2019-2020 Board of Directors

Chair | Ina Ghangurde (Issaquah School District)
Vice Chair | Trish Bloor (Issaquah Human Services Commission)
Secretary | Heather Ross (School District Parent)
Treasurer | Michelle Peiker (Community Member)

Staff

Executive Director 
 Jerry Blackburn
Administrative Accountant
 Andie Adee
Special Projects Coordinator  
Katie Moeller
Development Specialist 
​Sara Young 
Evaluator
​Nathan Brown​

12 Sector Representatives

• Youth-  TECH Youth Coalition
• Parents- Grania Buckley
• Schools- Marnie Maraldo, President, Issaquah School Board
• Business- Ed Murphy, Costco Wholesale
• Media- Autumn Monohan, City of Issaquah, Assist. to the City Administrator
• Civic Organizations- Bernie Lucking, Rotary Club of Sammamish
• Youth Serving Organizations- Lisa Echert, City of Issaquah, Parks and Rec

Our History

• Faith-Based Organizations- Don Burnett, YWCA Passage Point
• Substance Abuse Organizations- Friends of Youth
• Government Organizations Dealing W/ Substance Abuse- Lisa Callan, Washington State House of Representatives
• Law Enforcement- Ryan Smith, Issaquah Police Department
• Healthcare Professionals- Dr. Jennifer Hannon, Swedish Pediatrics

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In 2011, a group of community members who all had a passion for the behavioral health and wellness of our youth convened in an effort to make a difference. As a result, Influence the Choice was created. in the fall of 2013, the Coalition was a warded a federal Drug Free Community Grant worth $125,000 per year for up to ten years. In September of 2018, Influence the Choice received its non-profit status allowing us the flexibility to engage in fundraising and maintain an autonomy of this vital mission. Our work continues today.