Brad brings extensive experience in organizational leadership, advancement, fundraising, and relationship‑building, grounded in a deep commitment to mission‑driven philanthropy. With more than 15 years in Washington’s Community and Technical College System, he most recently spent eight and a half years with the Skagit Valley College (SVC) Foundation. During that time, he served primarily as Executive Director, leading three major campaigns and significantly strengthening donor engagement and community support.

Brad also brings extensive board leadership experience. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for North Cascades Institute, where he recently completed a three‑year term as board chair. His previous board service includes the Association of Fundraising Professionals Advancement Northwest, the Northwest Washington Estate Planning Council, and the Society for Wilderness Stewardship.

Brad holds a Master of Education in nonprofit administration and leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Resource Management and Sustainability from Western Washington University.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Jenny, and their daughters, Campbell and Elise.

Melissa first came to WCC as a running start student in 2008 and went on to complete her AS in Accounting in 2015, receiving scholarships through the Foundation to do so. She then dabbled in public bookkeeping for a few years before finding a home in the nonprofit world at the Downtown Bellingham Partnership. Nonprofit bookkeeping and operations is where she prefers to put her energy in efforts to expand community building and creating opportunities for those who need it most.

She is excited to be a part of the WCCF team! Melissa was born and raised in Whatcom County, and outside of work, she spends her time reading, crafting, and spending her weekends with her partner, dog, and cat.

Kaelyn (they/she) serves as the Program Specialist 2 for Whatcom Community College Foundation. They come from a background of administrative support and bookkeeping over the past few years as Administrative Assistant at the Downtown Bellingham Partnership and a student employee in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department during their time as a student at WWU.  

Kaelyn has been a resident of Bellingham for 6 years and enjoys spending as much time as possible outside: hiking, camping, and adventuring with their partner. 

With over 13 years of experience in higher education, Rose Hill (she/her) has dedicated much of her career to supporting students' success and access to education. As a Scholarship Specialist, Rose works passionately to ensure that students receive the resources they need to pursue their academic goals. Previously, she spent 10 years in Financial Aid and 3 years working with High School Completion students at Skagit Valley College. Rose has also contributed to local initiatives through her work with a foundation in Skagit County.

A proud graduate of Skagit Valley College with a Direct Transfer degree, Rose continued her education with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Driven by her belief in the power of community colleges to provide educational opportunities, she is committed to supporting students in overcoming barriers to success.

Outside of her professional life, Rose enjoys spending time with her family, especially cheering on her daughters during their year round club soccer games and track events in the spring.

Cara (she/her) graduated in 2012 from Whatcom Community College (WCC) with an AAS in Paralegal Studies and has over 12 years of working experience in Whatcom County’s legal community. She primarily worked within child welfare cases where children were wards of either Washington State or the Lummi Nation but also worked on domestic violence and family law cases. Through her working experience she has found that she is committed to help community members who are facing homelessness, drug abuse, lack of legal advocacy, and other societal issues in Whatcom County.

Cara decided to return to WCC Winter quarter 2024 to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Applied Business Management and joined the Foundation’s team in July 2024. She provides various administrative services for the Foundation to allow them to continue to support WCC students and their success.

Cara is projected to graduate in Spring 2026 and hopes to work for a non-profit or an organization that is dedicated to alleviating social disparities in Whatcom County after graduation.