Chris Carrel         

Executive Director

Chris grew up in Federal Way and played along Hylebos Creek as a child. These early experiences with streams and Hylebos Creek salmon (along with camping and hiking trips with his family) formed Chris' loved of the natural world and his fascination with water and fish. Chris joined the Friends as Executive Director in 1999. Previously, Chris served as executive director of the Washington Wilderness Coalition and co-director of the Atmosphere Alliance (now Climate Solutions). He is also an award-winning science and environmental journalist. In 2007, Chris was named a Highline Community College Distinguished Alumni. He is currently serving as a member of the Federal Way Public Schools' Facilities Construction Oversight Committee.

When not working on Hylebos issues, Chris plies the soccer fields and sidelines of the region as soccer dad and player. Chris is an ardent supporter of Arsenal FC and Celtic FC.

Sheila Jackson

Development and Outreach Coordinator

Drawn by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Sheila moved with her family from the Midwest as a child and has called Federal Way home for the past 17 years. After earning a BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Washington, Sheila worked for a number of Seattle-based design firms before embarking on her own. She has a background in design, project management, marketing and outreach gained by her unique position of having her feet in both corporate communications and non-profit grassroots organizations. Sheila brings a life-long connection to nature coupled with a passion for stewardship, communication and collaboration to the Friends.

Hillary Kleeb

Restoration Coordinator

Hillary received a B.S. in Environmental Science in 2001 from Humboldt State University, in California.  Inspired by an internship in salmon restoration, she went on the serve two terms in the AmeriCorps Watershed Stewards Project.  It was here that she developed a love and respect for salmon, and a passion for combining outdoor fieldwork with volunteerism.  After a season in fisheries with the federal government, she is now able to combine all her favorite things in her work with the Friends of the Hylebos Wetlands.

Tamera Bull

Administrative Assistant

A Washington native, Tamera and her family have called Federal Way home for the past 17 years.  Following a long career with the Port of Seattle, she returned to Highline Community College to earn an AAS in Visual Communications in 2007.

Tamera brings a variety of talent and skills to the Friends including, experience in administrative and telecommunication support, planning and coordination, design, and a strong sense of customer focus and commitment.

She is excited to join the dedicated Friends team and looks forward to helping the Friends in achieving their goal of restoring and preserving the Hylebos Creek and Watershed for this and future generations of salmon and people.