We Are Looking For New Board Members
The Cascade Connections Board of Directors currently seeks new Board members! Our volunteer Board supports and guides our organization and our work in the community. The Board helps to ensure that Cascade Connections delivers results, meets high ethical standards, and appropriately responds to change. Those interested in being considered for our board should read the Statement of Faith and Board of Directors Requirements. Please contact our Board of Directors at [email protected].
If you are interested in becoming a board member, please fill out the Board of Directors member Application.
Scott Duffey, President
Scott grew up in Minnesota and Wisconsin and attended Whitworth College (now Whitworth University) in Spokane. After graduating college in 1993, he moved to Bellingham and became the Director of the Upper Room Youth Outreach Center until 1997. Scott’s various professional experiences since then have included managing Homestead Fitness Center, serving as DJ/Announcer on Praise 106.5 Radio Station, managing the Green Barn grocery store deli, and serving on the inside sales team at Vander Griend Lumber Co. More recently, in addition to becoming President of the Cascade Connections Board of Directors, Scott has returned to his love and passion for homeless youth outreach by founding Our Community’s Heart, a nonprofit focused on opening more Upper Room Youth Outreach Centers for Homeless/At-risk youth in Whatcom County and beyond.
Gary McGill, Secretary
Gary McGill joined Cascade Connections’ Board of Directors in 2023. A resident of Whatcom County since 1968, Gary graduated from WWU in 1972 with a BA in Mathematics and Computer Science. He and his wife have been married since 1971 and have 6 adult children, the last of whom was adopted as a baby with Down Syndrome. After 28 years of being cared for by his family, Gary’s son began receiving Cascade Connections Supported Living services in May 2023 and is thriving in his new environment. Gary has 30 years of nonprofit Board experience and has served three other local nonprofits. He looks forward to discovering ways he can support the growth and wellbeing of the Cascade Connections community.
Shara Davis, Treasurer
Shara Davis was born and raised in Whatcom County. She earned her degree in Business Administration from Western Washington University. Shara works locally as an accounts receivable and credit manager. For several years, she co-organized the MS Walk in Bellingham. She enjoys traveling with her family and supporting her two boys in their various activities. Cascade Connections is special to her as it has supported her brother, who has multiple sclerosis, since 2007. Shara is eager to be a part of Cascade Connections, helping it achieve its mission of Christ-like service to those with disabilities.
Christopher Olinger, Board Member
Christopher is a retired Marine and received his Bachelor’s in Arts Degree from Western Washington University and his Master’s Degree in Science from Trinity International School of Law. Christopher is a member of Combat Veterans International, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Christopher is currently the owner and operator of Olinger Homestead LLC and Olinger Trucking and Excavation LLC. Christopher’s hobbies include horseback riding, motorcycle riding and competitive bowling.
Tom Thweatt, Board Member
Tom was raised and grew up in Clarksville, TN and attended Austin Peay State University, West Texas A&M, University of New Mexico and Whatcom Community College. Tom is an Air Force Gulf War veteran and is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9301 in Lynden. Tom’s professional experience includes working various medical roles at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics, working as a DJ/board operator at KARI AM in Blaine, and working with Cascade Connections as a direct support professional. Tom retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2023. Tom serves as a volunteer communications specialist with the City of Blaine Police Department, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s office, St. Joseph’s Medical Center, and Christian Health Care Center in Lynden. Since 2024, Tom also has served on the board of directors at Whatcom Emergency Communications Group. Tom’s hobbies include photography and antique cars.