Greater Metro Parks Foundation

Board of Directors

Jeff Quint, President

Jeff is a local business owner of the TRIO Group - a firm dedicated to supplying exceptional printing, promotional products and marketing/advertising services to clients across the country.  His primary focus is helping non-profit organizations develop their message and deliver them effectively to raise awareness and funds for their individual causes.  Jeff is an active member of Rotary #8 of Tacoma.  Jeff joined the Board of the Greater Metro Parks Foundation several years ago to help shape the transformation of this group from a volunteer organization to a philanthropic fundraising organization capable of undertaking large-scale projects that impact our regional community.  Jeff believes our parks are a critical element to the "livability" of our region and play a critical role in helping our regional economy to prosper and attract, retain and grow businesses that provide a living for our families.

Richard Brady, Vice President

Richard is an attorney in private practice.  He has offices in Tacoma and Seattle.  Richard's primary focus is on representing individuals and others in investment related disputes and securities arbitrations.  Richard is an active member of Rotary #8 of Tacoma.  He has served on the boards of Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Tacoma Actors Guild and other nonprofit organizations.  Richard joined the board of Greater Metro Parks Foundation because he believes parks matter and contribute greatly to the health and livability of the community. 

Sara Clair, Vice President

 

Leon Titus III, Treasurer

Company affiliation – Associate, Colliers International
Business background – Automotive Industry, Real Estate
The parks have been a very integral part of my early formative years. Having been born and raised in Tacoma I have had the opportunity of using our local parks on numerous occasion throughout the years. Whether it was through youth soccer and baseball or today through my many rides through Pt. Defiance Park the parks have been a great source of pride and joy. So when I was offered a chance to be on the Foundation board I jumped at the chance. This was my chance to give back to a park system that has been very instrumental in my upbringing. I want this to continue for others as well, because parks can and do make a difference in people’s lives. It did in mine.

Andrea Smith, Secretary

Company affiliation – Wells Fargo Bank, Tacoma Business Banking Team
Business background – Financial Analysis
Parks are an important part of our community. A great resource for all to share without restrictions. I have stayed involved with the Foundation because no other group of government employees care as deeply or strongly about what they do and how they can make a difference in our community. Metro Parks Tacoma employees commit personal volunteer time outside of their paid hours because they care about programs, people and parks. I feel empowered by their enthusiasm and want to make the District the best in the state.

Sharon Chambers-Gordon

Company Affiliation:  University of Puget Sound

Background:  Academia/Organizational Development/Event Planner

Sharon is an active member of the academic community in her work at the University of Puget Sound.  She loves the outdoors and enjoys walking and picnicking in the parks with her family.  As a Metro Parks Foundation Board Member she plans to make a difference in people’s lives, educating them about the value of parks as a community gathering place which provides added value for businesses, residences, and everyone’s quality of life.  She also plans to be an advocate for the mission of the foundation to faculty, staff, and students at her workplace, encouraging them to use the park for special events, teach college classes in the park, as well as partner in community endeavors.  She hopes to focus on healthy lifestyles for children and young people through opportunities for education, exercise, and recreation.  She is also excited about the community garden and the possibilities of organizing cooking classes that feature foods from the garden which can be incorporated for healthy meals.

Debbie Bingham

David Easterday

 

Company affiliation – Honda of Fife, Senior Sales Representative
Business background – Sales, Restaurant Management and Accounting
I grew up mainly here in Tacoma. Many afternoon and weekend days were spent exploring and playing at various MPT parks. I still remember some of the summer park attendants that supervised the soft ball baseball games, activities and wading pools. My children have greatly benefitted from the after school and summer programs at the South End Neighborhood Center. I first became involved as a technical advisor for the first two Wine and Roses events. The dedication and sincerity of the GMPF board member made it an easy decision to join the board. Many less fortunate people are helped by GMPF. I do feel that we can make a difference in the the quality of life here in Tacoma.

George Pilant

Company affiliation – Associate Broker, RE/MAX Professionals
Business background – REALTOR, Residential Real Estate
Growing up in Tacoma, our parks played an important part in my early development; learning to swim in the Titlow pool, summer activity programs at Jefferson Park, seeing animals at the zoo ,and discovering “forests and beaches” at Point Defiance Park. Working on the Board to help sustain our parks so that other generations of children and families can have similar experiences is important to me and our community. Professionally speaking, great parks help maintain the vitality of our neighborhoods and have a positive impact on real estate values.

Robert S. Thoms

Company: Thompson Smitch Consulting Group- Governmental
Relations Firm headquartered in Tacoma, Vice President
Background: Political, Public Service, Navy Officer
I recently had a son and it rekindled my interest and affinity for our parks. I had always known friends who worked with the parks and I admired their advocacy and decided I needed to support in a more personal and meaningful way. Parks are one way to know the health and confidence of a community and I am thrilled to be associated with GMPF and MPT to ensure Tacoma, indeed our region put our best face forward. Welcoming residents new and old to the park systems and ensuring wise stewardship into the future. I am honored to play a role.

Todd Ward

Company affiliation – Todd Ward LLC
Business background – Project Management/Construction Consultant
I want to give back to my city in a tangible and healthy way; the development of community. Community is an underrated but vital asset in our busy world. Parks provide an avenue for the development of community that transcends race, economic position, and politics. Vibrant parks make a difference!