Board of Directors
CEKC's volunteer Board of Directors draws representation from across Klickitat and Skamania Counties, including leadership with experience in nonprofit, social services, healthcare, economic development, local government, and rural community organizing.
We are always seeking new faces and perspectives; reach out to a board member or email cekcwa@gmail.com for an application.
As a volunteer for several organizations Barbara saw the need for a county-wide non profit organization that could support the acquisition of grants and donations that support local community projects and programs. She was one of the first to volunteer to be on the CEKC Board. She serves on the local Twin Bridges Museum board.
Barbara Sexton
Board President & Treasurer
Vern was born in Missoula, MT and raised in Bend, OR. A graduate of Oregon State and OHSU, he served 20 years as a Family Practice doctor and Flight Surgeon with the US Coast Guard. His Gorge community service includes County Health Officer in The Dalles, elected commissioner for Skyline Hospital and Klickitat County Parks & Recreation. Active with CECK since 2010 and a board member since 2020, he has worked on historical preservation, recreation access, and green energy infrastructure projects. He is point of contact for 5 CEKC projects.
Vern Harpole
Lyle
A lifelong resident of the area, Mr. Sauter has served the community in a variety of capacities including. with the Port of Klickitat and as a Klickitat County Commissioner. He has extensive knowledge of local policy and history, especially related to planning and development.
David Sauter
Lyle / Klickitat
Cindy joined the Skamania County Economic Development Corporation in 2017 as the Finance Manager. Her duties include bookkeeping, clerical responsibilities, loan administration and collection, and assisting with business development services.
A longtime resident of the Gorge, she moved to Cascade Locks in 1967, graduated from Cascade Locks High School and attended Western Business College. She has worked as a bookkeeper and office administrator in several different industries, including private non-profits, hotels, restaurants, a hospital, and medical/dental clinics. Before joining the SEDC she worked as the Office Manager/Bookkeeper for Skamania Physical Therapy for 10 years.
Cindy is married to her husband Russ and they have 5 children and 7 grandchildren.
Cindy Bradley
Skamania County
Ben joined the CEKC Board in 2025, succeeding Bruce Bolme who represented the communities of Bingen and White Salmon for several years.
Ben's professional accomplishments include mediation training for eviction prevention with with Six Rivers Dispute Resolution Center. He currently supports Civic Engagement Initiatives at Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP).
Benjamin Noble
Bingen / White Salmon
Howdy! After receiving my bachelor's and master's degrees in economics back home in Texas, I decided to take a chance on a job all the way in Washington. I have worked for Klickitat County in the Economic Development and Natural Resource Departments since 2023, and serve as a board member for CEKC representing those same entities. I am happy to be making an impact in Klickitat County, and am looking forward to this new and exciting chapter of my life.
Keaton Curtice
Goldendale
Interested in nonprofit leadership and community development? Have skills in finance, as legal counsel, or with grant writing and event planning? We're looking for energetic people engaged with their communities to help steer our strategic ship and support our incredible projects.
Connect with a board member or email cekcwa@gmail.com for an application to join our leadership team.
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Building community capacity through networking, partnership and education are key to helping rural communities prosper. Linda has worked as a WSU Horizons Coach and was instrumental in the formation of CEKC. Linda has worked on programs including rural broadband, asset building, women in agri-business and a variety of other community leadership programs.
Linda stepped down as Board President in July of 2025, after 16 years of faithful service.
Linda Williams
Board President Emeritus
Brian guided the formation of CEKC in 2008-9. Serving as CEKC's treasurer, he helped community projects become part of the CEKC family. Brian was one of the original broadband committee members. He had a passion for affordable, high speed broadband for all rural area. He was also a board member for Back Pack 4 Kids, as well as a member of other community organizations.
Brian Wanless
Founder - In Memoriam
Our Purpose
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CEKC provides support and services as a fiscal sponsor for community groups and organizations.
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CEKC works as an advocate to help bring additional resources and programs to our local communities.
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CEKC administers and disburses funds for community projects through accounts set up by the project developers.
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CEKC can help develop matching fund capacity for third party organizations.
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CEKC communicates with other local, state and federal organizations and agencies to stay informed and up to date on changes in laws, policies and programs that affect rural communities.
History
In 2006 communities in Klickitat and Skamania Counties participated in the Washington State University Horizons Project. The two-year program helped build leadership opportunities in rural communities in order to improve financial wellbeing for low-income residents. It was funded by the Northwest Area Foundation (NWAF) and administered by Washington State University Extension.
The Horizons Project ended with a challenge-using the leaderships skills learned, how can our rural communities continue building the capacity to help local organizations and families thrive and prosper?