“I think the health of our civilization, the depth of our awareness about the underpinnings of our culture, and our concern for the future, can all be tested by how well we support our libraries.”

Carl Sagan
American Astronomer, Astrophysicist, Cosmologist, Author and Science Communicator

Foundation Board Members

John Capps
President

Mike Burk
Vice President & Web Wrangler
Mike was born and raised in Southern California. After a year in basic training for the Army Reserve, Mike enrolled in the University of Southern California’s (USC) Small Business Entrepreneurship program in 1972. He hoped to obtain training and experience to run his family’s commercial travel agency and retail tire businesses. A few years after graduating, Mike’s focus turned to more creative and technical concerns as the family businesses were successfully transitioned to new owners. His next career steps included pursuing a Masters of Business Administration in Management; studying video production, marketing, and advertising. Mike ended the employment part of life as an executive team member of a commercial printing concern in Los Angeles, responsible for employee and customer engagement as the printing and publishing industry transitioned to digital resources. In addition, Mike was on the faculty of Chapman University in Orange, California, working with students in the Business Communication and Communication Arts Departments. Mike is on the Board of Directors of Cornerstone Pastor’s Network, a Christian organization providing resources for small churches in the US. He is a certified International Sports Medicine Association Master Athletic Trainer, a licensed Category 3 bicycle racer, a certified AKC amateur dog handler and a Myers-Briggs I.N.F.J. His favorite libraries include the Library of Congress of the United States; the Huntington Library in San Marino, California; and the library in the Hoose Hall of Philosophy at USC.

Dan Needles
Treasurer

TBA
Board Secretary

TBA
Assistant Board Secretary

Richard Wojt
Director
Richard grew up in Bellingham, Washington. In 1961 he received bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and education from WSU and moved to Port Townsend that fall to teach science at Fort Worden for three years. He then spent a year teaching in Nooksack, Washington, and during the following year studied at Atlanta University on a National Science Foundation scholarship. Afterward, he accepted a job at Chimacum High School, teaching general science, chemistry, and physics, and eventually logged 24 years at Chimacum. During this time he served as a negotiator for the Chimacum teachers union, founded a hiking club, and led many extended hikes and climbs with Chimacum students.

Richard has been active in the political life of Jefferson County and Port Townsend for the last 32 years. In 1990 he was elected to the Jefferson County Commission and served three terms, representing the Third District. As County Commissioner, his duties included serving on many boards, such as the health board, United Good Neighbors, Olympic Area.

George Marie
Director
George Marie was raised by her mother and her grandparents in the Pacific Northwest and moved to Port Townsend in 2014. A Ford Scholar and award-winning writer, she graduated from Marylhurst University in 2012 with dual degrees in Literature and Philosophy. Her thesis evolved into her first book, Dismember, published in the same year. 

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Emeritus Advisory Committee

Susan Hargleroad
John L. Mericle
Richard “Dick” Rogers
Paulette (Polly) Lyle
Stan Goddard
Bonnie Hanson-Buckley

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Volunteers

Carol Middelberg
Bookworms