Whatcom Museum Foundation Board

Mission Statement

The Whatcom Museum serves as a bridge among diverse people, ideas, and traditions by fostering curiosity and joy about our world. We do this through exhibitions, events, educational programs, and collections reflective of the art, nature, Indigenous cultures, and history of our region and beyond.

Membership

The Board consists of no less than ten (10) and no more than fifteen (15) voting Trustees. The terms of office are three years and no compensation is paid to Trustees. Board members are expected to join the Museum and support it through their actions. The City, through the Mayor’s Office, appoints half of the Foundation Board with the remaining Trustee positions appointed directly by the Foundation.

Updated: 10/02/2025

Member

Appointment

Term

Nancy Tupper

Foundation Appointment
Immediate Past President

09/01/19 – 09/24/28

Tim Bruce

Foundation Appointment

04/01/20- 04/01/26

Polly Bonnell

Foundation Appointment

06/01/21 – 06/01/27

Philip Serka

Foundation Appointment
Vice President

02/28/22 – 08/27/28

Teresa Taylor

Foundation Appointment

02/01/23 – 02/01/26

Chris Sullivan

Foundation Appointment
Treasurer/Secretary

06/01/23 – 06/01/26

George Sanders

City Appointment

02/26/18 – 02/26/27

Rafeeka Kloke

City Appointment
President

05/18/20 – 05/18/26

Kelsey Klevenberg

City Appointment

03/10/25 – 3/10/28

Kelsi Stine-Rowe

City Appointment

04/14/25 – 04/13/28

Vacant

City Appointment

Vacant

City Appointment

Vacant

City Appointment

Lisa Anderson

City Council Liaison

Cynthia Wilson Oomagelees

Museum Tribal Liaison

Duties of the Board

  • Develop an understanding of the Whatcom Museum’s Bylaws and other legal documents and practices pertinent to effective Board membership
  • Abide by the Foundation Code of Ethics
  • At all times, act as ambassador for the Foundation and the Whatcom Museum
  • Utilize skills and networks for the betterment of the Foundation and the Whatcom Museum
  • Serve on Foundation committees
  • Abide by the Trustee Agreement
  • Promote development of sponsors and donors
  • Assist the staff and Development Director to reach the development goals and objectives of the strategic plan
  • As a minimum financial commitment, maintain Whatcom Museum membership at a level consistent with the Trustee’s means.

Time Requirements

Meetings are typically held the fourth Wednesday of each month (except for August and December) at 3:00 p.m. in the board room of Old City Hall, 121 Prospect Street.