Meet Our Staff

	Phil Brown, Director of Finance & Administration Phil serves as the Director of Finance & Administration after retiring from 18 years with The Olympian & The Bellingham Herald newspapers as CFO. He is guardian of the money, and ensures that all transactions meet policy and internal control guidelines. Having been active with United Way in Bellingham, Phil welcomed the chance to join the non-profit here in Thurston County. He was born in Olympia and raised in the family restaurant, The Olympia Oyster House. He lives with his wife, Marguerite, in Shelton and enjoys most anything mechanical and fishing.
	Allison Duchacek, Development & Outreach Coordinator VISTA As a VISTA, Allison serves to build capacity in the areas of development, outreach and event coordination. Born and raised in New England, Allison is continuously awed by the amazing collaborations and partnerships taking place in Thurston County. Her passions include all things outdoors and exploring her new home, the Pacific Northwest.
	Julee Durham, Director of Community Impact Julee joined United Way in 2006 after 20 years as an elementary school teacher and principal. Using her education savvy, Julee guides our Community Impact work, in particular, our early learning efforts. Changing opportunities for vulnerable children is Julee’s inspiration, along with sunshine and her three dogs.

	Rebecca Haywood, Finance Assistant Rebecca manages the donor database, processing checks and information—and she is the general “go-to” gal. She enjoys seeing all the thank you letters that are sent out to all our donors—big and small. Rebecca is pursuing her CPA license and intends to continuously travel and learn throughout her life.
	Cathy King, Office Volunteer Cathy has volunteered for several years at United Way of Thurston County. Her duties and responsibilities include any that will help the staff. Assisting the staff makes Cathy feel fulfilled, and she enjoys doing volunteer work because she that she’s giving back and helping people. In her personal life she’s very passionate about her flower garden.
	Paul Knox, Executive Director Paul brings a varied background of experience to UWTC, having served as the founding executive director of the Washington Asset Building Coalition, and the Washington State Department of Commerce’s WorkFirst Division from 1997 – 2004. Paul also formerly directed Manufacturing Initiatives, working to improve the competitiveness of key manufacturing industry sectors in Washington State. His achievements include helping found Washington Manufacturing Services and the Washington Aerospace Alliance and being awarded the Governor’s Award for Distinguished Management. In his spare time, he likes to garden and tackle home improvements, travel and make art and hang out with his wife and adult kids.
	Bella Mendez, "Right from the Start" Site Coordinator Bella Mendez coordinates the early learning resource center Right from the Start in Rochester. She supports parents as first teachers in Rochester by providing early learning resources, classes and events. She deeply believes that all children, no matter their background, deserve to be healthy, loved, cared for and an opportunity to live their full potential. She enjoys spending her time with her daughter and family.
	Tanya Mote, Director of Development As Director of Development, Tanya engages community members and businesses and in ways to get involved with our community. She manages our Leadership Giving, Workplace Campaigns and Special Events with the thought that “it is an honor to serve United Way and give back to our community.” Tanya holds a BA from the University of Washington and a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership. Tanya loves being involved with our community, painting, dancing, enjoying the beautiful place we live and sharing all of that with her awesome kids.
	Jeannie Roe Gruber, RSVP Director Jeannie oversees United Way’s volunteer initiatives, primarily the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program – RSVP. She is passionate about sustaining and supporting the health of this community though volunteerism. Jeannie has a goal of a belly laugh a month and enjoys spending time with her family.
	Jennifer Thompson, RSVP Coordinator Jennifer is Volunteer Coordinator for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by United Way of Thurston County. She connects seniors age 55+ with enriching volunteer experiences at nonprofit agencies helping the organization thrive and aid the people they serve. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, is the mother of two children and in her free time, she loves to entertain, garden, write short stories, and travel, especially a good road trip!
	Odessa Tiefel, Office Intern As an Office Intern Odessa enjoys the opportunity to give back to her community and put her education at Saint Martin’s to work. Odessa enjoys the benefits of living in this incredible area and is very proud to represent United Way’s community building efforts. Her passions include anything and everything art related and road trips through the Western states with her husband.
	Toni Verbon, Development Coordinator As Development Coordinator, Toni Verbon organizes and coordinates the internal functions of United Way’s development department. She enjoys helping the development team “get the job done.” Toni especially enjoys her grandchildren as well as music, photography, reading, and classic films - with lots of popcorn!
	Isaac Wagnitz, Volunteer Programs Coordinator VISTA As his VISTA assignment, Isaac helps administrate RSVP in the local area, and assists with volunteerism efforts generally. Previously, he served on a committee with the local Habitat for Humanity and has truly enjoyed working with Thurston County non-profits. Isaac received a BA from the Evergreen State College in 2011. He enjoys music, writing and studying languages.