Elections are held every two years in odd years. Our next election will be in December, 2027.
Here are the current Highlands Neighborhood board members.

Chair
Mari Bercaw
Mari and her husband, Hyer, have lived in the Highlands since 1996. Her three kids went to local schools. She's been on the Highlands board since 2005. She's been chair since 2022.

Treasurer   
Kara Pietila 
I lived in the Highlands from 2007-2013, then moved away to be near family in California. We loved the Highlands neighborhood so much that we moved back in 2017! I feel so fortunate to live and raise my children in a place with so many wonderful parks, places to walk, and friendly people. I would like to serve my neighbors by representing us to the city, ensuring concerns have a place to be heard, and championing the events and improvements desired by the people who live here. Kara has been on the board since 2019.

Secretary      
Karen Story 
Karen has lived in Kirkland since 1988, and in the Highlands since 1999. She's been on the Highlands Board since 2002, and served as chair for 16 years.

Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods Representative
Gary Bustinduy 
I have lived in the Highlands Neighborhood since 1985. I am now retired and have the time and energy to give back to the city and community that I hold dear. I joined the board in 2024. I am our neighborhood's representative with the Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods (KAN). I strive to ensure that our neighborhood's needs, desires, and vision are heard and that the Highlands neighborhood and the City of Kirkland continue to be a place we all want to live.

Board Members at Large  

Kevin Dunlap 
Kevin founded and runs our Nextdoor group. He and his wife and three kids have lived in the Highlands since 1987. He's been on the Highlands board since 2016.

Matthew Sachs 
Matthew and his wife Liz moved to the Highlands in 2014. They have two children. He's been on the Highlands board since 2016.

Barb Thompson
Barb is a longtime Kirkland Highlands resident who cares deeply about fostering a connected, welcoming neighborhood. With business experience at several Seattle technology organizations, she brings practical skills in organization and collaboration. During her daughter’s years in Lake Washington Schools, she enjoyed volunteering on a variety of projects that strengthened the community. She would be honored to continue that service as a member of the neighborhood board, working to improve communication and support local projects that benefit us all.

Murray McKinney Sr.
Murray has lived in the Highlands since 1976, and has seen a lot of changes in Kirkland (some good, some not so good). He has been instrumental in working with the city on the water pressure issue. He believes it's important to be vigilant about the decisions that are made by the City Council and Manager.