I am quite literally struck by the beauty of Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. Whenever I’m in them I breathe a little deeper, see a little clearer and listen much more closely. As we continue caring for these gems, we must also instill this love in the next generation. Someday they’ll be in our boots. They’ll be charged with caring for them and passing them on to the generation below them.

Laurie has been leading Washington’s National Park Fund (WNPF) since June 2011. During her time, Washington’s National Park Fund has contributed more than $5.5 million to the national parks. She provides strategic leadership, oversees operations and ensures the organization remains fiscally responsible and transparent to all key stakeholders. In her leadership role, she works closely with the board of directors, park superintendents, corporate leadership and loyal donors to support the organization’s vision that Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic National Parks stay strong and vibrant, youthful and everlasting.

Laurie has committed her life to nonprofit management. Prior to WNPF, she was director of development and communications at The Mountaineers. She led that organization’s transition from a 501(c)4 to a 501(c)3, established a planned giving program and increased corporate giving while continuing successful major and annual fund giving.  Prior to that, she was a nonprofit consultant and worked with Girls Scouts/Boy Scouts, Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Clubs and Ronald McDonald House among many others. She helped these organizations build and grow annual giving, endowment and campaign programs, as well as create and enhance their communication and marketing plans.

Laurie received her MS in Education with a Philanthropy focus from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. She also earned a BS in Communications and a BA in Recreation and Parks Administration from the University of Northern Colorado.