TIPS STAFF:

Maureen Brotherton, Founding Director. In 1997, Maureen Brotherton noticed a shortage of opportunities in Seattle that engage young leaders in the non-profit sector.  As a result, she and her daughter, Tia Heim founded TIPS to provide teens with valuable job opportunities, while providing non-profits with bright and energetic high school students to fill their work force gaps. Maureen oversees the TIPS operation and spends much of her time seeking new collaborations and funding.

Maureen is a busy mother of five children and the grandparent of two. She received her BA in Society & Justice, from the University of Washington and her MA in Not-For-Profit Leadership from Seattle University.

Cathy Michalec, Executive Director. Cathy joined TIPS in October 2007. As Executive Director, she brings over 9 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Cathy is in charge of all fund raising activities at TIPS including grant writing, corporate sponsorships and event management. She is excited to be working with the future leaders of tomorrow and is thrilled to be working within the network of the many non-profit organizations in Seattle that TIPS serves.

Prior to TIPS, Cathy was the Executive Director for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, Northwest chapter, and Development Director for a public radio/tv station in Central PA. Cathy holds a BS in Education from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. She has also served as Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco.

Alice Lawson, Administrative Manager. Alice joined TIPS in May 2007 and brings over 19 years of office and program administration experience. She has an extensive background in bookkeeping, database management, and human resources in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sector. She also brings a passion for public service and education and serves as a WA State PTA legislative representative.

Alice has a BA in Business Administration and a BA in Humanities from Seattle University and is currently in the University of Washington's Masters in Public Administration program.

2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Ann Blume
Executive Director, The Bruce and Ann Blume Fund

Maureen Brotherton, Founder
MA Not-for-Profit Leadership, Seattle University

Teena Curry
MPA, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University

Mark Davis
Vice President, Business Development, Citigroup Bank

Katie Deines
PR Manager, Expedia

Brandon Ehrlich
Mortgage Banker, First Horizon Home Loans

Jason Filippini, Board Treasurer
CPA, Clothier and Head

Tia Heim, Board Secretary
Attorney, D.R. Horton, TIPS Co-founder

Rory James
Vice President, Life Sciences and Technology Division, Comerica Bank

Christina Koons
President, Tsuga, Inc. & KOBA, Inc.

Dave Miller
Applications Manager, Digeo, Inc.

Ned Sander
Principal, AH&T Insurance

Miko Shinoda, Board Vice President
Independent Consultant/Venture Capitalist, retired

Jordan Sullivan
2006 TIPS Intern, Student at Nathan Hale High School

Emily Tessier
2006 Intern, Student at Eastern WA University

Carl Weissman, Board President
President and CEO, Accelerator Corporation