2009 Board of Directors
Bridge Ministries

Ron Birum, Board Chairman
Ron has served on the Board since 2001. He became connected with Bridge through his membership on the Disability Awareness Committee of his church. Professionally, Ron is a senior computer consultant with PACCAR. He is using these professional skills to help Bridge develop a more integrated approach to processing our ministry information between the various computer programs and ministry departments. He is also a member of the Interfaith Council of Bainbridge Island. Ron brings a fresh new perspective to the work of the Board. Ron is a member of Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, Bainbridge Island..

Marion Cloutier, Certified Professional Guardian
Marion returns to Bridge after serving as one of our staff as a Guardian Specialist since 2003. Marion holds a BASW from the University of Washington, School of Social Work and has over 16 years of experience as an advocate for persons with disabilities which includes 10 years as a Care Manager for Guardianship Services of Seattle. In 1991 she became a certified Guardian Ad Litem for King County Superior Court. Marion also managed her own business as a Professional Guardian and Care Manager specializing in “alternatives” to guardianship. Bridge and those seeking quality guardianship for their loved ones are so blessed to have her level of personal concern for people living with disabilities, her expertise with the legal system and her strong ethics and values that demand nothing but quality care for clients. Welcome back!

Daniel Coppin, Secretary/Treasurer
Dan joined the Board in 2006 and has served on the Finance Committee and Resource Development Committees. His current role is the new Secretary/Treasurer. He has served as a Sunday Celebration volunteer at Calvin Presbyterian Church for several years. Dan recently retired from CityBank of Lynnwood, Washington as Senior Vice President of Information Technology. He has a thirty year background in banking and data processing. He is a member and current Finance Elder of Calvin Presbyterian Church. He has served on the Boards of a variety of non-profit organizations, including the Shoreline Coalition of Churches and the American Institute of Banking.

Sherry Lookabill, Resource Development Committee
Sherry has served on the Board since 1995 and has been involved with Bridge since 1993. In addition to her current R.D. Committee work, Sherry has served on the Guardianship Committee, our Circle of Friends Facilitator team and is a very effective public speaker for Bridge and disability awareness education. Professionally, Sherry works with the ARC of Washington as a legislative advocate for people’s rights who have a disability. She personally lives successfully with Cerebral Palsy. Sherry brings a unique and important perspective to the Board. She describes her role on the Board in this way: ”I see my role as an encourager and advocate to help Bridge remain focused on its mission and to move forward.” When asked what she feels is important about the ministry of Bridge she answers: “Bridge brings back the concept of community for everyone, especially for those with special needs. Bridge recognizes people for their talents and for who they are rather then focusing on a person’s disability. They go the extra mile to help people share their talents in the community." Sherry is a member of Kent Covenant Church.

Mike McDonald, Guardianship Committee
Mike has served on the Board since its inception in 1987. In addition to serving on the Guardianship committee, Mike volunteers for the guardianship department on a weekly basis inputting financial data, helping to carefully track the finances of the persons for whom Bridge is guardian. Professionally, Mike worked for Boeing and several other companies doing computer work. Mike lives with a physical disability and uses a power wheel chair to aid his mobility. Mike’s solid support and faithfulness to the work of Bridge has been a strong encouragement to the Board and staff. In his quiet ways Mike provides insight and perspective that helps us stay focused on our mission. When asked why he thinks the ministry of Bridge is important he says: “With my own disability I know how difficult life can get for me and I have it easy compared to many other people. Bridge is a strong advocate in helping persons with disabilities and there are many people who need this support.” Mike is a member of Rosehill Presbyterian Church, Kirkland.

Jack Staudt, Executive Director
Jack's volunteer work at Bridge evolved to an offer to join the Bridge Board. Then he was asked to be the Vice Chair. Later Bruce Knofel announced his retirement and the Board asked Jack to step in and help with the transition. Jack started part-time as Business Manager, and when Bruce got closer to his final days, the Board hired Jack as the Interim Executive Director and later was appointed the Executive Director. His assignment was to continue to advance the Strategic Plan that Bruce had nurtured. Jack says advice from Henk Wapstra also guides him. “Honor the Past; Assess the Present; Plan for the future”.

Frank Wallace, Vice Chair
Frank is a former VP of Business Operations with the Boeing Company and also served on the finance team of his church and as an elder, (Calvin Presbyterian, Shoreline), as a volunteer for the past two years at our mobility center and as a Board member for a number of other non-profits such as the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club, Fairfax City Volunteers, and the Junior Chamber of Commerce, during his career with Boeing. He brings a depth of experience to Bridge in Human Resource management and organizational development. We are excited to reap the benefits from his experience!

Please visit Board Responsibilities and Board Committees for more information about the work of our Board of Directors.

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