Leadership
Board of Directors
Our board members bring their expertise and dedication to serve the students, families, and schools in our region. They shape our strategic direction and work with our superintendent to create effective programs that meet community needs. Each member actively oversees our finances, ensures strong accountability, and pushes for excellence in everything we do.
Board members win election to four-year terms through votes from school directors across our region. We draw district boundaries based on student population to give each community a voice in our decisions. This structure, guided by state law, allows us to build programs that work for everyone.
The board’s key responsibilities include:
- Creating and implementing strategic plans that reflect community needs
- Selecting and partnering with our superintendent to lead effectively
- Reviewing programs to ensure they deliver results
- Managing finances responsibly and transparently
- Upholding high standards of integrity and ethics
- Asking tough questions to support continuous improvement
Boards create their own bylaws and operating rules, enter into contracts with other educational organizations, and hire consultants or legal counsel as needed. These powers enable ESDs to serve as regional hubs that connect resources, share expertise, and strengthen educational opportunities for students throughout their counties.
Susan Fortin, Chair
District 1: Board member must reside in Morton, Mossyrock, Onalaska, Rainier, Tenino, Toledo, White Pass, or Yelm
Term: Jan. 2022–Jan. 2026
Don Rash
District 2: Board member must reside in Adna, Boistfort, Centralia, Chehalis, Evaline, Napavine, Pe Ell, Winlock, or Rochester
Term: Jan. 2024–Jan. 2028
Dr. Dale McDaniel, Past Chair
District 3: Board member must reside in Elma, Grapeview, Griffin, Hood Canal, Mary M. Knight, McCleary, Olympia–B, Pioneer, Shelton, or Southside
Term: Jan. 2022–Jan. 2026
Dr. Al Cohen
District 4: Board member must reside in Olympia–A or North Thurston–C
Term: Jan. 2024–Jan. 2028
Dr. Pamela Farr
District 5: Board member must reside in North Thurston–A
Term: Jan. 2022–Jan. 2026
Dr. Harry Carthum
District 6: Board member must reside in Aberdeen, Cosmopolis, Hoquiam, Lake Quinault, Montesano, North Beach, North River, Oakville, Ocosta, Raymond, Satsop, South Bend, Taholah, Willapa Valley, or Wishkah Valley
Term: Jan. 2024–Jan. 2028
Bill Lahmann
District 7: Board member must reside in North Thurston–B or Tumwater
Term: Jan. 2022–Jan. 2026
Staff
Superintendent Dr. Flip Herndon
ESD 113 Superintendent Dr. Flip Herndon is committed to learning from community experiences and building programs that respond to local needs. He recognizes that each community holds insights that shape effective education.
Before joining ESD 113 in 2023, Flip was superintendent of Tukwila School District. His academic background includes degrees from the University of Washington, Harvard University, and Whitman College. This combination of hands-on leadership and strong educational foundation strengthens his ability to build meaningful partnerships with schools and communities.
Working alongside educators, families, and community partners, Flip focuses on creating systems that help students succeed. He believes in the power of listening to community voices and responding with programs that make a difference in students’ lives.
Cabinet
Dr. Andrew Eyres
Deputy Superintendent – Integrated Student Support
Cherrie Thomas
Executive Assistant – Superintendent’s Office
Danielle Bryant
Director – Cultural Innovation & Strategy
Jennifer Priddy
Deputy Superintendent – Business & Operations
Kristen Jaudon, APR
Executive Director – Strategy & Engagement
Tracye Ferguson
Assistant Superintendent – Early Learning
Leadership Team
The leadership team includes the superintendent, cabinet, and the following staff members:
Annette Peterson
Assistant Controller – Business Office
Brandon Kahler
Director – Technology Services
Brian Benson
Senior Systems Analyst – Technology Services
Carrie Harper-Kitzmiller
Administrator – EdJobsNW
Erin Wick, MBA
Executive Director – Integrated Student Support
Heidi Westfall
Director – Human Resources
Jessica Eyer
Director – Early Learning
Jessica Williams
Director - Operations and Student Supports – Gravity
Joshua Maerzke
Director – Expedition Behavioral Education
Julie Rupe
Director – School Finance
Karlyn Shannon
Controller – Business Office
Katie Kent
Senior Director – Special Education Cooperative
Lynn Nelson, MSN
Senior Director – Health Services and Student Support
Dr. Margaret Olund
Executive Director – Human Resources
Mark Sylvester
Director – Facilities
Russell Rice
Director – Teaching & Learning
Sara Ellsworth
Director – Clinical Services
Stacia Bolger
Director – Risk Management
Stephanie Griffiths
Director – Capital Region Information Services Center
Steve Bigelow
Executive Director – Integrated Student Support