Board of Directors
Kimberly Good Rubenstein
President
Board Member Since: 2016
Occupation: Former Owner, Katy’s Inn Bed and Breakfast, LaConner
I volunteer to serve on the SPF Board because as a 5th generation farming Skagitonian, preserving and being a good steward of this valley has been a core family value for generations. It is my hope that as a board member, I can support and continue the work of farmland preservation, while educating future generations about the importance of this good work.
What I like best about the Skagit Valley is Skagit Valley is home. Here I am surrounded by generations of family, wonderful life long friends, a strong community, a strong value system, and the bounty provided by the land!
Favorite hobby or activity: I enjoy cooking, gardening, getting together with family and friends, and making everyday an adventure.
Tim Knue
Vice President
Board Member Since: 2009
Occupation: Currently, Executive Director for the Washington Association for Career and Technical Education, Olympia; Retired CTE-Agriculture teacher Mount Vernon High School.
I volunteer to serve on the SPF Board because I have dedicated my career to teaching the next generation of agriculturalist to be involved in a noble profession, so saving farmland for all generations of Skagitonians in the future was an important related endeavor. Having grown up in the valley working summers while going to school I have seen effects of lost farmland and agricultural infrastructure over the years and want to do my part to help preserve the legacy of our agricultural community for all to enjoy.
What I like best about the Skagit Valley is that sense of small town and community that makes our community so special, not only do people care for each other they care for the land and our environment as a part of what makes the Skagit Valley so special to everyone who lives and visits here.
Favorite hobby or activity: Time with family enjoying our great outdoors from golfing to kayaking.
Audrey Gravley
Treasurer
Board Member Since: 2017
Occupation: Finance – Northwest Farm Credit Services since 1976
I volunteer to serve on the SPF Board because I value the diverse agricultural activities and economies that many take for granted here in Skagit Valley. It’s important that we protect them by being thoughtful and deliberate in their stewardship.
What I like best about the Skagit Valley is crossing under Starbird Road and seeing the incredible view of this magical place unfold. I never tire of it rain or shine! It truly means “coming home”.
Favorite hobby or activity: I love to travel, it can be near-by to my camping lot on Cockerham Island, or far-away to explore Europe, Asia, Latin America and beyond. Studying another culture through food, art and architecture is so rewarding and fun!
John Roozen
Secretary
Board Member Since: 1991
Occupation: Farmer. Co-Owner, Washington Bulb Company.
I volunteer to serve on the SPF Board because I was born and raised here in the Skagit Valley, but my mom and dad came from a country that was huge in farming, but land was extremely scarce. My dad always taught me that growth will happen, but it has to happen at a controlled rate. I am here because of all the hard work that has happened ahead of me. People developed this land for agriculture and I’m going to pass the baton to the next generation.
What I like best about the Skagit Valley is everything about the Skagit Valley is special and unique: its climate, its soil, its history, its people. We are surrounded by the diversity of the globe—wildlife, salt water, fresh water, snowy mountains—it’s just not big enough. The stewardship of raising tulips is in my heart, and the Skagit Valley is well-suited to the production of my heritage crop.
Favorite hobby or activity: Learning about agriculture, soil and business in different places; exploring farms and farming equipment with other farmers, going hunting and fishing with my kids.
John Anderson
Board Member Since: 2014
Occupation: Food Processing / Freelance Musician
I volunteer to serve on the SPF Board because my grandfather came to the Skagit Vally in 1903 and started farming. I still live on the family farm and I am committed to the support and preservation of our local farms and way of life.
What I like best about the Skagit Valley is the people here, the rural character of much of the valley, the abundant beauty of the valley.
Favorite hobby or activity: Music, motorcycles and touring the Great Northwest.
Jen Hart
Board Member Since: 2017
Occupation: Farmer, Owner at Harts Farm & Homestead
I volunteer to serve on the SPF Board because as a 5th generation Skagitonian I appreciate the stewardship of previous generations. It is our turn to leave the Valley a viable agricultural area for the future.
What I like best about the Skagit Valley is: There is history and you are connected to it. Knowledge is passed down through generations, and not necessarily from your family members. Our community is our family, and you find you have connections with people you have never met.
Favorite hobby or activity:Being creative and crafting with my hands. Prior to returning to the Valley I was a costume designer and stage manager in Seattle. Sewing, painting, knitting, and woodworking fulfill my creative urges now.
David Hedlin
Board Member Since: 1989 – One of our founding board members!
Occupation: Co-owner, Hedlin Farms, La Conner; Northwest Farm Credit Services Board
I volunteer to serve on the SPF Board because I’m passionate about farmland and long term viability of agriculture in the Skagit Valley.
What I like best about the Skagit Valley is it’s a magical place! The combination of the rich alluvial soil, climate, and good diverse people make it wonderful and worth preserving. We have a number of different species of salmon and 80+ unique crops in this Valley we call home. That’s quite special.
Favorite hobby or activity: I love theater. I enjoy both watching theater and participating in plays myself, although I haven’t performed in a long time. In the past, I’ve had roles in local performances like Farmer Crimes in Oklahoma, FDR and Annie. I was the tin man in The Wizard of Oz! I haven’t had the chance to stay involved over the years, but I still really enjoy watching performances.
Bryn Phillips
Board Member Since: 2018
Occupation: Agronomist for Syngenta Seeds
I volunteer to serve on the SPF Board because I have passion for agriculture and understand the importance of it in our Valley. Over the years the amount of farmland continues to steadily decline. It’s critically important to me to save this valuable resource for generations to come.
What I like best about the Skagit Valley is: I am a born and raised Skagitonian. I love this small town with it’s country feel, strong agricultural history and great community support. I’m privileged to have a career close to my family in this beautiful, resourceful valley.
Favorite hobby or activity: I love to travel and experience different cultures, whether it’s the food to different agricultural practices. When I’m home I love being outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
Darrin Morrison
Board Member Since: 2004
Occupation: Co-owner at Morrison Farms
I volunteer to serve on the SPF Board because it’s simple, I can either sit back and complain about farmland conversion or be part of the solution. Skagit farmland has been in the cross hairs when it comes to land use, and viewed as the cheap and easy way to find space for urban expansion and other development. I serve because SPF has not only been willing to take on the fight to maintain a critical mass of the farmland, but also to encourage economic viability for farmers like me.
What I like best about the Skagit Valley is the strong sense of community and support for its farmers.
Favorite hobby or activity: Spending time with family, friends, and almost anything outdoors.
Jenn Smith
Board Member Since: 2019
Occupation: Owner, S&B Farms and FloralSmith
I volunteer to serve on the SPF Board because I love farmland! My family has been farming for generations and I currently work with my husband on his family farm. I can’t and don’t want to imagine a landscape devoid of agriculture or a world without farmers.
What I like best about the Skagit Valley is all the possibilities. The Skagit Valley is incredibly diverse in its Ag products. I find this interesting and see it as a challenge. As farmers we have to keep up with changing markets and demands of consumers. In this valley we are able so grow so many different things. Other production areas aren’t blessed with the soil and microclimate that allows such diversity and adaptability.
Favorite hobby or activity: I love growing flowers, traveling with my husband, and spending time with my nieces; Hannah and Sadie.
Tim Terpstra
Board Member Since: 2021
Occupation: Product Development & Variety Trials Manager, Osborne Quality Seeds
I volunteer to serve on the SPF Board because the Skagit Valley is a unique agricultural landscape, with constant development pressure surrounding soil that ranks in the top 2% in the world. I've worked in agriculture in the Skagit since 2003, being inspired by Wendell Berry's line: "Eating is an agricultural act." We may not all be farmers, but we are all eaters, and as such we all have a responsibility to protect and steward the treasure that is our local farmland.
What I like best about the Skagit Valley is the rural feel and sense of community that is increasingly rare. I also love the proximity of the ocean, the farmland, and the views to the wild North Cascades.
Favorite hobby or activity: Mountain and rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, backcountry skiing, and going on adventures with my family.
Hollie Del Vecchio
Board Member Since: 2021
Occupation: Attorney and Christmas Tree Farmer
I volunteer to serve on the SPF Board because my entire career has been driven by a desire to protect agricultural lands—along with recreational opportunities and forestland. And on a personal level, I strive to eat locally and support local food growers and producers. I am honored to contribute to an organization that has had such a profound impact on farming in the Skagit Valley and look forward to bringing my own background and expertise to this effort.
What I like best about the Skagit Valley is the access to local food of course! Along with proximity to the mountains, the islands, and everything in between. I grew up in south Snohomish County, but feel at home in the Skagit Valley and am glad to be raising my children here.
Favorite hobby or activity: Anything outdoors, especially if it takes place on a trail or the water. When I’m not outside, I love to bake and read.
Diane Szukovathy
Board Member Since: 2023
Occupation: Co-owner, Jello Mold Farm; Founder and Board Member, Seattle Wholesale Growers Market Cooperative
I volunteer to serve on the SPF Board because when my husband and I started farming here in 2001, we were able to find acreage, fertile soil and a farm friendly culture in which to put down roots. Gratitude inspires me to give back, to help ensure similar opportunities will be available for those who come after us.
What I like best about the Skagit Valley is the magical light that cuts across the western sky at dusk – and the open space, wildlife and good people who live here.
Favorite hobby or activity: Using the bounty of the area to cook and share great local meals with friends, hiking, canoeing and reading.
Staff
Sarah Miller
Development & Administration Manger
DevAdmin@skagitonians.org
Being raised in rural areas throughout her life, Sarah is currently a graduate student studying at Oregon State University, passionately studying natural resource management. She graduated from Western Washington University, bringing experience from the Recreation Management and Leadership undergraduate program. Prior to joining SPF’s team, Sarah has been working in the natural resource industry since 2016 and most previously worked for the Port of Skagit, Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, Western Washington University, and Eagle Haven Winery when she was a local college student! Sarah is thrilled to be a part of SPF!