BUSINESS

Kitsap's 20 Under 40: Class of 2021

Katie Walters
Special to the Kitsap Sun
Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

The following 20 individuals were selected as the 20 Under 40 Class of 2021, presented by Leadership Kitsap and in partnership with media sponsor the Kitsap Sun, the continuation of an annual program to recognize emerging civic and business leaders on the Kitsap Peninsula. The honorees will be recognized in a hybrid in-person and virtual ceremony on May 27 at the Kitsap Conference Center. For more information, visit https://leadershipkitsap.org/20-under-40/.

Katie Walters is executive director of Leadership Kitsap. Photos by Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun.

Sarah Chamberlin

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Sarah Chamberlin

Executive Director, St. Michael Medical Center Foundation

During the past three years, Sarah and her team secured nearly $4 million through the Realizing the Future: Expanding Healthcare. Improving Lives fundraising initiative to support the new St. Michael Medical Center Silverdale campus. As a liaison between the Medical Center and the community, Sarah meets with local civic groups multiple times per year to share updates, projects, and resources to help our community thrive. Sarah serves on the Leadership Kitsap Board of Directors where she directs her talent for collaboration and innovation to her support of Lift: Kitsap Women's Leadership Network. Sarah is committed to the common goal of a healthier community supported by the impact of philanthropy and service to others.

I earned my first dollar as a philanthropy officer and secured a major healthcare legacy gift.

Anna Choi

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Anna Choi

CEO and Founder, Conscious Business Coaching

Anna is a Forbes author, TEDx speaker, Business Energy Coach, certified Brain Power Wellness instructor, homeschool teacher, yoga instructor, and taekwondo artist black belt in training. Anna started her first socially responsible financial planning business, InsideOut Investing, grossing six figures by age 25. After taking a sabbatical to start a family, she founded JoySprout Productions, event consulting for social impact, during which she was also a Self-Expression and Leadership Program Leader. As founder and licensee of TEDxBellevue and TEDxBellevueWomen, she helped create cross-sector collaborations among community leaders to build a common vision focused on sustainable happiness. Anna serves on the advisory council for Bremerton-Kitsap Access Television, is a Kitsap Community Foundation ambassador, and a Founding 40 Member of Vibe Coworks. Anna continues to use her business and passion to help transform our economy from being solely profit-based to happiness-based.

I earned my first dollar as an office assistant and coffee barista.

Kerri Crabree

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Kerri Crabtree

E-Commerce Director, Crabtree Brands

As in-house Brand Strategist for Crabtree Brands, which include Crabtree Kitchen + Bar, ChocMo, and High Spirits, Kerri ensures the family brand stays true to its culture, values, and vision. Mid-2019, she helped launch an e-commerce site for High Spirits moving the locally recognized brand to regional notoriety, along with growing sales, delivery, and shipping. Giving back and community connection are core values of the Crabtree Brand. For the past seven years, Kerri has helped create lasting partnerships with local non-profits such as North Kitsap Fishline and the West Sound Wildlife Shelter as part of the "Crabtree Community Collaborations" program. Kerri has also volunteered for Poulsbo Fire Department as a volunteer EMT and engaged with their community education and outreach programs. She is praised by her co-workers for her leadership and integrity.

I earned my first dollar as a swim instructor at North Kitsap Community Pool.

Pablo Flores

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Pablo Flores

English Language Learner (ELL) Bilingual Paraeducator, Naval Avenue Early Learning Center, Bremerton School District

Pablo brings his experience as an immigrant and professional film composer and music producer to inspire his students. He works with teachers to integrate music and song into their lessons. Once school moved to Connected Learning online, Pablo continued this work by creating videos for teachers to use to enhance their lessons and help students continue to feel a part of the classroom community. He helped the greater Bremerton School District community by providing translation for both Spanish and native Mayan language speakers to help parents and families navigate the changes in schooling due to Covid. Pablo is a skilled multi-instrumentalist gifted in both teaching and performing his own original work as well as the work of others. He helped establish the Kitsap Musician Project, a collaborative group of songwriters/performers that produced two successful BKAT music television shows, showcasing local musicians to raise money for the United Way and local families impacted by COVID-19.

I earned my first dollar at 15 years old playing a live music gig.

Adam Goit

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Adam Goit

Owner/Manager, Brookside Landscape and Design

Adam is a lifelong resident of Kitsap County with a history of service and giving back to the community. Prior to starting his own company, Adam served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps and Reserves. He began Brookside Landscape and Design in 2016, providing outstanding landscape installations to the Kitsap area. Brookside's high level of service and sustainable landscape practices has earned them several Best of West Sound, Kitsap, Central Kitsap, and Bremerton awards. "Brookside strives to follow the mantra of People, Process, Product." Each week Adam holds education sessions with his employees focused on leadership, personal growth, communication, business, and teamwork. In addition, he annually asks his employees to pick a non-profit that resonates with them, and Brookside donates $250 to the non-profit in their name. In 2020, Brookside contributed over $5,000 to local nonprofits. Adam is recognized for his high standard of excellence, both personally and professionally.

I earned my first dollar at eight years old washing dump trucks in my uncle’s gravel pit at 5 a.m. every day and haven’t quit working since that summer.

Alex Hardy

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Alex Hardy

Marketing and Events Supervisor, Kitsap County Parks Department

Alex has a passion for community service and a desire to make a difference in people's lives. Through the process of engaging employees, co-workers, and the community, she has helped move the mission of the Kitsap County Parks Department forward, advocating for the importance of parks and recreation in our community. She has empowered her department to create safe gathering places, provide trails and open spaces for individuals to stay fit and healthy, protect the community's natural resources and wild habitats, and compassionately address homelessness in community parks. She leads the initiative to drive community outreach and engagement to increase community interest and volunteerism in parks and recreation. By example, Alex volunteers at her children’s schools, with their athletic teams, as well as teaches kids to swim.

I earned my first dollar as a swim instructor at the age of 14, which led to a career in parks and recreation.

Sara Hatfield

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Sara Hatfield

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director, South Kitsap School District

Sara leads one of the largest CTE programs in Washington State, with 145-course offerings in sixteen different pathways district-wide in 7-12th grade. Her program leadership has earned her many accolades. Her work focuses on the labor needs of the region and prepares students with real-world, technical job skills for life beyond high school. She has served as the Region Chair for the Great Northwest Area Group of CTE Directors for the past five years. Sara is also an adjunct professor at Olympic College in the CTE Teacher Preparation Program, Introduction to CTE and Safety in the Classroom. Sara is a long-time member of the South Kitsap Rotary and supports relationships between the school, community organizations, and local businesses. Focused on teaching the whole student, she builds student leaders and engages them in community service. She continually strives to improve Kitsap and support student success by moving her industry forward.

I earned my first dollar by starting a lawn mowing and dog walking service at the age of nine.

Anthony Jones

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Anthony Jones

Associate Attorney, Perkins Coie LLP

Anthony is an enrolled member of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, attorney, and Coast Salish artist. He bears the ancestral name k̕wqéynx̣ən. He was North Kitsap High School's first Native American valedictorian in 2004 and graduated from MIT in 2008 and Washington University, St. Louis, School of Law in 2011. After eight years as a tribal attorney for the Tulalip Tribes, he now practices intellectual property law at Perkins Coie and is the Northwest Indian Bar Association President. By example and through organizational service, Anthony seeks to make the legal profession a more welcoming place for Native American people and other people of color. Anthony serves on the Board of the environmental nonprofit EarthCorps, developing leaders to strengthen community and restore the health of our environment. He carries forward the traditions of his tribal community through song, language, and craft. His works of art can be found on the Washington State Ferry M/V Chimacum, as well as in the Burke Museum collection at the University of Washington. "In all my efforts as a lawyer, as an artist, as a father, I have found that success is possible by following the teachings of my family and culture."

I earned my first dollar in the mid-1990’s clam digging for the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe at a rate of $1.70 per pound.

Melissa Kittrell

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Melissa Kittrell

Owner, Bushel & Barrel Ciderhouse; Project Manager, PSNS & IMF

Melissa is a Navy veteran, business owner, Assistant Project Superintendent for the USS Michigan Project, and published author. Melissa owns and operates Beaver Bend Farm and Bushel and Barrel Ciderhouse. Bushel and Barrel is Kitsap's first established cidery and was a 2018 Kitsap Bank edg3 FUND finalist for its mission and community impact. Melissa uses her cider house to promote fellowship and donates a percentage of profits to local charities and projects. As a project manager for PSNS&IMF, Melissa was honored as a 2020 Employee of the Year and is an active mentor with the Command. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread, Melissa found herself stuck in Myanmar due to pandemic travel restrictions. She used the time to complete her book, My Wanderlust Diaries, inspired by her solo backpacking adventures across the globe, her contribution to the world full of kindred spirits that enjoy living life outside their normal time zone and comfort zone. Melissa's life is truly an epic adventure.

I earned my first dollar working the concessions stand at a local roping arena at the age of twelve.

Matthew T. Macklin

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Matthew Macklin

Executive Director, Forest Ridge Health and Rehab; Corporate Counsel, Cornerstone Healthcare Services/President-Stratagem Law Group

Matthew is the Executive Director of Forest Ridge Health & Rehabilitation Center, the leading provider of long-term skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation in Bremerton. Matthew is a compassionate healthcare administrator, recognized for raising standards of care and service in the organizations he has led. He believes, "We have a collective duty to protect and promote safety, quality healthcare, and quality of life for all our county's residents; young and old." Matthew is a member of the morning Rotary Club of Port Orchard. He is a former Advisory Board Member for Terry's House/Coffee Oasis Port Orchard. Matthew has also served on several education/public service-related non-profit boards and has provided pro bono legal assistance to Chicago Legal Aid.

I earned my first dollar by taking advantage of an old lawn mower and free gas from my father and took to mowing lawns.

John Morrisey

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

John Morrissey

Business Development Manager, Kitsap Credit Union

John is the Business Development Manager for Kitsap Credit Union and most recently managed the downtown Bremerton corporate office branch, tripling loan balances within the past five years. He believes in investing in his staff, as great humans make great employees. John is committed to supporting the business community and enhancing the quality of life in Bremerton as the current President of the Downtown Bremerton Association and Chairman of the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce.  John also serves on the Kitsap Public Facilities District Board of Directors and is a recent Kitsap Community Resources Board Member. His motto is, "Make the world a little better each and every day."      

I earned my first dollar answering phones in the church office after school from 8-12th grade.

Holly Moss

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Holly Moss

Owner, Spark Commons; Product Developer and Maker, FROG Soap; Owner and Creator, Ditsy Dahlia

A lifetime Kitsap County resident, Holly is an entrepreneur with a heart for supporting the Bremerton business community. As the owner of Spark Commons, she has created a loyal and growing coworking community. As a product developer for FROG Soap, Holly has helped expand their eco-friendly, sustainable product line and customer base. She is an active member of the Downtown Bremerton Association and has hosted and coordinated countless community events, including parades, art walks, Ladies Night Out, and GreenDrinks networking events. Holly is also a Master Gardner and volunteers with the WSU Master Gardener Foundation of Kitsap County and WSU Washington State Forest Steward Program. Her latest project is Ditsy Dahlia, a creative marketplace to help support local causes and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, a cause close to her heart.

I earned my first dollar as a Sponsor Booth Manager for the Kitsap Destruction Derby at age thirteen.

Ashley Oaksmith

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Ashley Oaksmith

Silverdale Library Branch Manager, Kitsap Regional Library

Ashley began her library career in Texas and became the Bexar County Biblio Tech Digital Library Head Librarian, the only librarian on a team that launched the first all-digital public library to support residents in low-income area “book deserts.” This work earned her national and international attention. Today, Ashley is bringing her experience and vision to developing plans for and engaging staff and community stakeholders around a new Silverdale Library, slated to open by the end of 2021. She is praised by her colleagues for the role she played in creating best practices for new library services during the pandemic. Ashley serves her community as a Silverdale Rotarian and Rotary Board Member, Silverdale Chamber Member, and Leadership Kitsap Board Member. She helped launch and co-lead LK Reads: Book Group for Busy Professionals, and assisted with Lift: Kitsap Women’s Leadership Network. Ashley is also a local fine artist and business owner.

I earned my first dollar at age seven picking tomatoes at a local greenhouse.

Senator Emily Randall 

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Emily Randall

Washington State Senator, 26th Legislative District

As the youngest member of the Washington State Senate, Emily works every day to engage young voices in the political and legislative process. She prides herself on being highly accessible, authentic, and relatable. She is motivated by the values of service to country and community instilled in her by her family, teachers, coaches, pastor, and neighbors. Emily is the Majority Caucus Whip for the 2021-2022 biennium and was chosen by her colleagues to serve as Chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee. She is inspired by her sister Olivia to support individuals with disabilities in Washington and their families alongside the Kitsap Parent Coalition and the Kitsap County Area Agencies on Aging. Emily also serves on the Board of Kitsap Community Resources, serves as the Co-chair of the Gorst Coalition Executive Committee, and is a founding member of a local group for people of color on the Peninsula. She fiercely advocates for issues important to Kitsap residents.

I earned my first dollar as a neighborhood babysitter and then as a paid Division of Developmental Disabilities respite care provider for my sister Olivia at the age of sixteen.

Grethchen Ritter-Lopatowski 

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Gretchen Ritter-Lopatowski

Creative and Marketing Manager, Kitsap Community Foundation; Owner, Three Leaves Design

Gretchen has a knack for creating beauty out of chaos. Gretchen launched her own business, Three Leaves Design, in 2020. Her award-winning designs have elevated the presence of many Kitsap businesses and nonprofits. Her creative talent has translated to increase funds raised for several area nonprofits, including Kitsap Regional Library Foundation, Leadership Kitsap Foundation, Olympic College Foundation, Silverdale Chamber of Commerce, and now Kitsap Community Foundation as their Creative and Marketing Manager. She thrives on collaborating with others and supporting a good cause. Gretchen currently serves on the Leadership Kitsap Board and helped create new programs such as Lift, Thrive and Hindsight 2020 as part of the organization's pandemic pivot. Gretchen is also a former Kitsap Young Professionals Board Member. Selected as SEEfilm's poster contest winner in 2014, a fun stand-out design is her 12x16 foot poster on the corner of Park Ave and Fourth Street in Bremerton.

I earned my first dollar recycling pop cans in northern Michigan at 10 cents per can.

Rachel Stapleton

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Rachel Stapleton

Chief Appraiser, Kitsap County Assessor's Office

Rachel began working in the Kitsap County Assessor's Office as a Resident Appraiser in 2002. She worked in the Residential Appraisal and Commercial Appraisal group before becoming an Appraiser Supervisor and most recently Chief Appraiser. Rachel is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of more than 120,000 real property parcels throughout the county on an annual basis. Her commercial and residential appraisal departments consistently rank in the top 3-4 most efficient appraisal groups in Washington State. Rachel is well respected for her professionalism, focusing on ensuring the accuracy of valuations, transparency, and maintaining a high level of customer service. Rachel volunteers weekly at her children's school, is a member of the PTSA, and a member of the Community Service Team in the Assessor's Office.

I earned my first dollar at the age of eight raising, showing, an selling my first 4-H animal, a hog named “Homer,” at the Kitsap County Fair.

Denise Steele

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Denise Steele

Independent Scentsy Director

Denise mentors and leads a team of 84 Independent Scentsy Consultants and ranks in the top 2% of her company. Scentsy is a direct selling scented fragrance company. She is a Membership Committee Chair for her local Business Networking International Chapter. She serves on the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, where she chairs the Chamber's Accolades Committee and serves on the Gala, Education, and Military Affairs Committees. She uses her business platform to give back to the community. As an independent business owner, Denise consistently demonstrates an entrepreneurial spirit based on quality customer service and integrity.

I earned my first dollar as a kennel attendant at an animal hospital.

Allison Wachtel

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Allison Wachtel

Founder and Creative Director, Dot Grid Studio

Allison is a creative consultant providing design work for mission-driven organizations, supporting clients across the country, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, Children's Equity Project, Teach for America, The Equity Lab, and more. Allison is deeply committed to educational equity and constantly works to bring forth diversity, equity, and inclusion through her design work. In summer 2020, Allison launched an Antiracist Book Club, which continues to meet (virtually) every two weeks. As a member of Vibe Coworks, Allison uses the forum to connect with other organizations and individuals on a pro bono basis to share information, advice, and opportunity. In the past year she has connected with the Kitsap community by bringing groceries and baked goods to friends and neighbors who are immunocompromised, regularly donates blood, and maintains a refreshment station for delivery drivers. Through her design work and acts of service, Allison finds ways to inject positivity into our community.

I earned my first dollar from a consulting project for Teach for America’s D.C. regional annual gala which turned into a seven-year partnership.

Alisha Weiss

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Alisha Weiss

Founder and CEO, Skyhawk Press

Alisha began her career as an engineer for American Airlines and the Boeing Company. Worn down from the daily grind of commuting to Seattle, Alisha launched Skyhawk Press from her garage in 2010. A military veteran and spouse herself, Alisha employs an all-female team of military veterans and/or military spouses. Alisha serves on the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and was instrumental in establishing the Poulsbo Brew Fest. At the start of the pandemic, Alisha helped create PoulsboStrong.com to raise money for small businesses through product releases and apparel sales. To date Skyhawk Press has donated more than $50,000 to the Poulsbo area small businesses through these sales. Alisha is praised as a dynamic business leader and innovator.

I earned my first dollar from delivering a paper route at the age of fourteen.

Corrine Wolffe

Leadership Kitsap's 20 Under 40 at Cranes Castle Brewing in Bremerton on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Corinne Wolffe

Executive Director, Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu)

Corinne moved to Kitsap in 2017 and immediately became deeply involved volunteering for the Bainbridge Island School District as her school’s annual auction chair and then two-term PTO President, and now serves on the PTO Coordinating Council supporting PTOs at the district level. In early 2020, KiDiMu was at a turning point, facing a leadership change and in significant debt. Corinne stepped up from her role as Development Director to Executive Director. She not only reduced the museum’s debt to zero, through her innovation and dedication to mission and community, she increased assets, found new ways to serve constituents, and revitalize the museum. When the museum couldn’t be open to the public, Corinne added a highly successful preschool program and created a robust offering of at-home learning kits. She then ensured that the kits were accessible to anyone in need. Her constant work to create meaningful relationships and community partnerships ensures the museum will be accessible to all Kitsap families as a place to learn, discover, and grow well into the future.

I earned my first dollar as a neighborhood pool attendant, which included fishing dead animals out of the filter.