Friends of the Hylebos is governed by a volunteer board of directors who are responsible for setting policy, ensuring responsible fiscal management, fundraising and supervising the executive director.

The Friends of the Hylebos board for 2007-2008 is:

Bob Roegner, President. Bob is a former Mayor of the City of Auburn and has 33 years in upper management positions in state and local government. Bob currently works as a consultant to governments on Human Resources issues.

Jennifer Hale, Vice-President. Jennifer is an Environmental Manager for Weyerhaeuser Company in Federal Way, in natural resource damage assessment and remediation/environmental clean-up. With a focus on conservation, primarily riparian and wetland habitat restoration Jennifer earned a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona. Jennifer is an active volunteer with The Nature Conservancy-Washington, Citizens for a Healthy Bay, and the Friends of the Hylebos Wetlands.

Rus Higley, Secretary, is a marine biologist, faculty member and Manager of Highline Community College Marine Science & Technology (MaST) Center. He is working to create a community-based environmental resource whereby the residents of the Puget Sound can learn about the marine life in a hands-on, learner centered approach.  After earning his B.S. from Western Washington University, Rus joined the Peace Corps, where he taught high school science in Namibia, Africa for two years.  Rus earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum development in Education and is currently a Master’s Candidate in the University of Washington’s Marine Affairs Program

Treasurer. Matthew Jarvis is the Jr. Partner of Jarvis Financial Services, a Retirement and Estate Planning firm in Federal Way.  He has recently earned the prestigious Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation. As an Eagle Scout, Matthew stays involved with the youth of his community and is a supporter of Boy Scouts of America, Centerstage Theatre, Franciscan Foundation, Enumclaw Hospital Foundation, Federal Way Chamber of Commerce and many others. He is also President of the Washington Council of Employee Education (WACEE). 

Avery Ehlers. Avery is a Bank Examiner and Certified Fraud Examiner for Wells Fargo with an interest and post graduate work in Banking Studies.  Avery is a former small business owner whose volunteer experiences include wetland habitat experiences in Alaska and special needs/educational experiences for children.

Trisha Bennett happened upon the Hylebos trail in 1989 and was enchanted. In 1998, she joined the Friends to more actively support protecting and restoring the park. Trisha is a federal government affairs executive with Bennett Forest Industries and the past Chairwoman of the Board of the American Forest Resource Council. She also serves with a number of community, state, and business organizations..

Julie Brauns has worked in the small business services department at Brantley Janson Yost and Ellison for the last 14 years. She has been a resident of Federal Way for the past 28 years, is married, the mother to two grown daughters and enjoys hiking. Julie believes in using her talents to give back to the community and has been active on the Friends’ board since 2000, is the current treasurer for State Senator Eide’s re-election campaign and served as treasurer for PTA at local and council levels.

Jim Burbidge. Dr. Burbidge is a retired dentist and 38-year resident of Federal Way. He has been active in many professional and civic organizations, serving on the first Board of Directors of St. Francis Hospital and as treasurer of the successful incorporation campaign for the City of Federal Way. He presently is chairman of the Kiwanis Foundation of Federal Way and serves on several other boards.

Margery Godfrey recently retired as the Northwest Territory Sales Manager for F. Schumacher & Co., New York, oldest and largest privately held textile design and wallcovering manufacturer in America. In 1989, Schumacher named Margery “Salesman of the Year”, the first woman awarded this honor in the Company’s 111 year history.  She has served on the state Board of Directors for ASID for four and a half years and was awarded the National ASID Partnership award in 1998.  She is currently on the Advisory Board of Bellevue Community College and the SDC Advisory Board.

Robert Heath is the Northwest Audit Manager for Wells Fargo Business Credit, Inc. Bob learned about the West Hylebos Wetlands after moving to Federal Way in 2002 and was impressed to find such a remarkable natural treasure in his new city. Shortly thereafter, he joined the board of directors to participate in the conservation of the important natural areas in the community

Walt Schrader Walt has served on the Friends board since 2004. He has been a resident of the Federal Way area since 1988 where he owns a small janitorial business. Active in civic organizations, Walt has served as Past President Federal Way Noon Kiwanis, Vice President of Federal Way Kiwanis Foundation, Board Member of Federal Way Historical Society and former 30th District Chair for the Republican Party.

Eric Stavney, Eric Stavney is a biology instructor at Pierce College-Fort Steilacoom. He has been with the Board since 2003 and has served several terms as Board President.  Eric holds degrees in biology and microbiology and was honored for "outstanding work in promoting science education" while at Highline Community College. He finds great  inspiration and satisfaction in planting trees, counting fish, monitoring water quality, and ripping up blackberries alongside other volunteers at Hylebos Steam Team events.

Judy Turpin is a retired lobbyist on natural resources, social service and education issues. She currently serves on several foundation boards and volunteers on water policy for the Washington Environmental Council

The Friends' board is elected by members at the organization's annual meeting and picnic. Board members can be added during the year, as needed.