The Magnolia Community Council’s Nominating Committee recommends eight candidates for the eight open seats on the MCC Board of Trustees. Each seat is a three year term, and members will elect trustees at the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, November 17.
The candidates bring experience in community service, communications, nonprofit leadership, architecture, business, and civic engagement. Here is a brief introduction to the slate:
Erle Cohen is a lifelong Magnolia resident who serves on MCC’s Land Use and Public Safety committees. He has worked in leadership at a Seattle intellectual property law firm and has been involved in civic affairs, including service with the Alliance for Education and the West Precinct Advisory Council.
Danielle Gahl is a nonprofit leader and creative problem-solver with more than 20 years of experience across education, marketing, community building, and the arts. She serves on the boards of Inspire Washington and Blaine PTA.
Alison Kan Grevstad is an artist, designer, and writer who has lived in Magnolia for 30 years. She is interested in strengthening communication, diversity, and community support, and recently produced a children’s book with the Seattle Aquarium.
David Kaplan is a longtime Magnolia resident who has served with the Anti-Defamation League and Bumbershoot. His community service has been recognized with the B’nai B’rith Community Service Award. He has also mentored startups and served on industry boards.
Brad Miller is a founding partner of Miller Hayashi Architects. His work with communities and public agencies has included libraries, schools, community centers, and public safety facilities. He is interested in how Magnolia can meet the future while preserving its parks, boulevards, and local businesses.
Kurt Nielsen has lived in Magnolia since 1993 and works as a consultant in energy-efficient commercial lighting. He has held executive roles in the utilities and lighting industries and has been active in Magnolia youth programs, including Boy Scouts and youth soccer.
Grace Olscamp is a recent transplant to Magnolia and Seattle. She brings a decade of experience in the environmental field, spanning communications, public relations, lobbying, and grassroots organizing. She currently works in museum communications and is passionate about civic engagement, helping people take action by connecting them with the resources and access they need.
Erika Schmidt has lived in Magnolia since 1993, where she and her husband raised their two sons. A longtime marketing and communications leader, she has helped organizations navigate change and build strong relationships. She has also volunteered on Magnolia issues, including the Albertsons redevelopment, and hopes to bring her experience and perspective as a longtime resident to MCC.
How MCC’s trustee nomination process works
The Nominating Committee, made up of Devin McComb, Jerry Chihara, and trustee Erle Cohen, used consistent interview questions, panel interviews, and independent scoring to develop its recommendations. The committee presented its recommended slate at MCC’s October member meeting. The slate is a recommendation, and members will elect trustees at the Annual Meeting.
MCC members who are not on the slate may also be nominated by petition. A petition must be signed by at least 10 eligible MCC members and delivered to President Amy Plantenberg by Tuesday, November 3. It can be emailed as a scan or clear photo to magnoliacommunityclub@gmail.com. MCC membership is open to people who live, work, or own a residence in Magnolia.
Annual Meeting and Trustee Election
The Annual Meeting of the members, for the election of trustees, will take place on Tuesday, November 17, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 2330 West Viewmont Way West. Members vote in person, and at least 25 members must be present in person for the election to proceed. Trustees are elected by a majority of members present. Neighbors joining by Zoom may watch and listen but cannot vote.
