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.

Joseph P. Mosolino

Vice President

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.

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 two Undergraduate Degrees from Pacific Lutheran University, Gary graduated with Honors from the University of Washington Dental School in 1983.

After graduating, he returned to Oak Harbor and opened his dental practice in 1983. Gary 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 over 20 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 two decades and spent several years as Island Thrift President. Gary was The Rotary Club Treasurer and the past President of the NW Lions Club.

Gary has 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.

Julie Gammache

Julie Gammache was born in Palm Bay, Florida. She joined the Navy at 17 and served four years on duty in Italy aboard the Sixth Fleet Command Ship. After her time in the Navy, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology/Web Development from the University of West Florida where she met her husband while he was attending Navy Flight School. Their first duty station together was VP-40 at NAS Whidbey Island, where Julie worked as a Technology Infusion Assistant and later Web Master for the Anacortes School District before switching to be a full-time mom to their four kids. The Navy has provided many new locations for their family to explore as they have moved back and forth across the country multiple times. Julie has enjoyed volunteering with many community and military groups. Julie currently homeschools her four children and enjoys hiking, reading, and sewing in her free time.

Cindy Hoskins

My husband, Don, and I have proudly called Oak Harbor home for many years. While Don was teaching art at Oak Harbor Junior High School, I opened Earthenworks, a small shop on Pioneer Way to showcase his pottery. That little shop grew into Earthenworks Gallery, with locations in La Conner and Port Townsend. We also had the privilege of restoring and operating the historic Hotel Planter in La Conner, experiences that allowed us to meet wonderful people and create lasting friendships over the years.

We raised our daughter, Erin, in Oak Harbor, she continues to live here and now serves as Executive Director of Maple Ridge Assisted Living in Freeland.

After 48 wonderful years in business, retirement has given me the opportunity to give back to the community that has brought so much joy to our family. I’m honored to serve on the Island Thrift Board and continue supporting the place we’re happy to call home.

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.

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.

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.