Sustainable South Sound

Rachel Friedman

Board President

Rachel Friedman has a Masters of Forest Science from the University of Washington and a Bachelors of Science from Hampshire College.  This science background led her into the environmental regulatory world for approximately 30 years. Her career spanned local, state and federal service in a variety of capacities.   She rounded out her public service career with the National Marine Fisheries Service implementing the Endangered Species Act.  She was primarily responsible for working on pesticide toxicity issues affecting threatened and endangered salmon species throughout the Pacific Northwest.  She has a deep abiding passion for the protection of our earth.  Currently, Rachel owns a small business in Olympia, Motion in Balance Studio. She serves on the board of the Zonta Club of Olympia and is also a member of Dining out for Women. Rachel has 2 sons, both grown and gone and is married to Larry Geri, faculty of The Evergreen State College.

Aaron Shively

Vice – President

Aaron serves as director of operations for Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters, and also plays in local bands, amongst them the legendary DBST.

Chris Hawkins

Board Treasurer

Chris is a graduate of community and regional planning at the University of British Columbia. He works for the Thurston County Public Health department as its Active Healthy Communities Coordinator, preventing chronic disease by making environment and policy changes to support healthier eating and increased physical activity. Chris has served over the past decade with several South Sound public interest and non-profit organizations in environment and social development work, including Alliance for Public Transportation, Capital Bicycling Club, Climate Solutions/Energy Outreach Center, Olympia Safe Streets, South Sound YMCA and SPEECH. He has followed a passion for outdoor activity by advocating for active transportation and trails at the local and state level.

Joe Hyer

Ex Officio Boardmember – Program Director

Joe Hyer graduated from Pacific University in 1994, with a degree in Creative Writing.  By 1996, he had opened The Alpine Experience, an outdoor retail store in Downtown Olympia.  He served on the Olympia City Council from 2004-2010- including assignments such as – Solid Waste Advisory Committee (County & State), Visitor & Convention Bureau Board, EDC Board, EMS Council, General Government Committee Chair, and  Finance Chair.  In addition, he has served on the Board of Directors of the Outdoor Industry Association (Nat’l trade group) and Olympia Downtown Association.
Currently, Joe is a partner with the Percival Consulting Group, contracted to oversee and operate the Buy Local and TC Pro-net programs for the organization.  He still lives in Downtown Olympia, with his two dogs, Baldur the Grat Dane and Maq the Havaton.