Kitsap County appoints Tom Coleman and Wendy Robinson to advisory boards

The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners on March 9 voted to appoint Tom Coleman to the Parks Advisory Board and Wendy Robinson to the Veterans Advisory Board to complete vacant three‑year terms ending Dec. 31, 2028. The motions were moved and seconded and carried without recorded opposition.

Commissioner (speaker 3) moved the appointment of Tom Coleman to the Parks Advisory Board and described Coleman’s long record of volunteer stewardship. “He’s an avid park goer and an outdoors enthusiast,” the commissioner said, noting Coleman has served as steward president of Newberry Hill Heritage Park since 2008 and helped lead trail‑building and Eagle Scout projects.

Tom Coleman, who spoke after the vote, introduced himself and thanked the board: “I’m Tom Coleman and I’d like to thank you guys. In 2010 the community got together and we put together a heritage park. It’s now 1,100 acres and in four years we’ll celebrate our twentieth anniversary.” He said volunteer stewardship saves the county money and benefits participants, including scouts and church groups.

The board also approved Wendy Robinson’s appointment to the Veterans Advisory Board. Commissioner (speaker 3) described Robinson as an honorably discharged U.S. Navy veteran with more than 30 years in naval ship maintenance and as an active member of local veterans organizations. After the vote Robinson said, “I’m Wendy Robinson. Thank you very much for allowing me to do this. I’m looking forward to helping our vets.”

Both advisory boards provide advice to county staff and the Board of Commissioners: the Parks Advisory Board advises the Parks Director on park acquisition, development and administration, and the Veterans Advisory Board advises the board on local indigent veteran needs and related programs. The appointments were recorded as part of the meeting’s consent and action items; no amendments or conditions were specified.

The appointees’ terms run through Dec. 31, 2028. The board welcomed both to their new roles and briefly noted the value of volunteer service and veteran support during the meeting.