Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Feet First is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish the mission through a set of shared values that underline our programs, policies and projects, which include: accessibility, diversity, grassroots activism, healthy active lifestyle, healthy natural environment, localism, mobility, partnerships, playfulness, social justice, sustainability, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Our Board of Directors play a vital role in ensuring Feet First has the strategic direction and necessary resources to create walkable communities. In addition to their role as board member, each person serves on either the Policy or Communications Committee. We are grateful for their expertise and focus ranging from policy, marketing, management, transportation planning, community engagement to ensuring financial stability of the organization.

Malia Langworthy Morrison, President

What if...
...everyone walked to at least two destinations every day?

Why walkability matters to me:

I think walking is a great first step to solving so many problems that I desperately want to solve: obesity, global warming, lack of community, unsafe streets, decline of local business districts. Plus, it is fun!

My expertise:

I have expertise in project management, budgeting and managing people and organizations.

My day job:

Program Manager, at University of Washington Professional & Continuing Education

My role at Feet First:

President, Executive Committee, Communications Committee

Candida Lorenzana, Vice President

What if...
...I had enough room to walk on the sidewalk?

 
I have a strong interest in transportation and its impact on communities.  In addition to driving cars and riding buses, walking is an integral part of transportation. It is important that walking comes to the forefront of our thinking when we consider transportation projects.  Promoting walkable communities is important for our health, our children's health and for the betterment of communities. Making walking an easy and safe choice is key to building stronger communities. As a board member, I have an opportunity to change how people think about walking in the greater Seattle area.

 
I have a strong background in transportation and policy as well as financial analysis. I really enjoy looking at projects from a big picture policy perspective. I also have experience in event planning and fundraising.

My day job:

Transportation Planner at King County Metro

My role at Feet First:

Vice President, Executive Committee, Policy Committee

John Stewart, Secretary

What if...
...businesses respected their pedestrian customers, and took care of the sidewalks in front of their businesses?

Why walkability matters to me:

I've been a pedestrian for years - not that we all aren't in one way or another, but I started walking a mile to the bus my freshman year in high school, and realized I really liked to walk. I didn't own a car until I got married at 30, so I spent a lot of time on my feet.

I grew frustrated with the inequity of the power relationship between pedestrians and automobiles, and the sense that our streets were designed to disadvantage pedestrians. So I heard about Feet First in a little note in the PI and went to a meeting (in the food court at Westlake Center no less!) with four or five people...this was in 2000. I've been on the Board since since 2003.

My expertise:

I've been involved with pedestrian issues with Feet First for almost ten years now, so I have historical perspective on what's been done, what's worked, as well as relationships with a number of people around the region who are working on pedestrian issues. I'm technologically adept, a good listener, and a strong proponent for neighborhood action and activism. I'm also a good writer and editor.

My day job:

Software Test Engineer at NetMotion Wireless

My role at Feet First:

Secretary, Executive Committee, Policy Committee

Dave Ramsay, Treasurer

What if...
...half the people walked on 80 percent of their trips of one mile or less?

Why walkability matters to me:
I think that being a walkable city is fundamental to being a good city.  Going for a walk is fun; but it goes way beyond that.  Walking is the “silver bullet” of public policy.  Better health, improved environment, reduced car traffic, connected communities, safer streets and healthy business districts all happen when people walk. What other strategy can accomplish all that? I want to help make a difference by getting more people walking more often; for business and pleasure.

My expertise:
Working for cities for over 36 years; I have been involved a good deal of public policy making and its implementation.  I’m also an avid walker.

My day job:

Former City Manager for the City of Kirkland (retired in March 2010). 

My role at Feet First:

Treasurer, Executive Committee, Policy Committee

Ben Boynton, Board Fellow

...the decision to walk more became the first in series of regular decisions to take better care of one's own health and the health of one's larger community?

When I compare my experience commuting in Los Angeles to other experiences living in walkable communities, it is clear to me that walking is a simple activity linked in numerous ways to a higher quality of life.  A community that advocates for walking is a community that better understands the complexity of its problems and engages elegant initiatives to improve the lives of its citizens in both the short and long term. 

My expertise:

I have worked in education, in the non-profit and private sectors, and have lived in a half dozen international cities—with varying degrees of walkability—over the past decade.

 
Currently in the full-time MBA program at the UW Foster School of Business, specializing in Operations.

My role at Feet First:
Through the UW Board Fellows Program, I am assisting where needed, with a focus on Communications Committee. 

Jim Davis, Director

What if...
...every road in the greater Seattle area had a safe place to walk?

Why walkability matters to me:

Global warming is one of the great challenges of our time. Walking has the lowest environmental impact of all ways of getting around, and we should do everything we can to support it. Feet First is making a difference towards that end at the local level.

My expertise:

For nine years I was a pedestrian planner with the King County Department of Transportation.  Much of my work involved planning for sidewalks and other pedestrian facilities in unincorporated King County.  Although I've moved on to doing other things for the agency, my work with Feet First gives me the chance to continue work on a cause that I'd developed a true passion for in my prior role.

My day job:

Independent Researcher/Writer/Editor

My role at Feet First:

Chair of the Policy Committee

Kate Libershteyn, Director

What if...
...walking to your favorite places was made just as easy and convenient as getting there by car? Which one would you choose?

Why walkability matters to me:

It is easy to forget how important walking is to our lives because it is such a basic and vital activity.

My expertise:

Strategy development, corporate finance, fundraising

My day job:

Senior Strategy Analyst at Microsoft

My role at Feet First:

Communications Committee

Charles Redmond, Director

What if...
...Feet First were funded at an appropriate level? We would be able to map and provide wayfinding guides for the entire Puget Sound region.

Why walkability matters to me:

Walking gives one the perspective to appreciate nature, a city, a natural wonder, an interesting situation, other people and the other creatures.  Walking is a way to deepen one's understanding of the world around and it enables conversation because of the intersection with other individuals crossing common paths.  It's the best way to be "in" a place.  It's not always the fastest nor the easiest but it is the most interesting.   Feet First is the first organization I've encountered which considers the world from the perspective of a pedestrian.

My expertise:

30 years of spatial imagery analysis, land-use analysis, boundary interaction analysis (natural-exurban-suburban-dense core-natural barrier); public affairs and public speaking skills; community building and community engagement skills.

My day job:

Retired National Aeronautics and Space Administration public affairs and web-systems/internet manager

My role at Feet First:

Communications Committee

Jack Whisner, Director

Why walkability matters to me:
I am multi modal: I walk, bike, row, bus, and drive.  All transit trips begin and end as pedestrian trips.  The main objective of transit is to extend the range of pedestrians.  Urban living is the most environmentally sustainable.  Density, design, and diversity together enhance life.  I love the random urban encounters of life.  I walked to public schools in Shoreline.  I want to advocate for the provision of sidewalks on arterials that lack them to improve safety, mobility, and livability.  

My expertise:
I have been a political activist since 1972.  I have been studying urban affairs for many years.

My day job:
Transit planner, King County Metro Transit

My role at Feet First:
Policy Committee