Meet the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors plays a crucial role in fulfilling the foundation’s mission and ensuring its operational and legal accountability. The Board sets the annual foundation budget, deciding which projects to support with grants and approves foundation priorities and expenses. Through their active involvement and regular review of fundraising strategies, the Board contributes to the organization’s growth and success. Its members are engaged, inspired, and knowledgeable about how to contribute effectively and committed to helping build a road to the future.
The Board facilitates the exchange of ideas and information with WSU Extension’s Master Gardener Program coordinator. The Board interacts with WSU Extension and reviews and approves the Memorandum of Agreement with Washington State University Extension on a regular basis to maintain a clear understanding of all roles and responsibilities to ensure the growth and success of the Master Gardener program in Clark County.
Directors are elected by the Foundation membership to serve three-year terms. The Board of Directors manages the affairs of the Foundation on behalf of foundation members. Their main duties are to administer foundation funds, organize and oversee fund raising events, and approve and monitor grants.
Master Gardeners and members of the public are encouraged to support the foundation through membership in our foundation. Foundation members are welcome and encouraged to attend board meetings.
Meetings of the Board of Directors are normally scheduled the second Tuesday of the month. Meeting minutes are published and available online.
President
Jack Bernhardsen
- Master Gardener Class of 2016
- Joined the Board in 2021
Vice President
Martha Minnich
- Master Gardener Class of 2012
- Joined the Board in 2022
Secretary
Meg McDonald
- Master Gardener Class of 2016
- Joined the Board in 2021
Treasurer
Jennifer Kootstra
- Master Gardener Class of 2014
- Joined the Board in 2015
Director
Nancy Funk
- Master Gardener Class of 1993
- Joined the Board in 2007
Director
Chuck McCracken
- Master Gardener Class of 2016
- Joined the Board in 2019
Director
John Moore
- Master Gardener Class of 2016
- Joined the Board in 2018
Director
Judie Stanton
- Master Gardener Class of 2021
- Joined the Board in 2022
Director
Linda Kaufman
- Master Gardener Class of 2018
- Joined the Board in 2022
Executive Administrator
Michele Huffman
- Master Gardener Class of 2011
- Joined the Board in 2016
Standing Committees and Leadership Teams:
Standing Committees of the Foundation are appointed by the Board for an indefinite time. Temporary Committees are appointed for a specific task with a specified time to completion.
The Foundation Standing Committees are
Development, led by Judie Stanton
- Greenhouse operations (chaired by Nancy Funk)
- Annual Plant Sale (chaired by Jack Bernhardsen)
- I-5 Welcome Sign planting (chaired by Cheryl Cazenave)
- Product Merchandising (chaired by Kathy Wright)
- Home & Idea Fair Plant Holding Area (chaired by Judy Cronin)
Public Relations, led by Meg McDonald
- Press Releases – Secretary leads
- Social media (web and facebook) – Exec Admin leads
- Educational Meetings – Secretary leads
- Voice and email – Exec Admin leads
Audit, led by Linda Kaufman
- Annual meeting – 2 board members + 2 non-board foundation members
- Treasure attends and provides records
Board Nominating, led by Martha Minnich
- Recruit potential board candidates
- Prepares election materials
- Oversees election and reports results
Temporary Committees may be appointed at the discretion or upon request of the Board of Directors
- Finance Committee – Assist treasurer in their duties; Make investment recommendations
- Maintenance Committee – Coordinate the maintenance of the facilities and leased property
- Membership Committee – Plan and execute a membership drive
- Strategic Plan Committee – Maintain and monitor the Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan
How to Get Involved with Foundation Leadership
Committee Membership: Foundation members do not have to be a member of the Board to serve on Committees. If you are looking for a way to volunteer and contribute to the foundation and one of these committees matches your experience, expertise, or interests, please contact us at mgfclark@gmail.com