Board of Directors

Alex Pfeiffer

President

After earning a Masters in Architecture from the University of Washington and spending nearly three decades in commercial and residential design, Alex discovered an excitement for helping others create the perfect home for the way they want to live. Although corporate projects are exciting and challenging, he found the relationships and friendships created while doing residential design have been the most rewarding.

Alex believes strongly in the importance of place, the strength of community, and the comfort and security that comes from walking in the door and knowing that you are home. It is this set of values and passion that has brought him to working with the Coldwell Banker 360 Team as a licensed Realtor on Whidbey Island.

As a former Vice President of Habitat for Humanity and the current President of Island Thrift, Alex’s community connections are strong. Whidbey Island is a very special place. His hope is that you see the community as he sees it . . . a wonderful place to raise a family, retire, or even escape from the mainland.

Kyle Renninger

Vice President

Kyle grew up in Oak Harbor and graduated from OHHS in the Class of 2008. He holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from Western Washington University and currently attends the University of Washington where he is pursuing a Masters of Science in Information Systems. Kyle works in technology and is one of the founding board members of the Oak Harbor Garry Oak Society. In his spare time you might find him at one of the many beaches, forests, and parks on Whidbey Island.

Peg Shannon

Treasurer

Peg, an Iowa native, earned her Associate degree in Accounting from American Institute of Business in Des Moines in 1983.  She married Jay Shannon in 1986.  Peg & Jay have made their home on Whidbey since 1991 & have one son, Cory.

Peg most recently had the privilege of working as a staff accountant with the great folks at John Kingma & Assoc. CPAs and Kingma CPA firm, for 28 years.  She now enjoys being able to volunteer on the board, and with Wendy and her team, for such an amazing organization as Island Thrift.

The Shannons enjoy spending time outside on the trails & beaches with their dogs. Peg’s favorite get away is spent taking in the beauty of the west coast from the back seat of their Harley.

Jim Kotschwar

Secretary

Jim Kotschwar grew up in Ohio, served in the U.S. Air Force, graduated from law school at Ohio State, and moved to Whidbey Island in 1977. For 25 years, he was a part owner of Pioneer Title, later known as First American Title. Separately, he has engaged in the practice of law for 35 years. Since 1979, he has also been an adjunct instructor in political science and business law at Skagit Valley College, and, also, Brandman University and Columbia College at NAS Whidbey.

Lyn Bankowski

To nurture her passion for design, writing, education, gardening, outdoor activities, and community service, Lyn retired on December 1, 2021 after 36 years in the mortgage industry. During the last 20+ years she served as Assistant Vice President/Senior Mortgage Originator for Alaska USA Mortgage Company.

As a long-time local resident, living and working here for decades, she loves calling the island home. Lyn believes in being a caring, active member of our community by volunteering, sharing a smile, and being a good neighbor to the people and places that make Whidbey Island so special.

The opportunity to do great work and make remarkable contributions locally make Lyn proud and excited to serve on this board.

Gary E. Berner

Gary was born in Oak Harbor and graduated from Oak Harbor High School. After earning 2 Undergraduate Degrees from Pacific Lutheran University, Gary graduated with Honors from the University of Washington Dental School in 1983.

After graduating, he and his wife Nancy returned to Oak Harbor. Gary opened his dental practice in 1983. He often states that he spends the day with friends and does a little dentistry. When he is not in the office, Gary enjoys creating blown glass art. He has been blowing glass for 15 years. His blown glass art as well as other local artists are displayed in his dental office.

Having been raised in Oak Harbor Gary enjoys staying active in the community. He has been an active member of the Island Thrift Board of Directors for over 15 years and spent several years as Island Thrift President. Gary was The Rotary Club Treasurer and the past President of the NW Lions Club.

Gary and his wife Nancy and have been married for 37 years.
We were classmates at Oak Harbor High School. Together, they have 3 sons Dana (44), Colin (39), and Kyle (36). Colin has 3 sons (Ayden, Rylan, and Jameson). Dana is the proud father of Hazel.

When Gary is not at the practicing dentistry or blowing glass, his other hobbies include gardening, fishing, and snow skiing.

Ken Eelkema

Ken Eelkema grew up in Oak Harbor and served 25 years on the Oak Harbor Fire Department. He is now a retired business owner and is a past board member of Habitat for Humanity Island County.

Renee Hanks

Renee Hanks was born and raised in Louisiana. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene and has worked when the conditions with family and licensing allowed. She enjoys being an active member of her community by finding volunteer opportunities. These opportunities have presented themselves in her children’s schools, her military family, and her church family. Spending her Navy life on the East Coast, Hawaii, and Germany, she is excited to make her new home Oak Harbor, WA and explore the PNW.

Jan Hughes

Jan was born and raised in Seattle. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in English, and a few years later a master’s degree from Central Michigan University in management.

For 28 years, Jan taught English and accounting at Skagit Valley College. She is now enjoying retirement and evolving activities.

Jan and her family spent many years moving with the Navy. At the time of her husband’s assignment to NAS Whidbey Island, the detailer told her husband that Whidbey Island was the best kept secret in the Navy. The detailer was correct, and her family has now lived 35 years on the island.

Joseph P. Mosolino

Joe Mosolino has been the owner and managing broker of Windermere Real Estate South Whidbey since 2008.

He is past vice president, president and secretary of Oak Harbor Chapter of the Navy League and his deep involvement with the North Puget Sound Association of Realtors includes being the key contact for Congressman Rick Larsen for five years.

Beth Munns

A native of San Antonio, Texas, Councilmember Munns attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and certification for Kindergarten through 12th Grade Art Education. Beth married Larry Munns in June 1974 and they have two children. Larry is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and retired from the Navy in 1999 as the Commander of NAS Whidbey Island. During his career, Ms. Munns was involved with various Officer Wives Clubs, Ombudsmen Programs, training for Commanding Officer and Executive Officer wives, and general Navy support groups.

She is serving her fourth term as a Councilmember for the City of Oak Harbor and is vigorously involved with her community and groups.

Jim Palmer

James R. Palmer grew up in Tacoma and moved to Oak Harbor in 1978. He worked for the Whidbey News-Times before purchasing the Oak Harbor Radio Shack Franchise Store. He subsequently purchased the Freeland Radio Shack store as well. He studied Business and Machinery and Equipment appraising in the late 90’s and became a Certified Business Appraiser (CBA) and a Certified Machinery Equipment Appraiser (CMEA) after selling his two retail stores. Jim also worked to help other private business owners as a Certified Business Consultant (CBC). Jim has always had a heart for small towns and small businesses. He served on the Oak Harbor City Council and on numerous boards and committees to improve life in this community.

Rhonda Severns

Rhonda believes in giving back to the community.

Rhonda worked for the City of Oak Harbor and retired in 2013 after 34 Years. During her career she advanced to a Water Specialist, Water Manager 4 and customer service specialist who specialized with complicated solutions across all departments. She also served as the liaison between the community and City during large projects. After retirement she continues with those gratifying experiences.

She has served as founding members of the board of directors of the Music Festival, Oak Harbor Main Street, and the Hydro Races, better known has Hydro’s for Heroes. She is the past President of Oak Harbor Main Street and is currently a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and a Police LEOFF Board Member.

She loves hiking, exercising, all things with nature and animals, and finds a special joy working with and helping seniors.

Dawn Shumate

Dawn has over 30 years of experience in the financial institution industry in various areas including internal project management, alternative delivery channels, call center management, corporate cash management, and branch leadership. She has overseen the implementation of online banking for two regional commercial banks and directed several financial institution website redesigns. For the past 10 years she has been the branch manager of Navy Federal Credit Union’s Oak Harbor and NAS Whidbey Island hub and spoke set of branches, overseeing a team of 24, though currently she is on special assignment as the Project Manager of Navy Federal’s Executive Development Program. She frequently presents at professional conferences in addition to offering financial literacy education to the local community.

A native of Oak Harbor, Dawn returned to Whidbey Island after her early career took her to the greater Seattle area. She enjoys travelling, day hiking, exploring on her motorcycle, reading, and writing motivational non-fiction. She has two adult children, has been married to her high school sweetheart, Curtis, for longer than either of them care to admit, and recently adopted a rescue Blue Heeler puppy she named Harris.

Jim Slowik

A longtime resident of the Pacific Northwest, Jim has lived and worked on Whidbey Island for over thirty-five years. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Detroit and is actively involved in giving back to his community through his work with the Island Thrift Board, North Whidbey Lions Club, Oak Harbor Rotary Club, the Oak Harbor School Board, the City of Oak Harbor and the Island County Board of Health.

Wendy Kettlewell

Executive Director

Wendy was raised in Wisconsin, moved on to Wyoming, and then made it over to Washington over 30 years ago. She loves to be outdoors, camping, or just hanging with her grandchildren. For over 20 years she’s had the pleasure of working for Island Thrift that gives so much back to our community.