OFFICERS
Without the dedication of a great team of volunteers, the activities and efforts of BEAN could not be possible. Below is just a little information about the team that runs the BEAN Seattle chapter.
HOLLY WYRWICH, Seattle Chapter President
I joined BEAN for the networking but stayed for the great people and volunteering opportunities. Before taking over the president job, I served as co-director of the Think Global Act Local fundraising campaign, and as Vice President of Fundraising. If you want to get me going in conversation, mention fundraising. I love it because I get to help plan and execute fun events that raise money for a good cause, plus I like asking people for money! When I'm not volunteering with BEAN, you'll find me volunteering with Seattle Works or Flash Volunteer, and that accounts for all my free time. I work as a Microsoft vendor in Kirkland, and I head toward the beach whenever possible -- even if it's just Ballard or West Seattle for the day.
ELLEN K, VP of Operations
I moved out here from Boulder, CO about 4 years ago. I joined BEAN shortly after and have been a member since then. I love all things nonprofit. BEAN has allowed me to pursue this and much more. I am currently pursuing my passion for Business Development in the video games industry. I would consider myself outgoing and people friendly technology enthusiast with a subdued, geeky personality.
ANN VU, VP of Marketing
I am one of those rare Seattle natives; I graduated from UW witha degree in Business Administration - Information Systems. I was an intern at Microsoft, returned there after graduation and have worked there ever since, first tackling Program Management and now as a Technical Product Manager in marketing. I have been in BEAN for a few years now and love sharing fun, social activities with you all so you can make lasting friendships. I love connecting with intelligent, passionate, creative people and sharing my secrets of Seattle so newcomers feel welcome to the city. If you seek advice on food or music - I'm your girl!
TOM LESAVAGE, VP of Service
I'm Tom and I first started volunteering with BEAN when I moved to Seattle in 2010. My day job is working for a digital marketing company in SODO. Our goal is to offer at least 2 volunteer events a month, some on weekdays and some on weekends. I like to keep it varied, so one weekend we might be at a food bank and the next we are planting trees in a local park. Hope to see you at a BEAN volunteer event soon!
TIFFANY ARNONE, VP of Fundraising & Sports Director
Hi, I'm Tiffany Arnone; BEAN's VP of Global Fundraising. I joined BEAN in 2007 but became really involved in 2009. Originally from Boston, I've met 90% of my Seattle friends though the BEAN organization. I currently oversee both of our fundraising programs, Scholarship and TGAL. I love event planning and am passionate about education so this year's cause really resonates with me! While TGAL fulfills my philanthropic side, I fulfill my athletic and competitive side as Sports Director. I coach our softball team, organize group runs and races, and plan outings to professional sporting games in Seattle! I also plan flag football games, hikes, ski trips, and more! A former Buyer at Amazon.com, I did freelance consulting for startups with a focus in business development and e-commerce for about a year. Now I work in Supply Chain for a major manufacturing company. I love snowboarding, running half marathons, exploring Seattle, and developing great relationships! Please contact me with any questions or ideas!
ROBERT EVANS, TGAL Director
I have been with BEAN for 4 years and have worked on several TGAL campaign events. My professional background is in business intelligence, marketing and strategy. I am presently enrolled as an MBA student at ASU W.P. Carey School of business.
MARIEL VENHUIZEN, TGAL Director
I recently joined BEAN and jumped right in as the TGAL director. I’ve been in Seattle roughly a year and a half, but I’m a true Los Angeles girl at heart. With a background in leadership development and event planning I’m living out my traveling dreams by way of social justice, service and learning. I spend my spare time volunteering with Planned Parenthood and Seattle Works and am most passionate about water equality and human trafficking which I use every opportunity to advocate for these issues. I enjoy drinking coffee, photography, movies, travel, cooking and good conversations with friends. I’m currently enrolled in the University of Washington’s Nonprofit Management Certificate Program. You can always find me laughing, I just learned how to ski and I am LOVING it!
BENNETT HASELTON, Service Director
I joined BEAN looking for opportunities to volunteer and to find more fun activities in and around Seattle. In 2010 I became a BEAN officer to help find and organize more volunteer opportunities for BEAN members. Outside of BEAN, I work on developing software to help users in China and Iran circumvent Internet censorship. I also volunteer as a math tutor and coach of the math club at Bellevue High School.
ISABELLE CHE, Design Director
I'm a Paris native, but grew up in Orlando, FL. I moved to Seattle in early 2006, and it took me a while to feel like I was a part of the Seattle community. Of course, had I known about BEAN earlier, I think I would have jumped right in and started volunteering and meeting people right away! I'm a Marketing Communications Manager by day, and enjoy cooking, baking, hiking, going to concerts, and discovering Seattle and the Pacific Northwest on my "off" time. My fiance, Greg, and I have enjoyed dressing up to volunteer for the annual Fred Hutchinson Gala to donning on hard hats to help build homes with Habitat for Humanity. There are so many volunteer opportunities through BEAN, and it's always great to connect with other young professionals. I hope to meet some of you out there!
