Brad brings extensive experience in organizational leadership, advancement, fundraising, and relationship‑building, grounded in a deep commitment to mission‑driven philanthropy. With more than 15 years in Washington’s Community and Technical College System, he most recently spent eight and a half years with the Skagit Valley College (SVC) Foundation. During that time, he served primarily as Executive Director, leading three major campaigns and significantly strengthening donor engagement and community support.

Brad also brings extensive board leadership experience. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for North Cascades Institute, where he recently completed a three‑year term as board chair. His previous board service includes the Association of Fundraising Professionals Advancement Northwest, the Northwest Washington Estate Planning Council, and the Society for Wilderness Stewardship.

Brad holds a Master of Education in nonprofit administration and leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Resource Management and Sustainability from Western Washington University.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Jenny, and their daughters, Campbell and Elise.

Kit Topaz brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and relationship-building. She has a rich history of passionate commitment to mission-driven organizations. Over the past several years she has focused on fundraising leadership across the Puget Sound region, most recently serving as Director of Development for the Kulshan Community Land Trust, where she helped grow individual giving and deepen relationships. She previously led development and community relations at Cocoon House, supporting young people experiencing homelessness in Snohomish County, and supported the development of a fundraising program from the ground up as the inaugural Development Manager at Save a Forgotten Equine.

Kit also brings a strong record of community and civic engagement. She is a 2025 graduate of Leadership Whatcom and currently serves as an officer with the Bellingham City Club. Her service to the region includes a term on the City of Bellingham's Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission, volunteer work with the Whatcom Land Trust, Lydia Place, and Whatcom Humane Society, and membership in 100+ Women of Whatcom.

A Pacific Northwest native, Kit is passionate about community building and environmental stewardship. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking the region's trails with her family and dogs and tending her tiny property in town where she grows veggies and herbs in her garden, and where she is cultivating a tiny forest of native trees and plants that feed her neighbors: insect, animal, and human.

Melissa first came to WCC as a running start student in 2008 and went on to complete her AS in Accounting in 2015, receiving scholarships through the Foundation to do so. She then dabbled in public bookkeeping for a few years before finding a home in the nonprofit world at the Downtown Bellingham Partnership. Nonprofit bookkeeping and operations is where she prefers to put her energy in efforts to expand community building and creating opportunities for those who need it most.

She is excited to be a part of the WCCF team! Melissa was born and raised in Whatcom County, and outside of work, she spends her time reading, crafting, and spending her weekends with her partner, dog, and cat.

With over 13 years of experience in higher education, Rose Hill (she/her) has dedicated much of her career to supporting students' success and access to education. As a Scholarship Specialist, Rose works passionately to ensure that students receive the resources they need to pursue their academic goals. Previously, she spent 10 years in Financial Aid and 3 years working with High School Completion students at Skagit Valley College. Rose has also contributed to local initiatives through her work with a foundation in Skagit County.

A proud graduate of Skagit Valley College with a Direct Transfer degree, Rose continued her education with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Driven by her belief in the power of community colleges to provide educational opportunities, she is committed to supporting students in overcoming barriers to success.

Outside of her professional life, Rose enjoys spending time with her family, especially cheering on her daughters during their year round club soccer games and track events in the spring.

Camille Ricciardelli brings more than a decade of experience in program management, community engagement, and administrative operations across nonprofit, healthcare, recreation, and educational organizations. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating meaningful programs, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring efficient, people-centered operations. Her background includes program development, event coordination, financial administration, compliance management, and stakeholder engagement, with a strong commitment to fostering positive experiences and expanding access to opportunities for the communities she serves.

A graduate of Western Washington University, Camille holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Social Sciences. She is passionate about supporting organizations that create pathways for learning, connection, and personal growth, and she believes in the power of community-focused programs to make a lasting impact.

Outside of work, Camille enjoys spending time outdoors with her wife, Elise, and their dog, Riley. Whether she's kayaking, camping, or heading to the beach, she can usually be found exploring and enjoying the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.