Founder and Managing Partner at Diventa Solutions

Garry has spent more than 20 years helping organizations and their people work better together. As Founder and Managing Partner of Diventa Solutions, Garry supports organizations through change, develops leaders and teams, facilitates important conversations, and helps people make sense of complex challenges including the rapidly changing world of artificial intelligence. Garry holds a degree in computer science and certifications in change management and advanced project management.  

A long-standing commitment to education and community leadership includes serving since 2016 as Chair of the Project Management Specialization Advisory Panel for Yorkville University’s Vancouver campus. Garry also served for two years on the Morse Leadership Advisory Board at Western Washington University. Born in England and raised in Canada, Garry’s journey has included playing professional basketball in Europe, living in Italy for nine years, becoming fluent in Italian, and writing a book in Italian.  

Sustainable Connections’ mission to advance a regenerative local economy reflects Garry’s belief that strong businesses, meaningful relationships, and healthy communities grow together. Outside of work, Garry enjoys soccer, trail running, cooking, traveling, live music, and exploring the Pacific Northwest. 

CEO & General Manager at Community Food Co-Op

I have the privilege of being the CEO/General Manager of the Community Food Co-op in Bellingham. I’m a formally trained chef and have spent my career leading mission-driven food and retail organizations, including serving as President and CEO of New Seasons Market, Founder and CEO of Green Zebra Grocery, and Director of Purchasing for Whole Foods Market. I care about food and farming above all because if we don’t work together to preserve farmland and support local, our farms will go away and we lose the ability to feed ourselves locally. I also serve as the Treasurer of the Bellingham Farmers Market and have extensive nonprofit board experience focused on food access, sustainability, and strengthening local food systems. 

On the personal front, I have a grown daughter who is the light of my life along with a big beast of dog, named Larry Bird. I love to swim, ride my bike around town, play trivia, watch Mariners and Seahawks games and I’m a college football fanatic. My desert island food is pizza. Oh and I’m in love with Shohei Ohtani. 

Retired Mayor of Ellensburg & Elmview

Bruce moved to the Bellingham area with his wife for her to be closer to family and him to take a deep breath and enjoy the beauty and energy of the community. Prior to the move, he worked for more than thirty years in the nonprofit field. During his tenure, the organization which he led expanded from serving people in Kittitas County to a multi-service agency serving people throughout Central Washington. 

In 2008, he was elected to the City of Ellensburg’s City Council. He was re-elected to serve two additional terms. During that time, he served 4 two-year terms as Mayor. While on Council, he spearheaded initiatives which created and funded public transit within the City, provided funds for affordable housing, and established the City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission. He stepped away from Council when moving to Bellingham. 

Since arriving in town, he has volunteered at the Bellingham Theater Guild and ushered at the Mount Baker Theater. He currently serves on the Board the Mount Baker Theater, as well as, the City of Bellingham’s Public Facilities District Advisory Board. As he settles into life in Bellingham, you can find him walking along the water, riding his bike around town, or sitting home with a book, his guitar, two cats, and wife glad to be in this community and proud of what Sustainable Connections accomplishes. 

Chief Executive of Business Strategy & Innovation at Non-GMO Project