Executive Director

Joaquín was born on Whidbey Island, and grew up in Bend, Oregon and Montezuma, Costa Rica. While studying Biology at the University of Costa Rica, he gained a strong interest in ornithology and a passion for birding. He has worked as a high school teacher and as Development Director at the Karen Mogensen Reserve, and hopes to use his experience to advocate for the wildlife and environment of Whidbey Island and the surrounding waters.

His favorite bird is the Three-Wattled Bellbird.

Vice President

Linda is a lifelong resident of the Puget Sound area and has been thrilled to call Whidbey Island home for the past 27 years.  She enjoys spending time outdoors--hiking, gardening, beach combing.  Her interest in specific birds was sparked many years ago by a white-crowned sparrow, and she loves that birding gives her yet another reason to enjoy the outdoors.  Linda has served as Vice President since May 2022.

Secretary

Janet grew up in the San Francisco Bay area and earned a BS degree in Physiology from UC Davis. She and her husband moved to Indiana for their careers, with Janet working as a Realtor. They planned to retire in 2019 and move back to the west coast, choosing Whidbey Island for its beauty, lifestyle, and proximity to family. In retirement, Janet found her passion for birds and was inspired to get involved with Whidbey Audubon Society’s efforts to protect birds and other wildlife and their environment.

Janet’s favorite bird is the Belted Kingfisher.

Past President

Patty grew up in Houston, finding the Northern Cardinal fascinating, but she didn’t have the time to become a bird nerd until she retired.  She took the Whidbey Bird Class in 2018 and became field trip chair shortly thereafter. She became president in 2020 and now is serving as past president on the board.

Board Member and Field Trip Coordinator

Dave is a lifelong naturalist, with an appreciation for all living things and even an interest in the common birds that visit his yard and feeders. He recently completed a thirty three year career as a veterinarian. During that time he treated many of the wildlife species, including raptors, which call Whidbey their home. He has also travelled to Alaska and Madagascar for wildlife research.

He is excited about his position as Field Trip Coordinator for Whidbey Audubon and will go almost anywhere for a field trip.

Membership Chair

Jann, originally from the Midwest, relocated to Whidbey Island in 2018 after spending 30 years in Sammamish. One of her first actions upon settling in was joining Whidbey Audubon, where she has served on the Board as Membership Chair for six years. With 45 years of experience in management-level accounting roles in private industry, she retired in 2021.

A passionate nature and wildlife photographer, Jann rarely goes a day without her camera in hand. Beyond birding and photography, she enjoys walking, hiking, exploring, kayaking, and immersing herself in the outdoors. She is actively involved in Sound Water Stewards, the Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Ladies of the Beach, various photography groups, and numerous other activities on Whidbey Island.

Conservation and Science Chair

Jackie Lasater is a retired School Psychologist and Assistant Superintendent of Special Education. During her career she advocated for social justice and equity in the public school system for individuals with special needs (ages birth to 22).

Her lifelong love of animals and open spaces, and passion for protecting the environment logically led her to post-retirement service in environmental advocacy. She currently serves as the WAS’s Cabinet Member for Conservation and Science.

Board Member

Patricia moved to Whidbey Island in 2019 after retiring from an Internal Medicine practice in California.  She has always been fascinated by birds and has been feeding back-yard birds since sharing her sandwitches with sparrows.  Although her life-long goal was to be a “scientist,” she changed majors from chemistry to zoology after examining an Acorn Woodpecker specimen during a biology class.  Being up-close to birds, alive or dead, has remained a passion that she is currently still pursuing. She is actively learning the art of preparing birds for the Bird Specimen Library. She also loves getting outside to be in the company of birds in their natural environment. 

Her current favorite bird is the Barred Owl.

Board Member

Anything to do with nature has been an integral part of Kathy's life since she was a youngster growing up on a farm in Oregon. Living in Alaska for many years offered rich opportunities to hike, kayak, bike, and bird, as does Whidbey island, where she and her husband moved ten years ago after retiring from teaching 2nd and 3rd graders. When not gardening, hiking, or weaving, she spends time drawing birds. If she had to choose a favorite bird, it might be the varied thrush with its mystical call. Or the short-eared owl with it’s moth-like flight, or…

Board Member

Jim DeForrest has lived in western Washington since 1969 and has been a Whidbey Island resident since 2008. He is an outdoor enthusiast; enjoying backpacking, hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife photography. He has been a part of Whidbey Audubon’s board since 2024.

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