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Whatcom CD Announces Board of Supervisors Chair Transition

  • aguddal
  • Jul 31
  • 2 min read

Updated: Aug 1


Three women stand side be side next to a pop up tent.
Whatcom CD Executive Director Brandy Reed (L), Senator Sharon Shewmake (C), and Heather Christianson in her previous role as Whatcom CD Board Chair (R) enjoyed connecting at our annual Run with the Chums 5K Fun Run. Heather is now serving as Secretary/Auditor.

Whatcom CD has undergone a transition in board leadership as of last month. After five years serving as Chair, Heather Christianson has traded positions with Valeri Wade, with Valeri serving as Chair, and Heather serving as Secretary/Auditor. Suzzi Snydar continues to serve as Vice Chair. All Officers will serve for one year through June 2026.

 

Heather joined the District in 2017 and served as Secretary/Treasurer from 2018 to 2019 before becoming Chair in 2020. She is a fourth-generation Whatcom County resident and lives in a small farmhouse her grandfather built. We thank Heather for her guidance over the past five years, and for continuing in her new Board leadership position.


A man and woman side hug as they smile at the camera.
Valeri Wade, Whatcom CD's new Board Chair (L) and Whatcom CD Supervisor Fred Berman (R) volunteered their time greeting visitors the Whatcom Farm Expo. Valeri previously held the position of Secretary/Auditor.

Heather has led Whatcom CD with diligence, compassion, and vision. During her tenure as Chair, Whatcom CD experienced much growth and change including:

  • Hired a new Executive Director

  • Successfully campaigned and received rates and charges

  • Developed a five-year long-range plan

  • Stabilized core programs and operations and filled gaps in key service sectors such as forest stewardship


New Chair, Valeri Wade has lived in Whatcom County for over 30 years, is a Western Washington University graduate, small business owner, armed forces veteran, artist, and a dedicated promoter of a healthy Whatcom County and environment. She was elected to the Whatcom CD Board of Supervisors in 2019 and has served as Whatcom CD Board of Supervisors Secretary/Auditor since 2021. We are excited for Valeri’s leadership as we continue to serve the communities of Whatcom County.


Valeri Wade (R) on a tour of a Whatcom CD sponsored project with Representative Rick Larsen (CR) and local farmers. We are excited for Valeri's leadership as we continue to serve the communities of Whatcom County.
Valeri Wade (R) on a tour of a Whatcom CD sponsored project with Representative Rick Larsen (CR) and local farmers. We are excited for Valeri's leadership as we continue to serve the communities of Whatcom County.

 
 
 

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