Our Staff

Meet the Team

  • Elizabeth Kilanowski has served on the Lummi Island Heritage Trust Board for more than nine years, including nine years as Chair of the Land Protection Committee and most recently as Chair of the Finance Committee. She also served as Interim Executive Director in 2022.

    A Whatcom County resident for more than 27 years, Elizabeth has volunteered with numerous organizations focused on conservation, water resources, and climate change. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Art Education and Geology, as well as a master’s degree in Geology.

    Elizabeth is deeply committed to protecting Lummi Island’s natural places for generations to come. “I’ve had a lifelong commitment to the conservation of the natural world and care deeply about leaving protected places for the next generations.”

  • Sean has resided in Whatcom County since the early 1990’s, and has lived on Lummi Island since 2023. He graduated from Western Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in International Business, and a minor in Environmental Studies. Over his career, Sean has worked with San Juan Cruises, Washington State Parks, Whatcom Community College and owns and operates Double Crown Records and The Continental Magazine. Sean is an avid backpacker and hiker, recently completing 1700 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2025 as well as the 300-mile Chinook Trail in 2018. When time allows, Sean volunteers with the Washington Trails Association. He brings to the Trust an expertise in office administration, attention to detail and love of hiking trails, nature and land preservation.

  • Skylar's conservation journey began as a Youth Conservation Corps member with a Land Trust in Northern New Mexico, where he contributed to trail maintenance, invasive species control, and data collection. Skylar's commitment to conservation led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Sustainability and a minor in Geographic Information Systems at Western Washington University, where he focused on land use, environmental planning, and equitable community development. Skylar views the world from a bird's-eye view, a skill he applies by using GIS technology to create, analyze, and develop web maps and applications that assist conservation efforts. Skylar is delighted to contribute his skills to preserving the nature of Lummi Island.

    When he’s not working on stewardship projects, Skylar enjoys exploring the North Cascades and surrounding areas through hiking, biking, skiing, and fly fishing.

  • NOW HIRING: Outreach and Development Manager
    20 hours/week • 0.5 FTE • Lummi Island Heritage Trust

    Email Resume & Cover Letter directly to info@liht.org


    Position Summary
    The Outreach and Development Manager leads communications and community outreach, coordinates outreach
    programs and events, and supports the Executive Director with fundraising, donor stewardship, and development activities. This position works closely with staff, board members, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
    Key Responsibilities
    • Lead content creation and promotion for events, outreach, the website, social media, e-news, and traditional media.
    • Coordinate community outreach, education, and fundraising events and programs, including support for the Board’s Community Outreach Committee.
    • Build and coordinate volunteer engagement in partnership with the Stewardship Manager; recruit, track, and recognize volunteers.
    • Prepare informational materials and donor communications with the Executive Director and Office Manager.
    • Build relationships with community organizations to increase LIHT visibility and participation.
    • Research funding opportunities and assist with grant writing, fundraising strategy, donor research, and stewardship.
    • Assist with visitor support, incoming calls, and other duties as assigned.
    Qualifications
    • Commitment to LIHT’s mission, values, conservation, and the island community.
    • Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, editing, and proofreading skills.
    • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft 365 and Adobe applications; experience with LGL and Canva preferred.
    • Highly organized, accurate, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects through completion.
    • Able to work independently and collaboratively, maintain confidentiality, solve problems, and build strong
    relationships.
    • Professional and personable; nonprofit experience is a plus.
    Work Environment & Requirements
    The position is based at the LIHT Resource Center at the Otto Preserve, 3560 Sunrise Rd. Residency on Lummi Island is
    preferred. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work for events and committee meetings and includes the ability to traverse LIHT preserves, sometimes in inclement weather, as well as routine computer and office work.
    Time Commitment & Benefits
    20 hours/week (0.5 FTE), with occasional evening and weekend work. Benefits include accrued annual leave, floating
    holidays, sick leave, and a Simple IRA with a 3% match