Board of Directors

Katherine and her husband Joseph have been part-time Lopez residents since 2014. She moved full time to the island in 2017 after completing a Masters degree in Cultural Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Currently, Katherine is the Program & Events Manager at the Washington Women’s Foundation, working to empower and educate female philanthropists throughout the state. Previously, she helped create the Lopez Food Share at the LIFRC. She serves on CWMA because she believes that all Lopezians deserve local and equitable access to healthcare. 

As a long-time Lopez homeowner and current full-time resident, Barb is eager to maintain a medical clinic on the island that provides high quality, accessible care. Barb joined the CWMA Board in order to achieve this goal. Barb has a background as an M.D. in both medicine and biomedical research as well as experience on several non-profit Boards and believes she can help Lopez citizens’ efforts to sustain appropriate medical resources on the island

Jeff and his wife Terry have had property on Lopez for over 20 years and primary residence here since 2018. Jeff’s business for over 25 years was medical device rep/distributor with primary focus on pacemakers and implantable defibrillators. Prior to that Jeff and Terry established 2 group homes for the elderly in Bellevue, WA. They created a foundation working in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. which allowed them to take large medical teams to work in Haiti starting at the onset of the cholera epidemic. They supported a permanent clinic in an internally displaced community called Canaan, as well as temporary clinics in many other remote areas. In addition, they provided land for a school in Haiti as well as a separate land grant for an orphanage of over 100 children. They appreciate the strong community culture of Lopez and hope to contribute as best possible. 

Taya and Mike discovered Lopez bicycling in the 70’s,  bought property in the 80’s and became full-time residents  in 2004.  She spent 25 years at Seattle Children’s Hospital  as a pediatric nurse practitioner and clinic manager.  After  moving to Lopez, she worked at Orcas Medical Center and  then Lopez School.  The access to quality medical care on  Lopez is of primary importance.  Her involvement in the  Lopez community includes participating on the Friends of  the Lopez Island Library board.  She also worked with the  SJ County health department as a contact tracer during the  first year of the pandemic, as well as volunteering with the  vaccine clinics on Lopez

Willem (Bill) Post van der Burg is a resident and small business owner on Lopez Island.  He runs a small custom cabinetry-woodworking shop with several employees. Having grown up and gone to public school on Lopez, Bill has developed deep roots in the Lopez community and does not have plans to leave anytime soon. He and his wife, Helen, plan to build a home as their family grows. Bill is grateful to have been given the privilege to call Lopez his home and looks forward to opportunities to help shape the future of this community.

Kerby Phelps purchased property on Lopez in 1974, and became a full-time resident in 1977.  He worked for various contractors, then formed his own business in 1992, as a general contractor.  This business continues to the present day.  He has engaged in community volunteerism over the years.  He and a friend operated a teen club at the Lopez Grange from 1987 thru 1999, and he has contributed to other youth related activities.  Kerby is an active member of the Lopez Island Grange, and serves on the board of Lopez Island Community Church. He was project manager for the extensive remodel of Lopez Community Church sanctuary in 2002 -2003.  Kerby is entering semi-retirement, and looks forward to continued involvement in his community.