Board of Directors

David Paul

David Paul

President

Retired school administrator. Prior board service includes Council for Exceptional Children, Washington State Special Education Coalition, and Maritime Heritage Foundation

Jay Krienitz

Jay Krienitz

Vice President

Shoreline restoration fund program manager with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife with a strong background in nonprofit administration and organizational development. He lives outside of Olympia with his three kids and wife in the forest.

Beth Schluter

Beth Schluter

Treasurer

Director of Finance and Scholarships for the South Puget Sound Community College Foundation. Lifelong lover of art history, craft and folk arts.

Mary Soltman

Mary Soltman

Board Member

Retired, Dean of Humanities and Communications at South Puget Sound Community College

Mary Linders

Mary Linders

Board Member

Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, supporter of traditional music

Willie Smyth

Willie Smyth

Board Member

Retired Washington State Folklorist

Jane Stone

Jane Stone

Board Member

Retired Professor of Art History and Studio Art, South Puget Sound Community College

Lara Tukarski

Lara Tukarski

Board Member

Scrimshander, South Sound FieldSTEM Coordinator at the Pacific Education Institute.

JD Miller

JD Miller

Board Member

Retired social worker and small business owner. Supporter of live music.

Ellen F Zito

Ellen F Zito

Board Member

WA Department of Children,Youth and Families: early childhood education policy, former preschool teacher/purveyor of wonder

Kuen Kuen Spichiger

Kuen Kuen Spichiger

Board Member

Program Specialist at Folk and Traditional Arts Program, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission; Artist/Educator/Illustrator of Kuen Art Shop LLC

Annie Barrett

Annie Barrett

Board Member

Self-employed wellness coach and yoga instructor, supporter of traditional music and community arts.

Office Staff

Hillary Tully, Executive Director

Hillary is a writer and folklorist originally from Tallahassee, Florida. She brings experience in arts administration, communications, and education and she holds a Master’s in Folklore from the University of Oregon. With a love of folklife and a passion for supporting local arts and artists, she joined Arbutus in October 2020 and is excited to carry forward its mission.

Doreen McAvityProgram Administrator

Doreen McAvity is a longtime Olympia resident and artist managing our class registrations, fielding inquiries from the public, coordinating with instructors, and more. Doreen has taken many classes at Arbutus herself, and enjoys the creative energy, conversations, and camaraderie she finds in our studios.

Bethany NovielloAdministrative Coordinator

Bethany Noviello serves as a primary point of contact for the public, supports course registration management, and assists in communications and marketing efforts. Along with a professional background in public education and national service, she brings to Arbutus a lifelong love of learning and creating.

Callie Wood, Accounting Assistant

View our Woodworking, Ceramics, Fiber Arts, and other Arts Instructor Staff here.

© Arbutus Folk School