After devoting six years each as trustees, valued friends Investment Liaison Bill Donnelly, recent past President Hellmut Golde, Vice President Rick Leaumont and Carsten Lien left the board at year’s end.  Elected as their replacements are Rodney Brown, Seattle Attorney and seasoned environmental leader; Dave Goeke, retired manager of Columbia Basin National Wildlife Refuge; Peter Golde, Microsoft computer scientist; and Judy Turpin, northwest activist with extensive experience in Olympia.  Bob Rose, fishery biologist with the Yakima Tribe, will finish the remainder of Eric Hanson’s term. This roster will continue the strength and diversity which our Board enjoys. 

 The Board gratefully savored a November tour of the new Hanford Reach National Monument.  Thanks to many years of cooperative efforts of people such as trustee Rick Leaumont, and steady grant support of the Northwest Fund and others, that special area finally received protective designation by President Clinton in 2000. It had been recognized for years by national organizations as among the best opportunities in the nation to preserve a vanishing ecosystem. 

 A slowdown in market trends this year will have a modest effect on grantmaking.  However, the Northwest Fund remains active and healthy and we will continue supporting the dedicated environmental groups working in Washington State. 
Recent board discussions acknowledge a need for grants which include components supporting coalition efforts and constituency building. Project and direct-service grants will still receive consideration, of course, in keeping with the above-mentioned niche our foundation fills in supporting smaller organizations. 

 Kim McNamara of Belfair will be our new Vice President for 2001.  Seattle’s Parish Jones will replace her as Treasurer.  Lora Brown and Roger Contor will stay on as Secretary and President, respectively.