In 2004, my husband Kevin and I founded Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress in downtown Bellingham. What began as a small job shop has evolved—slowly, sometimes unexpectedly—into a beloved brick-and-mortar stationery and gift shop. We continue to share the craft of printmaking and book arts with our community through custom print projects and book repair.

My path to public service didn’t begin with a plan to run for office, but grew from years of building something alongside others and experiencing the same opportunities and challenges faced by so many downtown businesses. It became clear there was space, and a need, for a voice like mine on the Port Commission.

The Port plays a powerful role in shaping the future of Whatcom County. Its decisions affect how businesses grow, how people move and work, and how we care for our environment—especially our shoreline.

The values that guide my work as a Port Commissioner are straightforward:

• Open, accessible decision-making rooted in public engagement
• Community-driven economic development that supports businesses, workers, and living-wage jobs
• Environmental stewardship that recognizes climate resilience as economic resilience
• Equitable investment across Whatcom County’s cities, Tribal Nations, and rural communities

Originally from the Midwest, I studied book arts in Iowa and Oregon before settling in Bellingham in 2001. I later earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with an Operations concentration from Western Washington University, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

In addition to Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress, I own Gold Ink, an accounting services firm, and Yacht Dogs, a Chicago-style hot dog stand located in the historic Granary building on Bellingham’s downtown waterfront.

I live in the Columbia neighborhood in a multigenerational household with my husband and my dad, along with three dogs and three cats. Outside of work, I’m a musician in a local band, The Librarians.