The Board of Directors of Friends of the San Juans is delighted to announce the appointment of
Eva Schulte as Executive Director. Eva brings her passion for the Salish Sea and extensive
executive leadership experience across the social sector to Friends. She begins the first week of
April.
Ken Carrasco, President of the Board of Friends of the San Juans, said “We are thrilled that Eva
will be leading Friends into the future as our new Executive Director. Eva will join our highly
skilled and dedicated staff and move us forward to become even more accomplished in
protecting what we all love—the San Juans Islands and the Salish Sea!”
Eva is finalizing her work as Executive Director for Whatcom Community College Foundation,
leading community support for students and strategic educational initiatives across our
bioregion. Eva is also an Executive Committee Board Director for the Sierra Club Foundation and
chairs that Foundation’s national Grants Committee.
During her career, Eva has driven lasting and systemic change throughout the social sector for
the health and dignity of people and our planet. Eva previously directed impact investing and
economic opportunity in support of American Indian communities through her work as vice
president for Travois, a Best for the World™ Certified B Corporation. Prior to that, Eva was
president and CEO of a community-based organization in the heartland that achieved regional
and national public policy victories to move human dignity to the center of public life.
“There is nothing more important at this time than the proactive synergy required to solve the
climate crisis for people and nature. I love our Island archipelago and surrounding communities
and feel fortunate each day to live and work in the homelands and territories of the Coast Salish
peoples.” said Eva.
Friends of the San Juans was formed in 1979 to help preserve the beauty, character, and
wildness of the Islands in the face of increasing development. Friends works locally and
regionally using innovative public-private partnerships, applied science, legal advocacy, and
community-based initiatives to protect and restore the waters and lands of the Salish Sea and
San Juan Islands for people and nature.
Chris Wolfe, Board Director of Friends, said, “Eva brings a depth of experience and vision to
Friends that will advance our work in environmental advocacy, education, and restoration. It’s
an exciting time for Friends of the San Juans.”
The Friends’ Board of Directors cordially welcomes you to connect with Eva as she discovers
more about the places, people, organizations, and local businesses that make the San Juan
Islands such a remarkable place. You can email Eva at [email protected].
Your Membership Matters. Make a difference in the Salish Sea! Your gift supports vital efforts such as:
- Scientific surveys to determine where eelgrass is declining and where it is healthy (and, hopefully, understanding why!)
- Tracking and advocating for safer shipping and oil spill mitigation through the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands.
- Shoreline restoration projects that help salmon flourish, which then feed the endangered Southern Resident orca.
- Educating local youth about island ecosystems and supporting them in voicing their concerns about climate change.
- Advocating for local, regional, and national environmental policy that ensures a healthy and safe future, for all, in and around the Salish Sea.
