Election Results - Please welcome this year's board members!

[Mari]

Highlands Neighborhood Board Election Results

Thanks to everyone who voted in our annual board election and to those who have volunteered their time to be on the board! Thankfully, all board members recieved more than the required 50% of the vote from 82 voters. 

Bi-anually we elect neighborhood association board members. Elections are required to qualify for city grant money (for our picnic, egg hunt, etc.). Our bylaws define each position, as well as our voting process: http://kirklandhighlands.org/BYLAWS.doc

The Highlands Neighborhood Association (HNA) is volunteers who work to improve community, safety, traffic, sidewalks, parks, activities, and quality of life in our neighborhood (the City of Kirkland is divided into 13 neighborhoods). There are no dues or fees. We are not an HOA.

What does the board do?

• Coordinates neighborhood projects and activities (such as the annual picnic and egg hunt, landscaping, and welcome fliers).
• Keeps the neighborhood informed about issues and events that affect us.
• Provides feedback to the city regarding the neighborhood's position on issues.
• Champions neighborhood needs (such as crime or pedestrian safety).
• Represents Highlands in the Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods.

Please welcome this year’s board members: 

Chair

Mari Bercaw Mari and her husband, Hyer, have lived in the Highlands since 1996. Her three kids all went to local schools. She's been on the Highlands board since 2005. She loves Kirkland and is frequently seen playing beach volleyball at Juanita Beach.

Treasurer

Kara Pietila   Kara lived here from 2007-2013, then moved to be near family in California, and returned a year and a half ago. And as they loved the neighborhood so much before, she and her family moved back to it! I would like to serve on the Highlands board because I feel so fortunate to live and raise my children in a place with so many wonderful parks, places to walk, and friendly people. I would like to serve my neighbors by representing us to the city, ensuring concerns have a place to be heard, and championing the events and improvements desired by the people who live here.

Secretary

Karen Story Karen has lived in Kirkland since 1988, and in the Highlands since 1999. She's been on the Highlands Board since 2002. She is passionate about trails, sidewalks, and urban forests. She is a restoration steward at Cotton Hill Park and for the CKC.

KAN Representative

Gary Bustinduy He has lived in the Highlands Neighborhood since 1985. Gary is now retired and have the time and energy to give back to the city and community that I hold dear. I joined the board in 2024. I am our neighborhood's representative with the Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods (KAN). I strive to ensure that our neighborhood's needs, desires, and vision are heard and that the Highlands neighborhood and the City of Kirkland continue to be a place we all want to live.

Board Members at Large

Kevin Dunlap Kevin created and runs our Nextdoor group. He and his wife and three kids have lived in the Highlands since 1987. He's been on the Highlands board since 2016. 

Matthew Sachs  Matthew and his wife Liz moved to the Highlands in 2014. They have two young children. Matthew works at Google. He's been on the Highlands board since 2016. 

Barb Thompson  Barb is a longtime Kirkland Highlands resident who cares deeply about fostering a connected, welcoming neighborhood. With business experience at several Seattle technology organizations, she brings practical skills in organization and collaboration. During her daughter's years in Lake Washington Schools, she enjoyed volunteering on a variety of projects that strengthened the community. She would be honored to continue that service as a member of the neighborhood board, working to improve communication and support local projects that benefit us all.

Murray McKinney Sr. Murray has lived in the Highlands since 1976, and has seen a lot of changes in Kirkland. He is a Washington native and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from UW. He owned and operated his own Consulting Engineering Company for over 40 years. He is married and has two sons who grew up in Kirkland, one of whom lives with his family in the Highlands. Murray has been instrumental in working with the city on the water pressure issue. He believes it's important to be vigilant about the decisions that are made by the City Council and Manager.