Foundation adds 5 to board of trustees, elects officers

information released

The Community Foundation of NCW welcomes five new members to its Board of Trustees: Jaclyn Bayless, Alejandra Gonzalez, Don Linnertz, Lauren Loebsack, and Josh Stendera.

The Board of Trustees are responsible for oversight of the foundation and ensuring the region’s charitable endowment is well-managed and protected for generations to come. Trustees agree to serve three 3-year terms and participate on committees such as grants, scholarships, investments, and governance.

Meet the New Board Members:

Jaclyn Bayless

After several years in Spokane, Jaci Bayless moved home in 2021 to be closer to family, friends, and the community she loves. Born and raised in Mansfield, Bayless was brought up by a family deeply committed to serving the community, instilling in her a strong pride in the Town of Mansfield.

Jaci can be found walking laps around town, picking up litter along the way, substitute teaching at the school, coaching youth basketball, attending school events, and volunteering at community events like Playdays and Auction. She even painted a mural on the Post Office with Mansfield’s unofficial slogan, “Every day is a good day in Mansfield!”

Bayless was appointed to Council Position 1 in 2022 and was later elected for the same position in 2023. Recently, Jaci and her business partner, Kristyl, purchased Jameson Lake Resort and have been busy with restoration efforts. In addition, Bayless continues to run the company Passback Sports remotely from her home.

Alejandra Gonzalez

Born and raised in Abasolo, Guanajuato, Mexico, Alejandra Gonzalez spent 26 years learning responsibility and compassion as the eldest of three siblings. Passionate about education and community service, she taught grades 7-12 and volunteered in initiatives supporting the arts and family well-being.

In 1996, Alejandra moved to the United States to further her studies in early childhood education, psychology, and school counseling. She became actively involved in the North Central community, serving as a graduation specialist, school counselor, and later as Regional Director of Children Home Society, promoting socio-economic, education, and mental health initiatives.

Today, Alejandra manages her family orchard business with her husband, Erick Gonzalez. She enjoys music, dance, travel, and the joy of their growing family, finding a true home in the Wenatchee community.

Don Linnertz

After a successful career in non-profit leadership, hospitality, and high tech, Don retired and moved to Twisp in 2014. Embracing the opportunity to give back to the community, he served as the executive director of TwispWorks from 2015 until his final retirement in 2021. Alongside enjoying golf, hiking, cross-country skiing, fishing, and travel, Don continues to contribute to the community by serving on the CFNCW Board, Methow Valley Fund, Methow Housing Trust Board, Okanogan County Economic Alliance, and the LTAC.

Lauren Loebsack

Lauren Loebsack is a graduate of Waterville High School and Wenatchee Valley College. She has spent most of her working life in public service, beginning with Chelan-Douglas Behavioral Health. Over the years, she transitioned to roles focused on growing and enhancing public infrastructure investments and community engagement at Chelan County Public Works, Link Transit, and currently at the Washington State Department of Transportation. In her free time, Lauren volunteers for community theater, serves on the board of Together! for Youth, skis at Mission Ridge, and takes pride in being the “weird auntie” for her nieces and nephew.

Josh Stendera

Josh was born and raised in the Wenatchee Valley. After graduating from Cashmere High School he went to College at Seattle Pacific University where he obtained his Business Finance degree. In 2006 Josh moved back home to Wenatchee with his wife Jennifer to “settle down”. Josh has been a community Banker now for 18 years and Jenn is an Educated and trained Accountant, Wine pourer, and Stendera Family CEO. Josh & Jenn have 3 children; Colton (15), Ella (13), and Eisley (10). Josh is an Executive Vice President and the Chief Credit Officer of Wheatland Bank, the Chairman of the Cashmere Schools Foundation, a Board Member at the Wenatchee Golf & Country Club, and an AAU Basketball Coach.

New CFNCW Board of Trustee Officers

We are pleased to announce the new officers for the upcoming term: Jeffrey Ostenson will serve as Chair, Evan McCauley as Vice Chair, and Rosario Nystrom as Secretary/Treasurer.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Betsy Cushman for her dedicated years of service as Chair. Betsy has been an integral part of the Foundation since 2010, beginning her role with the Methow Valley Fund before joining the Board of Trustees in 2016.

Beth Stipe, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of NCW, notes, “Betsy stepped up to a leadership role and has done an amazing job at the helm. She has helped guide the foundation during a strategic transformation and continues to provide wise counsel during the implementation phase of the new and bold plans for CFNCW to support strong communities throughout NCW.”

Betsy’s vision, guidance, and thoughtful contributions to philanthropy have made a significant impact across the region. We are grateful that she will continue to contribute her valuable experience as Past-Chair for one more year.

Outgoing CFNCW Board of Trustee Members

The Foundation is grateful for and appreciates our outgoing board members: Alan Groff, John Hamilton, Craig Nelson, and Dennis Bolz who have dedicated many years of their time and talents to the Community Foundation of NCW. All of them helped the Foundation stay firm in its mission and vision and contributed to their communities in more ways than can be counted.

For more information, visit www.cfncw.org.

The Community Foundation of North Central Washington’s mission is to grow, protect, and connect charitable gifts in support of strong communities throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties. Established in 1986, the Community Foundation manages $163 million in assets through 690+ individual funds and has awarded over $63 million in grants and scholarships.