Board/Staff & Advisors

  • Kirsten Johnson

    Board President

    Kirsten has been a home owner for several decades on Whidbey Island and has a background as an attorney focusing on human services in Seattle. She is passionate about creating solutions for the Whidbey Island community, and is an active board member with extensive training in Community Land Trusts through the Grounded Solutions Network.

  • David Rothrock

    Secretary/Treasurer

    David has a deep affinity for Whidbey Island where he has been a longtime home owner. Some of his fondest moments are playing with his four kids on Whidbey’s beaches. David brings over two decades of commercial real estate experience both nationally and internationally as a principal of the firm Meriwether Advisors.

  • Amy Gulden

    As a longtime real estate professional, designer, and developer on Whidbey Island, Orcas Island, and Maui, I am passionate about helping people create homes that reflect quality, beauty, and lasting value.

    Before real estate, I worked in hospitality, wellness spas, restaurants, farmers markets, galleries selling my art, and as an outdoor guide and marine naturalist. These experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the industries that sustain our island communities and the people who make them thrive. I understand firsthand how challenging homeownership can be in our market and how transformative it is when achieved.

    Homeownership isn’t just about having a place to live; it’s about creating opportunities. As a board member for Home on Whidbey, I am committed to supporting its mission of providing accessible and sustainable housing solutions. Everyone deserves the chance to put down roots and create a home that allows them to thrive.

  • Jenn Jurriaans

    Jenn is a business owner in Langley who knows the affordable housing issue on Whidbey intimately. 

    She and her husband own Prima Bistro and Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar and have countless examples of employees struggling to keep or find housing on South Whidbey. 

    She has strong connections within the community that she has served for nearly 19 years. 

  • Paul Shissler

    Advisor

    Madrona Community Development SPC

    Paul is a community development specialist that was one of the founding members and first Executive Director of Kulshan Community Land Trust in Bellingham, WA. From his experience establishing Kulshan to be a premier CLT’s in the state, to his on-going efforts develop the capacity of Community Land Trusts around the region, Paul’s expertise on affordable home solutions is a real asset for Home On Whidbey.

  • Kathryn Hurtley

    Membership & Communications Coordinator

    Kathryn and her husband moved to Whidbey Island from Alaska in 2015. Kathryn joined Home on Whidbey in February 2024. As the membership and communications coordinator, her role supports the organization’s outreach Island-wide. Kathryn’s work will entail member relations, program support & development, and informational outreach for the organization.

    Kathryn brings over 20 years of nonprofit management experience as well as her education background of photography, graphic design, and a master’s in public administration to her position. She has served in leadership roles for libraries, museums, salmon recovery, and conservation.

Make an impact with us.

Are you wanting to help address one of the biggest needs that Whidbey Island faces today? We currently have several open Board seats in addition to roles on special action committees that are vital to creating a dynamic Community Land Trust.