Elections are held every two years in odd years. Our next election will be in December, 2025. Here are the current Highlands Neighborhood board members. Chair: Mari Bercaw Treasurer: Kara Pietila Secretary: Karen Story Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods Representative: Gary Bustindy Board Members at Large: Kevin Dunlap Matthew Sachs Tim Malone Laura Ruderman Dieta Hanson Launa Johnson 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. 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. Tim Malone My wife and I have lived in our Highlands home since 1988. I joined the board in 2019. Our daughter went to Peter Kirk, Kirkland Middle School, LW High, and UW! I’d like to continue serving on the Highlands board because I’ve bonded to the area and want to give a little back. It’s not difficult with the great people, places to walk, the CKC bike path... I look forward to learning more about our issues and advocating our points of view to the city. I joined the board in 2019. Laura Ruderman Laura represented the Highlands in the state legislature from 1999-2004. She first dreamed of living here while doorbelling the neighborhood in 1998 and made that a reality when she and her fiancé (now husband) moved into the neighborhood in 2006. Laura is currently the CEO of the Technology Alliance. She joined the board in 2020. Dieta Hanson I have lived in the Highlands since 2018 when I moved to Kirkland with my husband and daughter. We live right around the corner from Highlands Park and spend a lot of time there playing on the playground and walking our dog. I am excited to be on the board to help out with neighborhood activities, and to ensure that all residents have input into the future of the neighborhood. I joined the board in 2021. Launa Johnson I moved to the Highlands in 2021 after living in Juanita for 11 years. I have four children in local schools. We are a baseball family. I have a passion for parks, and volunteering. I've done green Kirkland events at several parks, and used to do my own park clean up twice a week. I helped bring Ridwell recycling to Kirkland, got plants in the planter in Juanita beach, and helped string holiday lights. I love getting community involved, and making a difference for my kids and everyone to enjoy. I’d love to help make Kirkland and our neighborhood even better. I joined the board in 2021. 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.