boards and in youth organizations. I believe my background in technology and construction will help move WILL’s mission to fruition in building affordable housing on South Whidbey.