Matt Klope, President
Matt Klope is owner of Whidbey Island Taxidermy, and an avid bird enthusiast. He is retired Wildlife Biologist with the United States Navy. He joined the Foundation in 2013.
Cindy Elliser, Secretary
Dr. Cindy R. Elliser received her B.S. (2000) and M.S. (2003) in Biological Sciences from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and received her Ph.D. in Integrative Biology from FAU in 2010. For 10 years she worked with Dr. Herzing and the Wild Dolphin Project studying Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins in the Bahamas. In 2014 Dr. Elliser moved to the Pacific Northwest and founded Pacific Mammal Research to study marine mammals in the Salish Sea, particularly harbor porpoises and harbor seals. She is the author of numerous papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has presented at international scientific conferences. Dr. Elliser also teaches biology and related courses as an adjunct professor at Skagit Valley College. Dr. Elliser joined the Foundation Board in 2017.
Lori L. Maul, Treasurer
Lori Maul joined the board in 2018 as Treasurer. She has a background in administration, finance, human resources, and fundraising. She and her husband own Fidalgo Artisan Yarn & Clothing in Anacortes. The shop specializes in her own hand-dyed luxury yarns and artisan made clothing. She is an avid gardener, knitwear designer and enjoys the outdoors immensely. Lori is married to fellow board member, Dan Maul.
Dan Maul
Dan Maul lives in Cornet Bay with his wife and fellow board member, Lori. They own Fidalgo Artisan Yarn & Clothing in Anacortes. Dan is very active in the Anacortes community and enjoys outdoor activities including fishing, crabbing and shrimping. Dan joined the Foundation Board in 2017.
Dave Myers
Dave Myers joined the Deception Pass Park Foundation in 2017. He is a Retired Navy Veteran that still works for the Navy where he is the Manager of Cliffside RV Park. Dave is an avid hiker and burgeoning naturalist whose passion is sharing his knowledge and love of the outdoors and the spectacular places of Whidbey Island with others new to, or visiting the wonderful world of Island Life. Deception Pass has always held a special place for him, it’s his go-to getaway to relax and unwind, The Tursi Trail is his new favorite hike, so if you see him out there take a moment and say “Hello”! Dave heads up the Education Committee for the Foundation.
Elle Tracy
Elle Tracy is a recent transplant into our geography, and brings with her about 25 years’ experience with non-profit boards. She feels blessed to live so near to Deception Pass Park, the jewel in the crown of Washington State Parks. Elle is a working screenwriter and heads up the Marketing/Media Committee for the Foundation.
Pat Johnson
Pat grew up in N Seattle in a family that enjoyed hiking and camping. She attended the Univ. of Wash, earning a degree in pharmacy in 1975, and moved to Oak Harbor. Pat recently retired after a 35 year career working as a pharmacist .She and her husband enjoy travel, camping and kayaking. She joined the Beach Naturalist program in 2014 as her first volunteer experience with Deception Pass Park, and is also a Salish Sea Steward. In her position as Volunteer Coordinator on the foundation board she hopes to connect people to the rewards of volunteering while doing good for our beautiful park!
Jason Armstrong, Park Manager and Advisory Member
Jason retired from the Washington State Patrol in 2015 as a lieutenant; supervising Skagit, Island and Whatcom County. After retiring from the Washington State Patrol Jason worked for the Washington State Department of Corrections as a Community Corrections Supervisor, managing a small parole office in Whatcom County. Jason took over as the Area Manager for the Deception Pass Area in 2017, which includes Deception Pass, Kukutali Preserve, Hope Island, Skagit Island, and Dugualla. Jason’s favorite place in the park is Bowman Bay as it offers some mild hikes and a beautiful view from the Bowman Bay Pier.
