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. In his next 50 years of life, Scott hopes to open 100-200 more locations to rescue as many kids as possible from the many dangers of street life.
Scott Lindsey, Vice President
Scott has been the Executive Director for Logos, a Bible software company, for the last 26 years. Scott travels the globe speaking at conferences and doing livestreams demonstrating the power of Logos for biblical studies and ministry. He also works with and trains key leaders, pastors, authors such as Tony Evans, Kay Arthur, Randy Alcorn, Lisa Harper, Priscilla Shirer, Charlie Dates, as well as some NFL players! Scott earned an MBA with honors and graduated summa cum laude with a Masters in Biblical and Theological Studies from Knox Theological Seminary. He also spent eight years in the U.S. Air Force. Scott has raised nine children with his sweetheart, Michelle, to whom he’s been married for 32 years, and he is now “Papow” to eight amazing grandchildren. Determined to make their home the favorite grandkid hang-out, Scott and Michelle have been building the best petting zoo in Lynden. So far they have collected four alpacas, three Valais Blacknose sheep, three pigmy goats, 32 chickens, and soon, a donkey! It is rumored (and true) that they once owned a kangaroo.
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.
Mark Hildebrand, Board Member
Mark Hildebrand was born in Bremerton, WA but moved to California at a young age where he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He went on to be an Eagle Scout and earned his BA from Saint Mary’s College of California and his MA in Recreation Education at the University of Iowa. Mark worked on United Cerebral Palsy’s board in the 1970s before moving to Lynden in the 80s. He has been a member of the Knights of Columbus since the 1980s. As a Cascade Connections board member, Mark enjoys seeing the ins and outs of our organization and contributing to our mission.
Larry Stegink, Board Member
Larry Stegink has served on Cascade Connections’ Board of Directors for many years now. Before he retired and began volunteering his time on our Board, Larry taught Science at Lynden Christian School for 31 years. He also taught English to Chinese university students for 10 years. Larry joined our Board of Directors in order to honor and promote the efforts of the Henry Stremler family and other families who founded our agency in the late 1970s.
Reid McEvoy, Board Member
Born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham, Reid McEvoy grew up here in Whatcom County. He earned his Nursing Assistant-Registered Certificate from Cascade Training Center and started his career as a caregiver in 2016. In 2020, he earned his Home Care Aide certification and worked as a caregiver at Cascade Connections. Reid currently works as a caregiver for seniors at a local assisted living facility. In his spare time, he feels blessed to be able to practice his faith, spend time with his family, and stay healthy through fitness and sports.
Simon Sefzik, Board Member
Simon Sefzik joined the Board of Cascade Connections in 2023. A native of Ferndale, Simon attended Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia where he studied American Government. After working at the White House, Simon served as the Washington State Senator for the 42nd Legislative District. During this time, he served on the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee, where he learned more about the important work Cascade Connections is doing for communities in Whatcom County. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, hiking, frisbee, and good books.