2021-2022 Community Impact Report - Report - Page 6
ACKNOWLEDGING BOARD & STAFF
GGHF's Board of Directors bring diverse talents, expertise, and huge hearts for our community to their service. And,
while their contributions are much greater, we acknowledge some of their important contributions of the past twoyears here:
President Emeritus and CEO (a volunteer position), Dr. Julie Ann Gustanski exemplified skilled and responsive
partnership in her work to build sustainable community philanthropic assets, planning and analyses for GGHF
programs, Community Campus project coordination, and in her legal roles as we navigated the maze of COVID-19
related policies and the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Directors Ken Endo (past Treasurer) and David
Olson led the way in supporting the PPP process with their expertise in accounting and commercial banking. Board
members Joyce Schultz and Rick Gillespie engaged with our equity work, helping evolve GGHF policies and the
provision of benefits for full-time staff. Additionally, Joyce has served in a volunteer capacity as GHSC's Interim
Director through much of the pandemic, while Rick took on the position as Board Treasurer and continues his work on
the Parks & Environment CAB. Board member Barbara Turecky stepped forward to become Board Secretary, while also
serving as Chair of the Social Capital CAB. Director and Recreation CAB Chair, Marlene Drucker joined in efforts to
develop and implement GHSC's Shamrock'n the Harbor 5K/12/K run, while continuing to lead the way for the
Halloween-themed Rattle Dem Bones bike ride. Board members David Olson and Gina Cabiddu continued in their roles
supporting the Education CAB and the annual Students of Distinction program and awards ceremony, now in its 21st
year. Board member David Cathers led the charge, as he has for the past 29 years, on the Gig Harbor Basket
Brigade. And , Board President, Jud Morris and Vice-President, Rob Rigoni accepted nominations to another term to
ensure continuity of leadership through the Community Campus project, both also give generously of their time across
the organization in various capacities as needs arise. Together, GGHF Directors volunteered 7,920 hours of service to
accomplishing the Foundation's diverse work in the community between 2021 and 2022!
And where would we all be without awesome staff? Over the past two years, GGHF staff have truly shined, despite the
many adaptations required by the ongoing pandemic. We are grateful to Ariel Gustanski (Chief Operating Officer),
Odette Alina (Director, GGHF Curious by Nature School) and her amazing team of teachers, Dena Randazzo
(Bookkeeper), Jennifer Day (Fundraising Event Coordinator), Rob Rigoni (GGHF EnviroCorps Program Director), and
Joyce Schultz (Interim Director, Gig Harbor Senior Center). Above all, Toni Gillespie (Office Manager) holds us all
together and we cannot thank her enough.
Thank you, team, for all you do!
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