Andrea has served as a Commissioner for Parks Tacoma, formerly Metro Parks Tacoma, since 2011 and previously served as a board member for the Foundation for many years. In her role, she also serves as our liaison between our boards. She is a life-long Tacoma resident and enjoys visiting NW Trek, the Zoo, and all of Tacoma's parks with her two granddaughters and grandson. As the daughter of an artist, she expresses her creativity each holiday season as a Designer supporting Mary Bridge Children's Hospital Festival of Trees. We are very grateful for Andrea's dedicated service.

ANDREA SMITH

Jessica is a dedicated environmentalist who is committed to protecting and preserving this amazing place we call home. She believes that our parks are key in connecting our children to nature, and is hopeful that they will grow up appreciating and doing their part to protect Puget Sound.

Jessica is the Deputy Superintendent of Tacoma Water, and has worked for the City of Tacoma since 2010. She lives in Tacoma with her partner Adam and two daughters Terra and Eva. Jessica joined the Foundation Board in 2020. They are active users of the local park network in Tacoma and in the winter spend their weekends on the ski slopes.

Jessica Knickerbocker

Tom is a Western Washington native. Growing up near the water, his appreciation for and connection with the outdoors has created an attraction to our Tacoma Parks and recreation opportunities. Tom understands these opportunities will only continue if we are intentional with our investment in their future!

Tom started a new adventure in December 2024 accepting a position with the Boeing Employees Credit Union. 20 years ago Tom made an accidental career out of banking by starting as a teller in Kirkland Washington. Since that time he has held numerous roles in Washington and Montana. 

TOM DAY

Community member

Originally from Alaska, Kelsey discovered her love of the Pacific Northwest upon arrival at Pacific Lutheran University in the early 2000's and she's loved it since! Kelsey has a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on Community and Social Change from University of Washington. Her passion has always been non-profit work to advance community wellbeing and positive youth development. She is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all Pierce County residents through community, equity, and innovation. 

Parks and the park programs are critical to furthering equity and access and well-being in our community and Kelsey is honored to give back to the parks she and her family love so much! She lives in Tacoma with her husband, daughter, kitties, chickens and a humble little urban farm full of native and pollinator-friendly plants!

Kelsey horne

Board Secretary

Lisa has spent the majority of her career working to strengthen community-based nonprofit organizations. She holds a Masters in Public Administration from Suffolk University and a BA from Pacific Lutheran University. Lisa currently works for Little Green Light, a nonprofit donor management software company and lives in Fircrest with her husband and two kids.

Lisa Lennick

Director
Thomas V. Giddens, Jr. Foundation

Tim Kotnour is a Washington native who currently resides in Tacoma, WA with his wife and pets. As a former Military Officer and current Director of a private grant-making foundation, he has worked with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, uniformed service members and their families, veterans, and seniors.

Like many others in the community, Tim and his family frequent several of Tacoma’s beautiful parks and green spaces. He is dedicated to creating sustainable community programs that provide safe environments, educational opportunities, and social and emotional learning for children and their families in Tacoma’s parks and public spaces.

Tim Kotnour

immediate past board president

Alicia is a longtime Tacoma cheerleader and civic activator who grew up in the woods and cherishes the many ways to escape nature even in our urban setting. Alicia is the Director of Strategic Planning for Tacoma Public Schools and lives with her husband, three dogs and two parents in Tacoma's West End. With three now-adult children, she has many memories of splash pad playdates, skipping rocks at Owen Beach, and wandering Point Defiance with friends and family hoping the bald eagles don't try to snack on her dogs. 

ALICIA LAWVER

Christian Isaac

Talent Acquisition Outreach Partner
Alaska Airlines

Christian grew up in Tacoma’s South End, where Manitou Park was a beloved space for fun and connection with friends. During middle school, a Metro Parks after-school program played a pivotal role in helping him overcome social anxiety and discover his potential as a leader. That experience sparked his passion for creating opportunities where others can thrive. Now a Talent Acquisition Outreach Partner at Alaska Airlines, Christian brings a deep commitment to equity, access, and community-building to his professional and volunteer roles.

Christian actively serves as a commissioner on the Pierce County Civil Service Commission, a member of the KNKX Community Advisory Council, and the YMCA Camp Seymour Advisory Council. Each of these roles reflects his dedication to uplifting communities and ensuring equitable access to opportunities.  As a Tacoma Parks Foundation board member, Christian strives to expand access to programs and parks that inspire confidence, connection, and leadership, just as they did for him. 

Sionna stallings-ala'ilima

Fire ChIEf
Tacoma fire department

Sionna moved to the Pacific Northwest to attend the University of Washington in 1998 and has served with the Tacoma Fire Department since 2007. She and her husband have been together for 12 years and have enjoyed the variety of options Tacoma Parks offers: running on the waterfront (more likely walking these days), playing golf at Meadow Park, and taking their 9-year-old daughter to Point Defiance or one of the many spray and playgrounds, to name just a few.

Sionna grew up on the island of Maui, surrounded by beaches and parks where community members routinely gathered for sports, meals, fitness, and fellowship. She believes easy access to safe and clean recreational spaces and educational programs is necessary to build a thriving community and health-minded culture.

Director, strategic operations team
TACOMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Water Deputy Superintendent
TACOMA WATEr, CITY OF TACOMA

customer & product support specialist
Little Green Light

Board Vice president

Board Treasurer

Vice President of Retail Districts
BECU

Vincent Barron

Senior Program Director, Center for     Community Impact
Ymca of pierce & kitsap counties

Vincent Barron is a dedicated leader, educator, and veteran committed to empowering communities. A former U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant, he served during Operation Iraqi Freedom before earning a B.A. in History from UCLA. With teaching credentials in Special Education and Career Technical Education, Vincent has worked extensively in education, supporting diverse learners. As a Senior Program Director for the Center for Community Impact at the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties, he oversees school and community-based programs in Tacoma Washington that provide academic support and enrichment opportunities for young people. Outside of work, he enjoys woodworking, coaching his daughters in youth hockey, playing recreational ice hockey, and spending time with his wife and family.

Parks tacoma commissioner liaison

Sr. Middle Market Relationship
  Manager 
umpqua bank

board president

Vincent Barron

Vincent Barron