Vashon Events Board of Directors
SARAH CHRISTINE, President
Sarah Christine is a visionary vocalist, songwriter, performer and recording artist with a deep desire to facilitate connection and healing on the planet through music. Nestled in the peace and tranquility of the Pacific Northwest, Sarah Christine has been blessed to call Vashon Island home for over 25 years. In addition to being a musician, she is also a transformational vocal coach leading empowering workshops, retreats and 1:1 sessions. She is a passionate mother of three, beloved wife, food activist, farmer and chef who has also worked as a labor support doula welcoming over 50 babies into the world with song.
JACOB BAIN, Vice President
Jacob Bain is a professional musician fronting the bands Publish the Quest and Trolls Cottage. His music is influenced by his world travels. He is also an award winning film editor and cameraman, having worked on films like Free Solo. Jacob is a father of two and is dedicated to creating a community in which his daughters can thrive. Jacob has more than 20 years experience in event production and performance.
AMANDA KELLY, Secretary
An award-winning poet, essayist, activist, yogi and mother of five beautiful (and grown) children currently living on unceded Duwamish territory aka Vashon Island in the Salish Sea, Amanda has spent her career dedicated to making change in the world by bringing right relationship into as many aspects of business and life as possible. When not wrangling strategy and operations for the Swordfern Agency, she can be found outside somewhere with her dog by her side.
JENNIFER OLSEN, Treasurer
Jennifer Olsen has deep experience helping people and organization’s thrive, with a focus on strategic HR, leadership development, and organizational and business impact. She is the Principal of OneDigital’s Pacific Northwest HR Consulting practice. Jennifer’s passion for music began in her early teens with singing and playing in the local university symphony while in high school. She picked up drums later in life and is a fierce advocate for new learning at any age.
WESLEY PETERSON, Member
Wesley Peterson is a professional musician and drummer performing in multiple bands such as Saint Ophelia and One More Mile. He is also a utility linesman for Puget Sound Energy, keeping the light on for everyone on the Island.
KES NIELSON, Member
Kes Nelson is the Director of Training and Certification at Amazon Web Services. He is a 19-year Amazon veteran with extensive product, engineering, business development, and P&L experience in multiple channels, including retail, devices, and services. Kes is a leader of leaders with a successful track-record of building, scaling and developing diverse teams of 50-300 across all business disciplines. He is an innovative product leader with experience leading product and engineering teams in roadmap delivery and at all new product stages, from customer focused ideation to general availability. Kes has extensive experience managing both offline and online retail and has created and executed scores of partner strategies for mutual benefit of customers, business and wider industry.
RON HOOK, Member
Ron Hook is an Island elder, musician, and artist. He has mentored scores of youth in music and is known for his peaceful and wise disposition. Ron performs with the band Subconscious Population and his art has been commissioned for large public art works such as large panel carvings of nature.
PETE WELCH, Member
Pete Welch is the Co-Director of Vashon Events and has more than 25 years of experience in event management, performing arts production, and booking. His background includes being a Production Manager in the clothing industry for companies like Genera Sportswear and James Jeans. While not a musician, Pete attends every concert possible, usually with a camera in hand. His candid and concert photography is widely known and almost always is the credit for Facebook profile pictures for everyone he knows. He is beloved by hundreds on the Island for his generosity and easy-going, music-loving nature.
ALLISON JONES, Member
Allison Jones is the Co-Director of Vashon Events. She has more than 20 years experience in nonprofit management and fundraising. Jones has an M.Ed. in Adult Education and is the Founder of Spark the Fire Grantwriting Classes as well as a grantwriting professor at several universities. Allison is also a professional musician, singer-songwriter, and guitarist.