Board of Directors

 

As I wrap up my 22nd year of teaching high school this week in western Washington, I look forward to the best perk of the profession…summer break! With that free time comes the enjoyment of making memories at our lake house here at Veranda Beach. We stumbled upon Veranda Beach when visiting friends two summers ago when they invited us to enjoy a week with them at their new lake house so that our boys, who are school mates, could kick off their summer break at the lake. It was love at first sight and by happenstance, a house three doors down was for sale and we placed an offer on it that weekend as we drove home! This lake house is our investment in the next nine summers that we will have as a family before our son heads off on his own after high school graduation with the hopes that he will bring his college buddies, future significant others, and his children here to enjoy all that is magical about Veranda Beach.

 

Our story is no different than many of yours as most homeowners discovered Veranda Beach as renters themselves or by visiting friends and that is my goal as a future HOA Board Member…protect the best part of all our collective family stories…the memories we make at Veranda Beach. There are three things to protect:

 

1. Our investments into the homes and common spaces supported by economical saving and spending of the HOA assessments
2. Maintaining the quality Veranda Beach experience for homeowners and renters by ensuring that approved rental agencies and the HOA enforce the CC&R’s and provide the safest and most rewarding experience to homeowners, guests, and each other
3. Increase homeowner knowledge and approval of recommendations made by the HOA Board that tailors to homeowner expectations and wants as assigned in the By-Laws

 

I will protect our investments, maintain the concept of Veranda Beach that allows for growth and common sense, and communicate ideas and needs to homeowners as an HOA Board Member. My decades as an educator of high school Math, History, and Spanish here in Washington and previously in Michigan and Arizona have given me the skill set of implementing standards and providing scaffolds so that all stakeholders can access success on their individual path while working with different administrations, school systems, students, staff, parents, and communities. We as homeowners have a common expectation for our time at Veranda Beach. Individually we make our own memories that should not include hidden agendas, increased fees due to poor spending choices, and divisive motions and amendments that tear apart our community from the past actions of a few that bear nothing on the present or the future.

 

A singular vote for me, Kiera Wright, is a vote for a fresh voice advocating for transparency, fairness, and a sustainable future for the generations of Veranda Beach to come. I have joined the Finance Committee to learn about and be a voice of caution and reason for future spending and will continue that collaboration and teamwork as a Board member that is here to make memories with my family and yours.

 

My wife, Heather, and I first discovered the Veranda Beach community in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were immediately drawn to its unique charm, strong sense of community, and its ideal location as a gateway to the Okanagan Valley. In 2022, we fulfilled our goal of becoming cottage owners and have cherished every opportunity to spend time here with family and friends.

 

I view service on the HOA board as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a place that has become very special to us. I am committed to building upon the community’s many strengths, ensuring we retain the best of what has been developed while thoughtfully planning for the future. My goal is to help preserve the character and shared values of Veranda Beach, while supporting decisions that sustain and grow our collective investment.

 

Our family is from Olympia, WA. My background is in government affairs where I have represented the private sector for more than 20 years on state public policy issues. Heather and I have four children—three adults and one currently in high school—and we enjoy spending as much time as possible together at the lake. We are also accompanied by our dog, Tucker, who is known for his enthusiastic greetings (our apologies to anyone he has jumped on while passing our cottage). We are proud to be part of this community and eager to support its continued success.

 

Email: bhhouse@comcast.net

 

I am a recently retired entrepreneur with a track record of success in clean energy markets, but you may also know me as dog dad to Charlie, our 8 year-old Golden Retriever.

 

I am interested in serving our community as a board member to help the HOA team continue their strong record of problem solving and operational success. My wife Kari and I have been owners at Veranda Beach since 2006 and we have been very active in the Veranda Beach community. Kari has previously been on the HOA Board and I have been an active volunteer contributing to various efforts such as the annual hockey rink build and the sandbagging and pumping crew when our community was flooded.

 

Regarding my qualifications, my experience spans a variety of industries ranging from fuel cells and electronics to natural gas and hydrogen. I have managed high performing teams, developed strategic partnerships in Europe, North America and Asia, and have served on several corporate boards, including Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Canada and Tiger Industries. In 2017 I founded BrightSide Solutions to help large commercial and industrial organizations transition their transportation operations to low carbon fuels. In 2022 I sold this successful venture to Anew Climate and stayed on as President until I retired in 2024. I now have the time, skills and experience to take on a larger role in our community; hence my interest in serving on the HOA board.

 

Veranda Beach has been very important to our family and we have created great memories here, including the engagement of our daughter at the top of Cactus Mountain. The community has had some ups and downs over the past 18 years but it remains a wonderful place to build memories with family and friends. I hope I can count on your support and look forward to working with all the board’s members to the benefit of our entire community.

 

Email: mark.grist@outlook.com

 

 

We bought our home at Veranda Beach in August 2020 during COVID era after a magical 4th of July vacation here, which we booked on a whim, drawn by the community’s charm and its East Coast feel.

 

I have a professional background in finance, training, leadership, and HR focused on start up and change situations in large and small organizations, bringing a practical, people-focused approach.

 

My goal would be to foster open communication, preserve Veranda Beach’s unique character, and create a cohesive environment for residents, renters, guests, and the Oroville community so that others can experience the magic we felt on that first visit.  

 

I believe we can come together as a community to reinvigorate the singular, outstanding resort it was meant to be and am committed to helping make sure Veranda Beach stays a welcoming, vibrant place for all who call it home; whether it’s one day or every day.

 

Email: ptheller@live.com

 

 

Hailing from Calgary, the Winters Family bought 109 Veranda Drive in May 2018, though they have been taking their summer vacations at Veranda Beach since 2013. 

 

Since becoming owners, Jay and his wife Regan -- along with their three boys, Jack (19), Oliver (18) and Archie (16) – have been spending as much time as they can at the beach, including the full summer months, March Breaks, Thanksgivings, Christmases and New Years. 

 

Jay is a tax lawyer and a partner at Bennett Jones LLP.  Jay served on the Veranda Beach Board of Directors from 2020 – 2024.

 

Email: john.a.winters@icloud.com