CISSKC Board of Directors

Wade joined our Board of Directors in 2018. He is currently the Deputy Superintendent (Kent School District). Prior to that, he was an Associate Superintendent, Chief of Human Resources, an Executive Director, Kent-Meridian HS Principal (2007-2018) and also Asst. Principal (2004-2007). He is unapologetic about his social justice advocacy for the disenfranchised students, working tirelessly to remove barriers and create opportunities for students to believe in themselves and experience success.

Martin proudly joined our Board of Directors in 2021. Currently he is a Learning Improvement Officer in the Superintendent's Office in Federal Way Public Schools. His background included teaching in two Title I schools and being a Principal. He has dedicated his professional career to serving and supporting academic and social-emotional well-being of students, in particular those in need of additional support/care. He continues to see first hand the positive impact of CIS each and every day.

Joining the CISSKC Board of Directors in 2016, Karen previously served as a Kent School District Board Director and is a retired school teacher (33 years). She is the proud CIS mentor of several KSD students. She has dedicated her whole adult life to caring for and uplifting children, as an elementary school teacher, mom, school board director, mentor, tutor, and now grandma.

Joining the Board of Directors in 2019, Jessica is our current CIS Board of Director's Chair (President). Since 2015, Jessica has served as the Vice President of Student Services at Renton Technical College. Previous to that, Jessica spent over 15 years of service in various leadership roles within Student Affairs at Green River College.

David joined the CIS Board of Directors in 2024, because of "the connection between homelessness and poor educational outcomes. The two societal issues are deeply connected, and we need to address homelessness and educational outcome issues." He serves as Executive Director of Fusion, which provides emergency shelter, transitional housing for families experiencing generational homelessness, job skills training for re-employment and certified peer navigators to support families.

Mike Heinisch is a charter member of the original Communities In Schools of Kent Board of Directors and is currently our Board Treasurer. He is also the previous Executive Director of Kent Youth and Family Services, where he retired from in 2020. Mike said that his why for beig on our board is that "CISSKC provides critical support and linkages for students and families in great need of support, in both the Kent School District and Federal Way Public Schools."

Tim joined our Board of Directores in 2014 and serves as our CISSKC Board Vice President. Tim currently works for Harborstone Credit Union, as a Chief Experience Officer. He said he has always been passionate about youth and education. His mom and aunt were teachers, his wife is a principal and he has two school age children. He is grateful to have an opportunity to give back to our education system and our future generations.

Joining the Board of Directors in the mid 90's, Tom has also mentored many students over his time on the board. Tom retired from the mortgage industry in 2014, after 40 years of owning the Washington Park Mortgage. He said "I believe CIS is a very valuable resource for students at risk of not graduating. CIS helps students to succeed in school by connecting caring adults with students to offer guidance, support and referral to resources."

Bob was a charter member of the CIS of Federal Way Board and has been affiliated with serving the youth in our area for over 30 years. He is retired from the Weyerhaeuser Company, where he worked as a Human Resource Director. He strongly believes that the future of our nation will be determined by how well we care for and provide equitable opportunities for all our youth. To help make this happen requires involvement of community members, time and resources, which Bob contributes through CIS.