The Sustainable Connections Team

We are the music makers, we are the dreamers of dreams.
Derek Long

Derek Long

(he/him/his)

Executive Director
Connector, family man, thought-leader, runner, visionary

360.647.7093 x 101
derek@sustainableconnections.org

Read Derek's Bio
Derek has a long record of entrepreneurism and program development in government, for-profit, and nonprofit sectors. He co-founded Sustainable Connections in 2002 and became Executive Director of Cloud Mountain Farm Center prior to an anticipated merger with Sustainable Connections at the end of 2018. Derek was also the first co-National Coordinator of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) in 2002. He is deeply committed to creating a community that works well for all people, and believes our region is rich with the potential to do so.

Before his foray into the nonprofit world, he co-founded Viatru, an online Fair-Trade retail service, and also worked with the Federal Reserve Bank. Derek attended the University of Toledo, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with Honors. He has served on the boards of the Washington Business Alliance, Waterfront Advisory Group, Countywide Affordable Housing Task Force, Community Food Co-op, and Cloud Mountain Farm Center.

Rose Lathrop

Rose Lathrop

(she/her/hers)

Program and Finance Director
Vivacious, party-bus, imagination, bright, skillful, determined

360.647.7093 x 107
rose@sustainableconnections.org

Read Rose's Bio
Rose has been involved with Sustainable Connections in one way or another since the very beginning! As a local leader in the green building movement, she has been instrumental in establishing some of Bellingham’s most-loved building projects including Millworks Cohousing, KAPOW!, and Solarize Whatcom. Rose obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Planning and Environmental Policy from Western Washington University, and is a LEED Accredited Professional and Certified Sustainable Building Advisor. Rose was also named as one of the 2016 Under 40 Honorees by the NW Energy Coalition! She is continually energized by the innovation and creativity in our community and is committed to helping Bellingham create spaces that transform, nourish, and reflect the beauty of our place.
Pamela Jull

Pamela Jull

(she/her/hers)

Program Director
Enthusiastic, analytical, planner, listener, action-oriented

360.647.7093 x 120
pamelaj@sustainableconnections.org

Read Pamela's Bio
Born and raised in the Northwest, Pamela spent her childhood climbing trees and playing on the Northwest’s chilly beaches. She lived in Colorado, New York, North Carolina, and Japan before moving to Bellingham in 1996 to teach Sociology and work in administration at Western Washington University. Pamela has a PhD in Sociology from Cornell University and spent 20 years as owner and President of Applied Research Northwest, a Bellingham-based social research company. Her company specialized in program evaluation, community studies, and survey research for government agencies and nonprofit organizations, including Sustainable Connections! Most recently, Pamela worked as a Grant Writer and Resource Development Lead at United General Hospital District 304. In her spare time, Pamela loves to cook and garden. She serves on the board of the Center for Local Self Reliance (aka Chuckanut Center), enjoys skiing and hiking, and with her husband Burrell, is learning to fly.
Delaney Skordal

Delaney Skordal

(she/her/hers)

Grants Manager

360.647.7093 x 121
delaneys@sustainableconnections.org

Read Delaney's Bio
With over ten years of experience working in non-profit and government sectors, Delaney is eager to identify strategies to best garner support for Sustainable Connections’ programs. Delaney has a B.A. in Art History from Lewis & Clark College, an M.A. in English Education, and is a veritable word nerd who loves reading, writing, and crossword puzzles. Delaney’s background includes advising students as a vocational counselor, teaching ski lessons at Mt. Baker, managing a workforce training program for low-income individuals, and fighting fires in the woods of Colorado. As someone who grew up in a tight-knit community in the PNW, Delaney values the sense of belonging and connectedness that communities foster and is honored to work for a non-profit that places inclusion, collaboration, and community at its center.
Amy Vergillo

Amy Vergillo

(she/her/hers)

Communications Director
Designer, creative, visualizer, idea generator, helper

360.647.7093 x 105
amy@sustainableconnections.org

Read Amy's Bio
Amy makes our world beautiful and is the genius behind Sustainable Connections’ communications strategy! She has an extensive background in various marketing and sales roles, including owning her own firm, Fidalgo Designs. She’s been with Sustainable Connections since 2013, and has headed several large communications projects like the Bellingham Energy Prize, in addition to being the artistic force behind our content and collateral for programs and events. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Minnesota – Duluth, and is driven to create messages that inform, motivate, and inspire action through thoughtful design.
Taylor Webb

Molly Bressers

(she/her/hers)

Business Engagement Specialist
Optimizer, water woman, loves to laugh, organized, determined

360-647-7093 x110
mollyb@sustainableconnections.org

Read Molly's Bio
Molly is a Bellingham native who grew up alongside her mom’s family-run restaurant, and earned her sustainability chops through a Masters of Urban Studies in Sustainable Development, and subsequent professional roles in the Campus Sustainability Office, at Portland State University. A systems-thinker, Molly loves process improvement and making connections between people to increase collaboration and maximize our collective potential. She knows that local businesses are an integral part of a thriving, sustainable community, and is passionate about supporting businesses while also promoting actions that honor and respect all members of our shared ecosystem. Molly joined the Sustainable Connections team in 2022. Outside of work, Molly loves being on the water in her kayak, bird-watching, family bike rides, yoga, and enjoying good, local food. (Ella habla español.)
Mary Tully

Mary Tully

(she/her/hers)

Administrative Manager
Spreadsheet spelunker, homesteader, researcher, patient, generous

360.647.7093 x 104
maryt@sustainableconnections.org

Read Mary's Bio
Mary joined our team in Spring 2019, eager to demonstrate her commitment to providing attentive service and support for Sustainable Connections’ staff, stakeholders, and mission through careful listening, observation, and collaboration. Mary has experience with federal government contracts that involve complex environmental investigation and remediation services. She also comes to us with higher education administration experience from Western Washington University’s Computer Science Department, where her core focuses were to promote an encouraging and welcoming educational environment for all students, while expanding and growing to meet a significant increase in student demand. Mary has been a volunteer organizer for the Cascadia Skillshare Faire, to build community resilience by sharing and expanding the breadth of valuable skill sets our community members possess. She is personally passionate about each of our programs, which increases the excitement, anticipation, and shared joy of witnessing well-thought out ideas put into action to bear fruit!
photo coming soon

Annika Sampson

(she/her/hers)

Communications & Events Coordinator
Storyteller, adventurer, curious, creative, islander, local food hypewoman

360.647.7093 x 116
annikas@sustainableconnections.org

Read Annika's Bio
Annika came to Sustainable Connections in 2021 with a deep love of community, food, justice, and sustainability. She gathered these interests as a student at Macalester College, an educator with nonprofits and public schools, a Fulbright Scholar in India, and an engaged public citizen in Bellingham. Annika is excited to facilitate meaningful connections that inspire people to create positive change not just in their lives, but in the lives of those around them. Outside of work, she spends her time hiking, biking, cooking, and reading.
Katy Coleman

Kaela Joslyn

(she/her/hers)

Bookkeeping Extraordinaire

360.647.7093
kaelaj@sustainableconnections.org

Read Kaela's Bio
Jessica Gillis

Jessica Gillis

(she/her/hers)

Food & Farming Program Manager

360.647.7093 x 115
jessicag@sustainableconnections.org

Read Jessica's Bio
Jessica has been involved with Sustainable Connections since its inception. As a business member and supporter through her business Ciao Thyme, she has witnessed the impact of Sustainable Connections in the community. These two organizations began at a similar time and developed together, sharing a mission of growing awareness about local food. Jessica and her husband, Mataio, spent 20 years building relationships with local farmers, producers and food artisans in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. They educated their customers about seasonal cooking by highlighting the best the seasons had to offer through their menus for special events, cooking classes, restaurant lunches and CT2GO meals. In the early days you would often see her at SC events, serving up delicious meals! Jessica brings her many years of event planning experience and her passion for local food to Sustainable Connections and the Food and Farming program. She hopes to expand the networks of chefs and farmers and encourage more local restaurants to incorporate the incredible food grown in Whatcom County. She holds a degree in Environmental Education from Huxley College at Western Washington University.
Maressa Valliant

Maressa Valliant

(she/her/hers)

Eat Local First Director

Details, connector, resourceful, nurturing, dance & music, kind

360.647.7093 x 103
maressa@sustainableconnections.org

Read Maressa's Bio
Maressa has a wide range of marketing experience, garnered from working with all kinds of organizations from small family businesses to high volume retail outlets. With over ten years in graphic design, website development, and communications she is a wealth of knowledge. She’s also passionate about creating a sustainable food system, and educating people — especially children — about how to find, prepare, eat, and enjoy fresh local food! She has held a variety of roles for both nonprofits and private entities, managed retail stores, and previously helped a manufacturing company excel as its Director of Marketing. She has volunteered with the University of Washington Autism Center, and multiple community based organizations. Spend a few hours with Maressa, and you will be sure to notice a deep love for Bellingham and the Pacific Northwest.
Taylor Webb

Jess Meyer

(she/her/hers)

Food & Farming
Outreach Coordinator
Enthusiastic, conscientious, food nerd, adventurer
360.647.7093 x 111

jessicam@sustainableconnections.org

Read Jess's Bio
Jess has a diverse background in the food industry. She’s been a cook, farmer, waitress, bartender, and food educator and spends a lot of her free time talking, reading, and writing about food. She is a firm believer that if we improve our relationship with our food, we can improve our relationships with each other. Since moving to Bellingham in 2018, she has been an active participant in our vibrant community and has loved connecting with local growers, restaurant owners, and food producers in this place we’re so lucky to call home. Jess joined Sustainable Connections at the start of 2022 and is excited to help connect food industry partners and members of the community through the relationship building power of food!
Taylor Webb

Jenna Deane

(she/her/hers)

Towards Zero Waste Manager
Planner, Gardener, Relationships, Trails, Laughter

360.647.7093 x 108
jennad@sustainableconnections.org

Read Jenna's Bio
Jenna has spent over a decade in the field of environmental education and brings a passion for supporting climate change solutions and community resilience. From sharing tide pools and redwood trees with fifth graders, investigating science topics in the garden with elementary students, to providing experiential workshops on teaching climate change to local teachers, she believes that people are most likely to take action about things they feel a connection to. She’s excited to be a part of the Toward Zero Waste Program because along with reducing and diverting waste from the landfill she gets to support the Food Recovery Program and help connect good food to those who need it.

Jenna has a B.A in Environmental Education from Western Washington University and has worked in residential outdoor education, school gardens, and for environmental education non-profits. She loves spending time outdoors and fills her free time gardening, running or hiking local trails, or in the bay paddling an outrigger canoe.

Brandi Hutton

Brandi Hutton

(she/her/hers)

Toward Zero Waste Coordinator
Energetic, creative, plant nerd,
hiker, mom

360.647.7093 x 119
brandih@sustainableconnections.org

Read Brandi's Bio
Brandi loves connecting with our community and helping to inspire a brighter future. She’s beyond ecstatic to be part of the Toward Zero Waste and Food Recovery Initiatives where she has the opportunity to have an active role in shaping effective programs that promote sustainable practices. Originally a Midwest native, Brandi arrived in Bellingham in 2006 to pursue a degree in Environmental Conservation from Fairhaven College at Western Washington University. Since graduating, she has passionately pursued and developed an authentic understanding of practical approaches to natural resource management. Whether it be working with private landowners through Whatcom County to protect water quality, or educating the public through specific outreach programs, Brandi’s unwavering commitment to our community is a constant.

Outside of work, Brandi enjoys participating in all of the unique and exciting community events in Bellingham, as well as hiking the hundreds of trails nearby with family.

Mary Tully

Katy Tiernan

(she/her/hers
they/them/theirs)

Toward Zero Waste Assistant
Ambitious, Creative, Latina, Earthy, Gatherer

360-647-7093 x106
katyt@sustainableconnections.org

Read Katy's Bio
Katy has always had a passion for connecting people to nature and encouraging others to steward our shared lands and waters. She earned her BA in Sustainability and Society from the University of Washington – Bothell in 2016. With several years of experience in ecological restoration, followed by five years as an outdoor educator, she is excited to work with local businesses and support their path in reducing waste as Sustainable Connections’ new Towards Zero Waste Program Assistant.

With her bicultural background and Spanish fluency, Katy aims to serve as a positive resource for minority groups, especially the Latinx community, and bridge communication gaps to increase equal access to local resources and events. As an advocate for sustainability, she is committed to increasing community involvement towards local, sustainable systems through shared education and by forming healthy relationships between businesses and residents.

Food is her love language, and therefore, she is enthusiastic to work with the Food Recovery Program in expanding equitable food systems. Her cultural upbringing taught her how to observe the world through shared food and stories. When she is not in the office, you may see her guiding children through a forest trail, whispering prayers to her tamales, throwing clay on a wheel, or weaving baskets when it rains. Her gratitude can be felt through her smile.

Emily Larson-Kubiak

Emily Larson Kubiak

(she/her/hers)

Energy & Green Building
Program Manager
Proactive, geek-out, efficiency fiend, adventure, coordinator, laughter

360.647.7093 x 113
emily@sustainableconnections.org

Read Emily's Bio
Emily believes there are exciting and elegant ways to help people use fewer resources, while at the same time increasing their happiness, comfort, and prosperity. She is a Certified Energy Manager and a certified energy efficiency enthusiast! Emily pursued a Bachelor of Environmental Science and minor in Sustainable Design from Western Washington University. She has previous experience educating residents around recycling for Whatcom County and also low-income weatherization for the Housing Authority of Skagit County. Whether she is performing energy assessments at local businesses or educating homeowners about the Community Energy Challenge, she is excited to help people find the sweet spot between reducing environmental impact and increasing well-being. Emily is also a mentor with Women in Energy Mentoring Network, helping to inspire the next generation of change-makers and innovators.
Elodie Cerauskis

Elodie Cerauskis

(she/her/hers)

Energy & Green Building
Program Assistant
Curious, energetic, kind, tea connoisseur, CD enthusiast 

360.647.7093 x 123
elodiec@sustainableconnections.org

Read Elodie's Bio

Elodie came to Bellingham in 2017 from California, to pursue her education at Western Washington University. Inspired by her previous community service educating youth about the environment and farming local foods, she decided to pursue an Interdisciplinary Concentration at Fairhaven College. Where she wrote her own concentration titled, “Global Energy, Policy and Food Systems”. Elodie   also completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French (her native language) and minored in Environmental Justice. During her educational journey she decided to pursue her culinary passion and has successfully worked as a cook at several local restaurants in Bellingham over the years. Her senior year, Elodie also began volunteering for several food recovery and distribution programs in town. This led to her year of service as an AmeriCorps Vista for the Food Recovery Program at Sustainable Connections. Once Elodie finished her term she joined the Energy & Green Building team as a Program Assistant. Elodie is excited to expand her knowledge on renewable energy and efficiency and continue her fight against climate change.  

Her hobbies outside of work include motorcycle rides, carpentry, cooking, laying in the sun, and community service. 

Katy Coleman

Katy Coleman

(she/her/hers)

Energy & Green Building Coordinator
Nature enthusiast, Artist, adventurer, powder seeker, coffee lover

360.647.7093 x 114
katyc@sustainableconnections.org

Read Katy's Bio
Katy came to Bellingham searching for a home away from home. She grew up in Jackson, WY with the Grand Tetons as her backyard. After moving to Washington, she became enthralled by the North Cascades and the Salish Sea. Katy inspired her peers to challenge themselves in these spaces by guiding backpacking trips for WWU’s Outdoor Center and teaching kayaking lessons at the Community Boating Center. Her love for the outdoors influenced her career path of working within the energy and climate industry. Katy earned her B.S. in Energy Science and Technology at Western Washington University in 2020. After completing her degree, she explored a few industry-related opportunities such as conducting a Greenhouse Gas Inventory and calculating the Carbon Offset Credits for Methane Reduction Projects. She is excited to be a part of the Sustainable Connections family and to continue to learn about energy efficiency technologies and green buildings in the greater Bellingham Area.
Mary Tully

Scott Pelton

(he/him/his)

Housing & Smart Growth Manager
Energetic, Pioneer, Systems, Dynamic, Community-Builder

360-303-1430 (text welcome)
scottp@sustainableconnections.org

Read Scott's Bio
Scott was born and raised in the PNW and has lived in Bellingham since the late 1990s. He considers Bellingham to be magical and loves building community here. He received his MA in Political Science from WWU, where he learned that politics were his first love. He wants to use it to build a stronger, more engaged and vibrant community.

He has managed local political campaigns; sat on the boards of some of your favorite local nonprofits; worked at prominent local businesses; co-founded a popular local business. He has developed a deep understanding of what and who makes Bellingham tick and what we need to support its growth.

He spent a few years working remotely in the corporate and startup world, leading national and international sales teams, with a brief foray in the global tech-mobility industry. He then chose work that put him back in touch with his community and was reminded how good it felt to build something of value.

Clara Colton Symmes

Clara Colton Symmes

(she/her/hers)

Events Coordinator
List-maker, magnetic poetry enthusiast, karaoke singer, snacker, trip planner

360-647-7093 x102
claracs@sustainableconnections.org

Read Clara's Bio

Born and raised in New Hampshire, Clara’s drive to connect has taken her to non-profits in South Africa and Sri Lanka, abandoned fishing towns in Newfoundland, and across the Atlantic on a cargo ship!

She graduated from Goucher College in 2019, inspired to motivate environmental stewardship through community and storytelling. Shortly after relocating to Washington in 2020, Clara began working on public relations efforts for water research projects across the Global South. Eager to connect more with the PNW, she refocused on sustainability efforts closer to home.

If you were looking for Clara at a party, you would probably find her next to the recycling bins, asking friends to dispose of their waste properly, so she is so excited to be a part of Sustainable Connections as an Events Coordinator!

Katy Coleman

Audrey Madison

(she/her/hers)

Food Recovery Program Americorps Vista
Active, Driven, Resourceful, Compassionate, Entrepreneurial 

360.647.7093 x 118
frpvista@sustainableconnections.org

Read Audrey's Bio

Audrey has always had an affinity towards the environment and helping others. Naturally, she dedicates most of her free time outside, enjoying time with her dogs and loved ones. 

Her deep-seated passion for the environment drove her pursuit of her degree in Business and Sustainability from Western Washington University. After graduating in 2021, Audrey completed an internship blogging about food sustainability in which she developed her understanding of what sustainable food systems look like. On the other hand, Audrey spent most of her working life in the restaurant industry. Her first-hand experience in restaurants, coupled with a fresh perspective on the food industry inspired her to get involved in food sustainability. Audrey is elated to do purposeful work at Sustainable Connections expanding the capacity of their Food Recovery Program. Ultimately, she hopes to leverage her unique lens of sustainability to establish a more equitable and sustainable food system.