SNOHOMISH COUNTY – Leadership Snohomish County (LSC) is proud to announce its 2025 Board of Directors, a dynamic group of professionals dedicated to advancing leadership, equity, and civic engagement throughout Snohomish County. The Board will guide LSC’s continued efforts to develop and connect leaders through innovative programs and professional development opportunities.
With a network of more than 1,100 alumni, LSC recognizes the importance of fostering deeper engagement and creating more opportunities for past program participants to stay involved. Under the leadership of Chief Leadership Officer Cindy Gobel, the Board will focus on expanding alumni engagement efforts while continuing to support LSC’s Signature Program, Leadership for Racial Equity, and the Step Up for Equity Conference, ensuring that leaders from across all sectors have the tools and knowledge to create lasting impact.
LSC’s Executive Committee, led by Board Co-Chairs Rachel Wilkinson Downes and Joshua Estes, includes Joel Taylor as Immediate Past Chair, Mark Nermo as Treasurer, and members Melissa Siv, Eliza Davis, and Jessica Moore. Together, they bring a deep commitment to strengthening LSC’s programs and expanding opportunities for leadership growth in Snohomish County.
“This year’s Board is a testament to the strength of leadership in Snohomish County,” said Rachel Wilkinson Downes, Board Co-Chair. “We are excited to build upon the organization’s strong foundation and continue offering leadership development programs that create lasting change.”
Returning Board Members
- Kate Anderson, Port of Everett
- Heidi Schauble, Career Path Services
- Douglas Evans, Edmonds College
- Councilmember George Hurst, City of Lynnwood
- Ryan Shaughnessy, Tulalip Bay Fire
- Eliza Davis, The Tulalip Tribes
- Jessica Moore, Volunteers of America Western Washington
- Mark Nermo, Optum
- Melissa Siv, Peoples Bank
- Joel Taylor, Inflection Wealth Management
- Joshua Estes, Pacific Northwest Regional Strategies, LLC
- Rachel Wilkinson Downes, Housing Hope
New Board Members
- Jason Smith, Community Transit
- Lisa Grund, Career Path Services
“Leadership is about cultivating meaningful relationships, embracing diverse perspectives, and recognizing that our strength as a community lies in our ability to work together,” said Jason Smith, newly appointed board member and Community Transit leader. “LSC provides an invaluable space for leaders to grow, collaborate, and make meaningful contributions to Snohomish County.”
Step Up for Equity Conference Returns in April 2025
LSC’s Step Up for Equity Conference, taking place in April 2025, will bring together leaders from across the country for a virtual event focused on the intersectionality of race, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The conference will provide a nationally accessible platform for engaging in meaningful discussions and developing actionable strategies to address systemic inequities and foster more inclusive communities and workplaces.
Date: April 29th, 2025
Location: Virtual
Registration and details: https://leadershipsc.org/step-up-conference
Strengthening Alumni Engagement and Leadership Development
Since its founding in 1998, LSC has been committed to developing leaders who are engaged in their communities. The organization recognizes the need to strengthen connections with its alumni by creating more meaningful ways for past graduates to stay involved, share their expertise, and continue growing as leaders. In addition to alumni engagement efforts, LSC will continue to focus on professional development through its Signature Program and Leadership for Racial Equity, ensuring that leaders are equipped to address critical local issues while fostering collaboration across sectors.
“As we move forward, we recognize that there is an opportunity to better connect with our alumni and ensure that their leadership journey doesn’t end with graduation,” said Chief Leadership Officer Cindy Gobel. “We are committed to providing ongoing opportunities for learning, networking, and community impact.”
For more information about Leadership Snohomish County, its programs, or upcoming events, visit https://leadershipsc.org.
Source: Leadership Snohomish County
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
