Strong leadership helps SWEPTA thrive.

SWEPTA is a volunteer-led and volunteer-run 501c3 non-profit organization. It thrives because of the time, care, and energy our community members bring to it. This page offers an overview of how SWEPTA is governed, how board leadership is elected, and the roles that help guide our work. You’ll find information about our nominating committee, resources for leaders, descriptions of board positions, and a list of our current board members. Whether you’re curious about how things work or considering getting more involved, you’re in the right place.

We are nominating a new Board of Directors on May 21. We hope you’ll join us! Click here to add the event to your calendar.

Meet Our Board Nominees

  • Liz Thomas

    CO-PRESIDENT

    Liz Thomas grew up on Whidbey Island, where the community shaped and supported her throughout her childhood. Raising her two children here, she is deeply grateful for the opportunity to give back to a place that has given so much to her.

    Professionally, Liz holds an executive leadership role at a global consulting firm, where she focuses on building strong teams, fostering collaboration, and driving results. She is passionate about supporting her school community and building connections across both long-time and new families to the island, and looks forward to bringing that same energy and partnership mindset to the PTA.

    Liz cares deeply about this community and the incredible island she calls home, and is honored to have the opportunity to serve.

  • Aaron Chaiclin

    CO-PRESIDENT

    Aaron Chaclin is a longtime South Whidbey parent, community member, and active supporter of local schools and arts organizations. He previously served on the board of the Whidbey Waldorf School and has spent the past three years serving on the South Whidbey Elementary PTA board, including one year as Vice President and two years as Treasurer.

    Aaron is also an active member of the Whidbey music community and values the role that schools and community organizations play in helping families and children feel connected and supported. He is honored to be nominated for the role of SWEPTA Co-President and looks forward to continuing to support students, teachers, and families across the South Whidbey community.

  • Faith Schilling

    CO-VP

    Faith Schilling has deep roots on Whidbey Island, where she grew up and chose to return two years ago to raise her family in the close-knit community she has always called home. As a stay-at-home mom to Quinn (4th grade) and Hudson (2nd grade), Faith pours her energy into her family and is excited to expand that dedication through PTA involvement.

    She believes strongly in creating school communities where every child and family feels seen, welcomed, and celebrated, and is thrilled to be raising her family on the island she loves.

  • Anna Blank

    CO-VP

    Anna Blank is a proud Whidbey Island native who recently returned home to raise her family in the close-knit community she has always loved. She values the safety, natural beauty, and strong sense of connection that make the island such a special place to live, and is especially grateful for the lifelong friendships she has maintained alongside the new ones her family has built since returning.

    Anna works full-time in the telecommunications industry and is eager to deepen her community involvement through serving on the PTA. She is passionate about fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment where all students and families feel valued and supported.

  • Aly Byatt

    CO-SECRETARY

    Aly Byatt brings a wealth of board experience to the PTA, having previously served larger community organizations. She is thrilled to channel that experience closer to home, supporting the school her own kids attend and building a stronger community for all families at SWES. 

  • Gena Felton

    CO-SECRETARY

    Gena Felton is an island native who attended South Whidbey Elementary in the early 90s and returned five years ago with her husband and son to put down roots in the community she loves.  She has served on the board of the South Whidbey Children’s Center for the past 2.5 years and is eager to bring that same commitment to her role as Co-Secretary.  Professionally, Gena is Executive Producer at a creative media studio she co-owns with her husband, Billy. 

  • Nick Mah

    TREASURER (Nominee)

    Nick Mah is a parent to Sam and Maxwell and is deeply invested in the SWES community. He brings a strong sense of responsibility and a thoughtful, steady approach to everything he does. A longtime leader at UW Medicine, Nick brings extensive experience managing complex operations, budgets, and systems with a high degree of accountability. He is detail-oriented, highly organized, and trusted to steward resources responsibly—and equally skilled at communicating financial information clearly so the community understands how decisions are made.

  • Kelsey Kohlwes

    TREASURER (Nominee)

    Kelsey Kohlwes is a South Whidbey Elementary parent with a strong background in nonprofit financial management and a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to community service. She previously served as Financial Director at Perfect Pals, where she oversaw budgeting and financial operations, and brings valuable experience in financial stewardship and organizational accountability.

    As both a current SWE parent and the parent of a future student, Kelsey is invested in the long-term strength of the school community. She is honored to be nominated for the role of SWEPTA Treasurer and looks forward to supporting students, teachers, and families through transparent and responsible financial leadership.

About the PTA

For over a century, PTA has brought families, educators, and communities together to support the well-being and success of every child. Founded in 1905, the Washington State PTA (WSPTA) is now the largest volunteer-led nonprofit in the state, connecting more than 80,000 members across 830+ local PTAs—including ours right here on South Whidbey.

When you join SWEPTA, you’re part of something bigger: a statewide and national movement committed to advocacy, equity, and opportunity for all students. Together, we amplify the voices of caregivers, build bridges between home and school, and help fund the programs and extras that make learning meaningful.

PTA’s Mission:

  • To be a powerful voice for children;

  • A relevant resource for families, schools, and communities;

  • And a strong advocate for the education and well-being of all children.

Our Vision:

That every child’s potential becomes a reality.

  • Bylaws are the rules and regulations enacted by an association to provide a framework for its operation and management. The Washington State PTA Uniform Bylaws provide an outline of our basic purposes, a structure for the governance of the association, and a description of the rights and responsibilities of membership. By their affiliation with National PTA and Washington State PTA, all local PTAs/PTSAs and councils are required to abide by and conform to those bylaws.


  • WSPTA policies     govern and guide the WSPTA board of directors and the WSPTA membership. The WSPTA board of directors owns the WSPTA policies and is charged with revising and updating them to reflect current business practices. The policies address how business is done but allow for some flexibility and nimbleness to address opportunities that may arise.

    Section Three: Local PTAs and Councils should be used as a resource by all PTAs in developing their own policies and procedures that align with the requirements to run an effective PTA. This section explains the standards of affiliation requirements, defines information regarding local PTA membership, considerations on membership dues, function of councils, information about electronic financial transactions, details for elections, procedures for financial reviews, board duties and meetings, explanation about WSPTA resources available, and volunteer recognition options, and more.

    (Note: download the WSPTA Policy Manual for best results in fully rendering the document.)

  • The Washington State PTA board of directors completed the WSPTA 2023-2026 Strategic Plan in the spring of 2023. Information was gathered and analyzed in multiple ways including a listening tour around the state gathering feedback from local leaders in every region.

    The strategic plan includes the following strategic directions and goals:

    Outreach

    • Expand Student Engagement

    • Generate and Cultivate Connections

    • Collaborate and Build Community Partnerships

    Inclusivity

    • Model Inclusivity

    • Operationalize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    • Promote Volunteer Sustainability

    Brand Building

    • Develop Revenue Sources

    • Modernize Marketing & Communications

  • Standing rules are the nuts and bolts of how our PTA operates day to day. While our bylaws provide the legal and structural framework, standing rules outline the specific practices we’ve adopted locally—like how meetings are run, how funds are handled, and what responsibilities board members carry. They help keep our work transparent, consistent, and tailored to the needs of the South Whidbey Elementary community.

    Read our Standing Rule

Board Elections & Nominations

Nominations are due 4/3 and elections will take place at the May Member Meeting.

See Meeting Details

  • The Nominating Committee is elected by the general membership and plays a key role in shaping the future of our PTA. Their job is to thoughtfully recruit and recommend candidates for elected board positions like President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. This includes reviewing nominations, interviewing potential candidates, and ensuring nominees are prepared to lead with integrity, vision, and a spirit of collaboration.

    This process is confidential, inclusive, and grounded in the best interests of our school community. After presenting a slate of nominees, SWEPTA members vote during a designated election meeting. Additional nominations may also be made from the floor.

    PTA leadership is about teamwork, trust, and shared values—and it all begins with the community stepping up to serve and vote.

  • This handbook provides detailed information on how to elect a nominating committee, how the nominating committee seeks and selects qualified nominees for PTA leadership, and how to elect PTA officers.

    View the Handbook

  • Nominations are open! If you are interested in serving on the board, or if you'd like to recommend someone for a board position, please complete the form at the link below. 

    Submit a Nomination

Board Member Positions

  • The role of PTA President or Vice-President is ideal for someone who enjoys collaboration, communication, and making things happen for our school community. As the elected leaders of the PTA, the president and vice-president help guide the vision, coordinate board and membership meetings, and ensure that our efforts reflect the needs of the South Whidbey Elementary community.

    Core Responsibilities:

    • Serve as the official spokespersons of SWEPTA

    • Preside over meetings, set agendas, and ensure meetings are fair, productive, and inclusive

    • Coordinate with board members, committee chairs, and the principal to support PTA programs and priorities

    • Oversee communication, budgeting, training, and compliance deadlines

    • Encourage leadership development and promote a positive, welcoming culture within the PTA

    • Ensure all officers and chairs are active PTA members and meet required training standards

    Time Commitment: Moderate and consistent throughout the school year; heavier around meetings, events, and planning windows

  • The PTA Secretary is both our record keeper and communications lead, helping ensure meetings are documented accurately and that SWEPTA members stay connected and informed.

    This role blends organization and creativity—perfect for someone who enjoys both details and design.

    Core Responsibilities:

    • Take and maintain official meeting minutes for board and general membership meetings

    • Track attendance and verify quorum for voting

    • Help prepare agendas and issue meeting notices (“call to meeting”)

    • Maintain the board roster, archive important documents, and uphold recordkeeping best practices

    • Record and report election results, votes, and key decisions

    Communications & Outreach Duties:

    • Manage member email communication through Givebacks (formerly MemberHub)

    • Schedule meetings, coordinate digital invites, and assist with calendar planning

    • Maintain and update the SWEPTA website (Squarespace)

    • Create flyers and graphics using Canva for both print and digital use

    • Oversee our Google Workspace (Docs, Drive, shared folders, etc.)

    • Assist with Instagram and Facebook posting and messaging, in coordination with the board

    • Ensure timely and consistent communication with SWEPTA members and the broader community

    Time Commitment: Moderate, with more activity around events and meeting weeks

    Ideal For: Someone who is organized, tech-comfortable, enjoys clear communication, and can juggle a variety of tasks with creativity and consistency

  • The PTA Treasurer is our financial steward—keeping track of every dollar, supporting our programs through budgeting, and ensuring we stay transparent, responsible, and in compliance.

    Core Responsibilities:

    • Manage and safeguard all PTA funds on behalf of members and the board

    • Record and track income and expenses, keeping accurate, up-to-date financial records

    • Deposit funds promptly and securely

    • Pay bills and reimburse approved expenses

    • Reconcile bank accounts monthly and submit required state/federal filings (e.g., IRS 990)

    • Prepare and present monthly and annual financial reports

    • Chair the budget committee and lead the creation of the annual budget

    • Submit records for mid-year and year-end financial reviews

    • Ensure compliance with WSPTA and IRS guidelines (including insurance, filings, and licenses)

    Helpful Tools & Platforms Used:

    • Online banking and financial software (like Excel or QuickBooks)

    • Givebacks (for dues and online membership payments)

    • Google Drive

    Time Commitment: Moderate to heavy, with regular ongoing tasks and key deadlines throughout the year

    Ideal For: Someone who’s organized, detail-oriented, comfortable with spreadsheets and basic accounting, and committed to transparency

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