Staff & Board

Freedom Project Staff (in alphabetical order)

	David Heppard, Executive Director Pronouns:  he / him As Freedom Project’s Executive Director, David works with the board, development teams, and builds collaborations with other organizations. He also coordinates marketing (social media, video production) and Reentry programming.  He has a natural passion for people and loves to see others grow to potential. He brings his creative energy and enthusiasm for the mission to build connections, community and collaboration. “Team work makes the dream work!” david@freedomprojectwa.org
	Joanie Fuller, Prison Programs Director Pronouns: she / her Joanie coordinates Freedom Project’s prison programs through the Department of Corrections and in collaboration with our dedicated team of volunteers and mentors. She aims to support the variety of needs of the community members integral to Freedom Project’s work – including class participants, inside mentors/facilitators, folks returning to the community from incarceration, and those who volunteer their time on the inside/outside. Joanie has a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Washington. joanie@freedomprojectwa.org
	KC Young, OP, Donor Relationships Pronouns: she / her KC has been privileged to work with marginalized people for nearly 30 years on Indian reservations as well as in hospitals, prisons and inner-city neighborhoods. A skilled networker, she has extensive experience providing leadership for many nonprofit organizations, ranging from drug addiction treatment centers to transitional housing for homeless women and children, and has lobbied for justice and peace on the local, national and international levels. kc@freedomprojectwa.org
	Kiki Elfendahl, Chief Operating Officer Pronouns: she / her Kiki manages day-to-day operations and works to build a strong foundation of clarity and collaborative systems upon which Freedom Project can grow further into its mission. She brings over 20 years experience in business management, organizational development and personal growth, as well as a rich meditation practice of over 15 years. Kiki has a Bachelor’s Degree with High Honors in American Studies from Smith College. kirsten@freedomprojectwa.org
	Rusty Thomas, Re-entry Director, Volunteer Training Coordinator Pronouns: he / him Rusty supports volunteer orientations and trains volunteers for both inside prison programs and office volunteers. Rusty is also the Community Circle/Seattle Facilitator and is passionate about providing Nonviolent Communication and mindfulness training to Freedom Project Volunteers. Rusty’s biggest life resource is his regular meditation and living Nonviolent Communication. Rusty holds a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in psychology, spirituality from Antioch University, Seattle. Along with Lucy Leu, Rusty is the co-founder of Freedom Project. rusty@freedomprojectwa.org

Freedom Project Board (in alphabetical order)

Gailen Baber, Treasurer

Gerald Labensky

Pam Orbach

Priscilla Dean LaCour,  Chair of Race Equity and Social Justice (RESJ) Committee

Tanya Lasuk

 

Freedom Project Board Members:

* Are committed to the Freedom Project Mission and Values.
* Contribute energy and creativity to the governance of Freedom Project.
* Represent Freedom Project to the larger community.
* Cultivate supportive relationships for Freedom Project.
* Assist in acquiring resources needed to sustain and grow Freedom Project.