Friends of Chinook School Board
NEXT BOARD MEETING OCTOBER, 20th @ 5PM
Read Past Minutes
Introducing the 2026 Friends of Chinook School Board of Directors
2026 Board Officers
Vera Karnofski, President:
Vera was elected as Board President in July 2025. She has served on the Board since 2018, including 4 years as Vice President. Her calm, yet persuasive demeanor makes her an excellent leader for FOCS. She has years of experience working with non-profits and her community. Her past work on the board includes membership drives and chairing fundraisers where she is often the primary chef for the event. Vera also worked with Youth Sports to improve the Chinook School Baseball Field. She is the owner of an organic farm that provides and markets produce to local restaurants and families.
Jim Goulter, Treasurer:
Jim is a fourth-generation resident of the Peninsula. Jim joined the Board of Directors in 2022 and was elected Treasurer in 2023. As a successful business owner, Jim understands business accounting practices and manages all aspects of business. Jim cares deeply about the Historic Chinook School and the Mission of FOCS to bring economic benefits to the community by creating opportunities for economic growth. He is the founder of Chinook Markets and is the Board liaison with Chinook Food Bank. His energy and drive excite the board to work to achieve a sustainable business plan for the future of Friends of Chinook School and their Mission to manage operations and maintenance of the buildings.
Layne Prest, Secretary:
Layne joined the Board in late 2024 and was elected Secretary in July 2025. Layne attended Chinook School, and his family has a generational history on the Peninsula. He has shown his passion for the school with volunteer landscaping, fundraising, and membership. The Board appreciates his ability to summarize and keep discussions on track. Layne lives in Chinook.
Board Directors
Trina Goulter:
Trina joined the Board in 2022. She volunteered for years at FOCS events and has been an active and willing participant at board meetings. Her enthusiasm and work in support of the Historic Chinook School are greatly appreciated. As the owner of Diamond Espresso, she brings knowledge about running a business and interacting with the public. She is a long-time resident of the peninsula and an active member of the community.
Stephanie Day:
Stephanie has lived on the Long Beach Peninsula for years and joined the Board in 2024. She is excited about connecting with the community and is well known for her willingness to volunteer for many local festivals and non-profit events. Her work history includes the Volunteer Coordinator at the Long Beach Merchants and Welcome Center and is a substitute preschool teacher for Wave of the Future Preschool. She loves the Historic Chinook School and enjoys working and supporting the Mission of the Friends of Chinook School. Currently, she is part of the Chinook Food Bank Committee.
Mike Thompson:
Mike was elected to the Board in July 2025. He has years of experience in managing and growing businesses and was previously highly ranked as a capital markets research analyst and salesperson. He has worked and lived in six countries and has dual UK/US Citizenship. After coming to the Peninsula for a number of years, he decided to make this community his permanent home, and we are very glad. In addition to FOCS, Mike also serves on the Board of the Humane Society. His experience and expertise are greatly appreciated as we grow our business.
Support of the Board
Dough Thompson:
Doug is our most revered Volunteer Staff Person. His experience as a past non-profit president and his vast community advocacy and support have guided us through many difficult times and decisions. Some of his key roles are the facilities maintenance and operations coordinator, the liaison with the Port of Chinook, and the Parliamentarian advisor to the board. Although he would probably not like to be recognized, he is vital to the success and sustainability of the Historic Chinook School.
Crystal Heil, Housekeeping :
Crystal is our amazing housekeeper for the Chinook School Event Center and Community Rooms. We have a large campus with many events and keeping it clean is a major task. The place is sparkling! Crystal is often the one who spots maintenance issues before they get worse. She also often brings great ideas for making the Event Center Campus even better. She does all this with a smile and enthusiasm. Thank you Crystal. You are a very important member of our team.