Board of Directors
We’re Recruiting Board Members!
SHADOW has openings for Board Members with financial, accounting, law, resource management, communications, or nonprofit fundraising expertise.
Ideal candidates will:
• Have a passion for the preservation of open space and wildlife habitat
• Understand & be able to communicate the benefits that SHADOW’s protected lands provide to the local community, wildlife, and climate
• Help develop new fundraising strategies and identify opportunities that will advance our mission and vision
Board of Directors
SHADOW’S Board governs the organization and is responsible for executing its mission. The Board manages organizational finances and sets long term priorities for programs, and oversees the Executive Director, who is responsible for day-to-day management of the organization.
Max Prinsen
President, Board service began in 2000
A California native and Founder of SHADOW, Max has retired from Otis Elevator after 46 years working as an Engineer & Systems Manager. Max is still working on special projects for Otis. Starting in 1978 Max built a home on one acre and married his wife, Erin, in 1980. Max has also served on the board of King Conservation District as chair and member. Max is currently the Chair of the Cedar River Council.
Richard Scafati
Board service began in 2024
Richard feels that a sense of place is where the roots of a community grow. Fundamental to the “place” of our community is the unique and beautiful environment of the Puget Sound region. Protecting this ecosystem positively impacts the lives of all who are here, if they are aware of it or not. He brings his operations and facilities energy conservation experience to SHADOW.
Erin Wojewodzki-Prinsen
Vice President, Board service began in 2000
Erin is a South King County local with a passion for the environment. She is certified as a Native Plant Steward and as a Livestock Steward. Erin co-founded SHADOW and is the organization’s acting vice-president as well as the manager of a small, environmentally friendly farm. Organizations that have recognized her stewardship work include King Conservation District and Washington State University.
Gayle Podrabsky
Board service began in 2014
Gayle graduated from Seattle University with a degree in journalism and has worked as a video content producer/ director for the past 25 years. As the Creative Director of Fidget TV, Gayle provides content for corporate and non-profit clients. Passion projects have led Gayle to work with organizations that help animals, protect the environment, and support environmental education.
Walt Szklarski
Board service began in 2003
Walt is a retired secondary science teacher who first brought his students to SHADOW in 2001. Walt helped establish the partnerships between SHADOW and the Tahoma School District and continues to support educational programs and events.
Trisa Bui
Board service began in 2024
Trisa is excited to be part of SHADOW’s long-term commitment of protecting and preserving its land and natural habitats. She firmly believes education and community involvement are key pieces of land protection and preservation, in addition to appropriate advocacy. She brings to SHADOW her experiences in management and the law.
Lynn Putnam
Board Service Began 2026
For the last 35 years, Lynn has been an avid native plant enthusiast. She has an Environmental studies degree from Portland State University and was an Environmental planner for 5 years. She completed the Oregon Master Naturalist program in 2016 and was board treasurer of the High Desert Chapter of the Oregon Native Plant Society. In addition to Environmental planning, Lynn was a technical writer and editor in high-tech companies. Now, happily retired, she enjoys reading, hiking, giving native plant talks, and is eager to contribute to SHADOW’s land conservation and stewardship.
Emeritus Board Members
Klaus O. Richter, Emeritus
Board service began in 2003
Klaus holds a Ph.D. from the University of Washington in Forest Zoology and is a former Ecologist & Researcher for King County, whose work on amphibian habitat has been widely recognized. Klaus has been involved with SHADOW since its inception and help shape many of the Nature Preserve‘s early education programs and restoration projects helping to design SHADOW’s amphibian pond.
David Terry Jones, Emeritus
Board service began in 2003
David was born and educated in the United Kingdom, where he received both a B.S. and Ph.D. in Physics. He has worked as a programmer and software engineer for International Computers Limited in England, Control Data in Canada, Microsoft, and Expedia. David and his wife, Maryanne, are active in local politics and nonprofit organizations working towards environmental and social justice. He also serves as a board member for OneNW and the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle. You can read David Jones’ obituary here.
