People of Interest

Trailblazers: Development Manager Maddie Mikell

Meet Maddie Mikell, our newest staff member! Maddie joins WNPF as our Development Manager, bringing more than eight years of nonprofit fundraising experience and a passion for turning data into meaningful connections with the people who support the parks.

Sixty-Three Club: Trailblazer Bruce Tecklenburg and a Lifetime of Visiting (and Supporting) National Parks

This summer, Bruce and his wife, Dawn, joined a very small club: travelers who have visited every one of America's 63 Congressionally designated national parks. Read his story and see why he gives back.

Ten Years In: The Over the Top Society's Decade of Difference for Mount Rainier, North Cascades, & Olympic

In 2016, Washington's National Park Fund launched the Over the Top Society to recognize a special kind of generosity: unrestricted support that can be put to work wherever the parks need it most. Ten years later, that mission remains as important as ever.

Investing in Wonder: Planned Giving Leaves A Lasting Legacy for the Parks

In our new video, Mount Rainier National Park's superintendent captures the heart of what a legacy gift really means. It’s easy to think about investments and growing wealth. But an investment in a national park is an investment in wonder.

Trailblazer Leslie Robertson is Building a Ride and a Community That Gives Back

Every year, on the first weekend in August, hundreds of cyclists gather in downtown Port Angeles. From there, they ride from sea level all the way to Hurricane Ridge. Meet the Trailblazer behind an incredible ride that gives back to Olympic National Park.

Running for Washington’s National Parks – and for Dad: Meet Trailblazer Sherry Clarke of Pacific Runderland

Meet Trailblazer Sherry Clarke and learn the story behind Pacific Runderland, a family-friendly 5K and kids run that raises funds to support Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks through Washington’s National Park Fund.

Climbing Higher for a Cause: Meet Trailblazer Kathryn Martini

Meet Trailblazer Kathryn Martini. She is an Amazon employee, four-time Mount Rainier climber, and passionate fundraiser. She wholeheartedly embodies the spirit of this program. Her story is one of courage, community, and a deep commitment to giving back to the parks that inspire us all.

Trailblazer Kevin Bacher: Shaping the Future of Mount Rainier Volunteers

At Mount Rainier, there are many trails — but we think some of the most important pathways are built by people who lead the way for others to follow. Kevin Bacher is one of those people, with 30 years of public service including 23 years leading Mount Rainier’s volunteer program.

Trailblazers: Campaign Coordinator Jess Merchant

Meet Jess Merchant, our newest staff member at Washington’s National Park Fund! Jess brings a background in nonprofit administrative operations and a keen eye for detail to her role as Campaign Coordinator, a position made possible thanks to a grant from our friends at the National Park Foundation.