Our Board of Directors set policy and guidelines for programming, advocacy, and activities of the organization while working to ensure that recreational public access to the water is preserved and expanded throughout Washington State.
Andrée Hurley, Executive Director
Andrée has taught sea kayaking since 1985, and has led or been on kayaking trips in various countries such as Baja, Mexico, Belize, Chile, Bolivia and Hong Kong. She retired as an L4 sea kayak instructor trainer educator with the American Canoe Association after fifteen years. She was on the board of the Washington Kayak Club and Trade Association of Paddlesports. She graduated from the Jackson School of International Studies and is a Realtor in the greater Seattle area.
Bill Brackin – Membership Manager
Bill works wonders for us in membership!
Board of Directors:
Tomas Tabisola, President
A veteran, Tomas has been active in almost all of the kayaking clubs around-and-about the Puget Sound. He is also an avid fisherman.
Steve Exe – Vice President
A retired Boeing engineer, Steve has a long history in paddlesports. He has raced river slalom, as well as flatwater on lakes and saltwater. He has been certified as an L4 sea kayak instructor. He is currently on the Washington State Parks Safety Committee, and has served on other boards such as the Washington Kayak Club. Currently living in Mazama.
Phil Philbin, Treasurer
Phil has been with us for many years and is a wizard at finances, as that is also his main occupation. He has helped us in many ways – keeping Quickbooks up-to-date, filing our 990, and more! Phil is an avid kayaker and hiker, and in his spare time likes to go on treks around Seattle.
Secretary – Vacant
Don Crook, Chairman of the Trails Committee
Don has been active with WWTA for many years. He has served as president and in other important supporting roles. He sits on many committees, interfacing with Washington State Parks and other partners. He is also the President of the trails committee, and can be seen with Michael Silence visiting our sites to review the current conditions. Don is also a member of the WA State Parks Paddle Sports Advisory Committee (PAC).
Michael Silence, Co-Chair of the Trails Committee
Darrell Kirk, at large
One of our past Presidents, he resides on Orcas Island with wife Elizabeth and son Hugh. He is a passionate paddleboarder who explores the San Juan Islands by water. “I am most proud of my work with Washington Water Trails and advocating for public waterway access,” says Darrell. He recently co-founded the Orcas Island Paddlers Group, promoting community and conservation. When not paddling with Hugh—sharing their mutual interest in water safety—Darrell sings with the Orcas Choral Society.
Bill Walker, at large
Bill has a long history in paddlesports and is a resident of Whidbey Island.
More Volunteers
Max Kismarton – Volunteer Coordinator