Tom Eversole, President — Tom grew up on a farm in Appalachia. He has worked in special education and college teaching, mental health, substance abuse prevention/diversity training, and public health. Before moving to Orcas in 2017, he was a county and state public health administrator in Oregon. From 2017 to 2019, Tom managed the Hearts and Hands program at Orcas Senior Center (OSC) and served as interim superintendent for Orcas Island Health Care District. He formerly served as chair of the OSC operating committee. “I am grateful for volunteers and donors who make OSC possible. OSC can serve a broader range of islanders, and we have an opportunity/duty to explore sustainable programs and partnerships undertaken by senior centers nationwide.”

Allan Rosato, Vice President — In 1995, at age 25, Allan sailed from Bellingham to Orcas for a week-long vacation in the San Juans. Now, many years later, that vacation continues and he still finds himself fortunate enough to call this beautiful place his home. For the majority of his years on Orcas, Allan has worked as a property manager/caretaker for a handful of island families. His first involvement with Orcas Senior Center was with the Hearts and Hands program in 2018, and he became an Orcas District Committee member in 2020. He is also the coordinator for the Home Maintenance & Repair pilot program, which began in Spring 2022. It has given Allan great satisfaction to be part of an organization that cares so profoundly for the people they serve.

Paula Shuman, Treasurer — Paula moved to Orcas Island in 1985 and has seen many changes to the island’s way of life since. She has three children and eight grandchildren, some of whom still live on island. After thirty years in catering and household management, Paula transitioned to bookkeeping and nonprofit administration in 2017. She recently completed an Associate of Arts Degree at Skagit Valley Community College. She was the Board Chair of Salmonberry School for four years before becoming the school’s fiscal administrator in 2017- a position she still holds. Paula owns an OPAL home in the Rosario area and is treasurer of her HOA. “I look forward to exploring the Orcas Senior Center mission with the board and discovering ways we can come together and be of service to the Orcas community.”​

Darcey Miller, Secretary — Originally from Pennsylvania, Darcey Miller earned her degree in Environmental Science then moved to West Seattle in 1999. Since meeting long-time resident Allan Rosato of Orcas Island in 2017, Darcey has enjoyed being involved in the island community. She is the secretary of her property owners’ association and has served on the Orcas District Committee of Orcas Senior Center (OSC) since 2019, except for one year in which she acted as OSC’s Development Manager. She also participated in OSC’s Buddy Check-In Program which began early in the pandemic, and is grateful to have met one of her favorite people through that. She truly looks forward to serving as secretary of the Orcas Senior Center board and volunteering in the realms of event planning, fundraising, and social media. “My wish is that OSC continues to reach more people in our community, benefiting them however needed…and in unexpected ways, too!”

Lynnette Wood​. Bio coming soon…

Stephen Bentley — Originally from the Bronx, Stephen earned degrees in Social Work and Social Sciences, and worked in state/local child protective services and senior services program analysis. Experienced in government and health care information systems, Stephen formed SW Bentley Employee Benefits to broker small and mid-size group health insurance and employee benefit programs in 1998. On Orcas since 2008, Stephen has been an active volunteer with the Lions Club, Orcas Senior Center, Orcas Island Community Foundation, A-OK and the Early Childhood Education Initiative. He and his wife, Susan, live near Doe Bay. “My vision for the Orcas Senior Center is a sustainable 12-hour-per-day community center, integrated with other nonprofits and government entities, offering social, recreational, nutritional, and educational opportunities to our island residents.” 

Jennifer Hairston has served on the Orcas District Committee since 2020. She moved to Orcas Island from north Texas and wants to give back to this wonderful community. In Texas, she volunteered as a judge for Teen Court and as a Big Sister through Big Brothers/Big Sisters. For six years, she served on the board of a women’s service organization benefiting charities that help seniors in east Dallas. She looks forward to assisting with the ever-changing needs of our seniors on Orcas!

Greg Raffelson is pleased to be part of the unique community on Orcas. A San Francisco Bay Area native, Greg graduated from Stanford University with a BA in Economics. Greg became very aware of the needs of the seniors as he helped his aging parents through their journey. He would like to use his skills to strengthen the good work of the OSC and help his fellow seniors lead self-sufficient lives with a sense of dignity and grace. Hobbies include cooking, hiking, and raising two rescue pooches.