Board of Directors
Sandi Peterson
President
Founding Board Member
Sandi grew up mainly in the Skagit Valley. She moved to Whidbey Island for the second time in 2010. Prior to her “part time” retirement, Peterson was in turns a Realtor, a property manager, and a small business owner and an administrator. Her expertise lies in working with small companies to help them reach their full potential.
Active in the Republican Party, Sandi grew up in a family of Democrats. Having spent a good part of her life having conversations with people of opposing views, she knows full well civil discussions about policy can happen.
Sandi has served as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Oak Harbor, is currently serving as a Civil Service Commissioner, is a member of the Patriot Guard and, to honor her family’s legacy, is working to gather the required documents to become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. As a former Chairman of the Island County Republican Party, and the current Vice President of the Republican Women of North Whidbey, she enjoys keeping busy with her eye on local and national politics.
Sandi and her husband, Brian, have four grown children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. They enjoy watching their family grow and prosper, traveling, playing cards and board games, watching wildlife, birding and each other.
President
Founding Board Member
Sandi grew up mainly in the Skagit Valley. She moved to Whidbey Island for the second time in 2010. Prior to her “part time” retirement, Peterson was in turns a Realtor, a property manager, and a small business owner and an administrator. Her expertise lies in working with small companies to help them reach their full potential.
Active in the Republican Party, Sandi grew up in a family of Democrats. Having spent a good part of her life having conversations with people of opposing views, she knows full well civil discussions about policy can happen.
Sandi has served as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Oak Harbor, is currently serving as a Civil Service Commissioner, is a member of the Patriot Guard and, to honor her family’s legacy, is working to gather the required documents to become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. As a former Chairman of the Island County Republican Party, and the current Vice President of the Republican Women of North Whidbey, she enjoys keeping busy with her eye on local and national politics.
Sandi and her husband, Brian, have four grown children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. They enjoy watching their family grow and prosper, traveling, playing cards and board games, watching wildlife, birding and each other.
Cathy Whitmire
Founding Board Member
When Civility is a Matter of Faith
“Let’s not forget that American democracy started with ‘We the People’ agreeing to work hard to create ‘a more perfect union.’ We’ve lost the idea that politics begins at home with what happens in families, in neighborhoods, in classrooms, in congregations. We called this democracy into being – and if we want to call this democracy back to its highest values, it’s got to be the us doing that calling. That’s not going to happen if ‘We the People’ don’t know how to talk to one another with civility and hold our differences in a creative, life-giving way.”
Parker J. Palmer
I believe our democratic republic works best when we are able to talk, work through differences and find creative solutions together. So, I am involved with Civility First because the organization is committed to supporting and encouraging civil conversations across social and political divides.
But my personal commitment to work with Civility First is also faith-based. I am a Quaker, and we believe there is “that of God in all people.” There is no caveat in our faith that allows us to seek ‘that of God’ only in people who look like us, share our politics or agree with our moral vision for the world. We are all children of God, called to love one another. A bumper sticker on my car reads, “Love thy neighbor – no exceptions”. But as we all know that is hard to do. So, I value my work with Civility First because it keeps stretching me to listen better, be patient and understand more deeply people with whom I disagree.
There is a Civility First yard sign in my front yard that reads, “Respect others, Listen and Be Kind”. Respect, listening and kindness were the three words most commonly chosen by Whidbey Island residents to describe civility in our 2019 survey of over 200 Whidbey residents. These words reflect both my Quaker values, and the values of Civility First.
During my four years of working with Civility First I have had hundreds of conversations with people up and down Whidbey Island who have struggled to overcome social and political polarization. These people dread Thanksgiving dinner with an opiniated uncle, avoid having coffee with a colleague who voted differently and plan to skip the neighborhood Christmas party because of a neighbor whose political yard sign was for someone they didn’t vote for. So, our inability to talk to one another is affecting our families, our workplaces and our neighborhoods. And unfortunately, the gaps between us continue to widen.
Because of Civility First I now have close friends who are conservative and close friends who are progressive. So, it is painful for me when people make blanket statements about ‘the other side’. I have heard liberal friends say, “All Republicans are racists” and have heard conservative friends say, “Talking to liberals is impossible, they all put conservatives down”. And the stresses of the pandemic and the heated elections have exacerbated the distrust and disdain many have for people who don’t think or vote like they do. The political arena in our democratic republic has historically been a place where people with disparate ideals try to work together on behalf of the common good. But for some of us, our politics has become our moral identity, a source of entertainment and a blood sport where winning is all that matters.
We need to find ways to resolve our differences peaceably for the sake of our families, our neighborhoods and our communities. Please consider attending a Civility First workshop, making a donation or becoming a volunteer. We also appreciate the ways you are already supporting our work to help people resolve their differences in ways that are creative and life-giving.
Founding Board Member
When Civility is a Matter of Faith
“Let’s not forget that American democracy started with ‘We the People’ agreeing to work hard to create ‘a more perfect union.’ We’ve lost the idea that politics begins at home with what happens in families, in neighborhoods, in classrooms, in congregations. We called this democracy into being – and if we want to call this democracy back to its highest values, it’s got to be the us doing that calling. That’s not going to happen if ‘We the People’ don’t know how to talk to one another with civility and hold our differences in a creative, life-giving way.”
Parker J. Palmer
I believe our democratic republic works best when we are able to talk, work through differences and find creative solutions together. So, I am involved with Civility First because the organization is committed to supporting and encouraging civil conversations across social and political divides.
But my personal commitment to work with Civility First is also faith-based. I am a Quaker, and we believe there is “that of God in all people.” There is no caveat in our faith that allows us to seek ‘that of God’ only in people who look like us, share our politics or agree with our moral vision for the world. We are all children of God, called to love one another. A bumper sticker on my car reads, “Love thy neighbor – no exceptions”. But as we all know that is hard to do. So, I value my work with Civility First because it keeps stretching me to listen better, be patient and understand more deeply people with whom I disagree.
There is a Civility First yard sign in my front yard that reads, “Respect others, Listen and Be Kind”. Respect, listening and kindness were the three words most commonly chosen by Whidbey Island residents to describe civility in our 2019 survey of over 200 Whidbey residents. These words reflect both my Quaker values, and the values of Civility First.
During my four years of working with Civility First I have had hundreds of conversations with people up and down Whidbey Island who have struggled to overcome social and political polarization. These people dread Thanksgiving dinner with an opiniated uncle, avoid having coffee with a colleague who voted differently and plan to skip the neighborhood Christmas party because of a neighbor whose political yard sign was for someone they didn’t vote for. So, our inability to talk to one another is affecting our families, our workplaces and our neighborhoods. And unfortunately, the gaps between us continue to widen.
Because of Civility First I now have close friends who are conservative and close friends who are progressive. So, it is painful for me when people make blanket statements about ‘the other side’. I have heard liberal friends say, “All Republicans are racists” and have heard conservative friends say, “Talking to liberals is impossible, they all put conservatives down”. And the stresses of the pandemic and the heated elections have exacerbated the distrust and disdain many have for people who don’t think or vote like they do. The political arena in our democratic republic has historically been a place where people with disparate ideals try to work together on behalf of the common good. But for some of us, our politics has become our moral identity, a source of entertainment and a blood sport where winning is all that matters.
We need to find ways to resolve our differences peaceably for the sake of our families, our neighborhoods and our communities. Please consider attending a Civility First workshop, making a donation or becoming a volunteer. We also appreciate the ways you are already supporting our work to help people resolve their differences in ways that are creative and life-giving.
Andy Cook
Board Vice-President
Board Vice-President
Andy Cook is an audio engineer and executive at an electronic design firm and brings a range of technical and other expertise to the organization. He lives with his family in Clinton and got involved with Civility First after seeing the float in the July 4 parade. He has volunteered at soup kitchens, taught music to sick and underprivileged children, and sponsors children in poverty. Recently he has been working to raise money for Ukraine relief.
“I believe honest engagement, true empathy and a willingness to understand are the most effective ways to foster a sense of community --even when ideologies are different. I’m excited to be part of this organization.” Andy came to the Pacific Northwest from North Carolina and has lived on Whidbey for the past few years with his wife and daughter.
“I believe honest engagement, true empathy and a willingness to understand are the most effective ways to foster a sense of community --even when ideologies are different. I’m excited to be part of this organization.” Andy came to the Pacific Northwest from North Carolina and has lived on Whidbey for the past few years with his wife and daughter.
Pamelagrace Beatty
Director (Board member)
Pamelagrace Beatty works part-time as a corporate consultant, career coach, jazz vocalist and visual artist. She is an ordained New Thought minister and is a guest speaker at New Thought churches in the area. Her career has been in manufacturing and the airlines as a human resources professional and she has worked with various organizations from not-for-profits to tech in her role as a consultant.
Pamelagrace has offered her services as volunteer all of her life. She was brought up to give back and has never questioned that. She has presented workshops, facilitated meetings, led goal setting, 5-year planning, and team and board development meetings.
Since going part-time, she enjoys putting more time into her work as a visual artist which has been her goal for many years. Being able to dedicate time to painting brings a smile to her face.
Pamelagrace is a Seattle native although she has lived on the East Coast, the Mid-West and West Coast. She graduated from Washington State University and joined the airlines immediately as a flight attendant. From there she moved to human resources where she has been ever since. She has two master’s degrees, one organizational development and the other in consciousness studies. Pamelagrace has family in Seattle and lives part-time on Whidbey Island with her boyfriend. She loves being in a quieter environment and also loves being in the mix of things.
Pamelagrace became interested in Civility First after hearing a presentation and attending a workshop. She was struck by the listening skills and insightful questions the workshop leaders exhibited. After experiencing the workshop, Pamelagrace wanted to help get this work further out into the world. She believes it has the potential to make a significant and positive difference in the way people communicate.
Director (Board member)
Pamelagrace Beatty works part-time as a corporate consultant, career coach, jazz vocalist and visual artist. She is an ordained New Thought minister and is a guest speaker at New Thought churches in the area. Her career has been in manufacturing and the airlines as a human resources professional and she has worked with various organizations from not-for-profits to tech in her role as a consultant.
Pamelagrace has offered her services as volunteer all of her life. She was brought up to give back and has never questioned that. She has presented workshops, facilitated meetings, led goal setting, 5-year planning, and team and board development meetings.
Since going part-time, she enjoys putting more time into her work as a visual artist which has been her goal for many years. Being able to dedicate time to painting brings a smile to her face.
Pamelagrace is a Seattle native although she has lived on the East Coast, the Mid-West and West Coast. She graduated from Washington State University and joined the airlines immediately as a flight attendant. From there she moved to human resources where she has been ever since. She has two master’s degrees, one organizational development and the other in consciousness studies. Pamelagrace has family in Seattle and lives part-time on Whidbey Island with her boyfriend. She loves being in a quieter environment and also loves being in the mix of things.
Pamelagrace became interested in Civility First after hearing a presentation and attending a workshop. She was struck by the listening skills and insightful questions the workshop leaders exhibited. After experiencing the workshop, Pamelagrace wanted to help get this work further out into the world. She believes it has the potential to make a significant and positive difference in the way people communicate.
State Senator Ron Muzzall
Director (Board member)
Director (Board member)
State Senator Ron Muzzall (R, 10th Legislative District) is a fourth generation resident of Whidbey Island – a husband, father, grandfather and farmer After graduating from Washington State University (the third generation to do so) he returned to the 10th legislative district with his wife Shelly to farm with his parents. Being involved in industry associations as well as county boards and committees, he has a passion for service. Working with the North Whidbey Fire and Rescue for twenty years, he served as firefighter, officer and for 11 years as fire commissioner.
He has served on committees for the Darigold and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. He served 15 years on the board of Skagit Farmers Supply, 5 years as chairman. He served 8 years on the corporate board of Land O’Lakes cooperative where he put his expertise to work on governance, board performance, audit and political action committees. He is the managing partner at 3 Sisters Family Farm.
Ron, his wife Shelly and two daughters, Jennifer and Roshel own and operate their family’s grass-fed beef and lamb, barley-fed hogs, and free range eggs and fryers for 3 Sisters Market and other grocery stores on Whidbey Island. A lifelong member of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church he currently serves as council president.
State Senator Muzzall has worked with Civility First in the past, most recently in a discussion about civility in partisan politics. He is the Ranking Member on Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Deputy Ranking Member of the State Senate’s Health and Long-Term Care Committee, where he works closely with his democratic colleague State Senator Annette Cleveland, who chairs the committee. “I believe civility is the antidote to the toxic divisions and tribalism we are currently seeing in our society. Civility First does an excellent job of training people to be good listeners and good speakers - - skills we very much need right now,” said Muzzall.
He has served on committees for the Darigold and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. He served 15 years on the board of Skagit Farmers Supply, 5 years as chairman. He served 8 years on the corporate board of Land O’Lakes cooperative where he put his expertise to work on governance, board performance, audit and political action committees. He is the managing partner at 3 Sisters Family Farm.
Ron, his wife Shelly and two daughters, Jennifer and Roshel own and operate their family’s grass-fed beef and lamb, barley-fed hogs, and free range eggs and fryers for 3 Sisters Market and other grocery stores on Whidbey Island. A lifelong member of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church he currently serves as council president.
State Senator Muzzall has worked with Civility First in the past, most recently in a discussion about civility in partisan politics. He is the Ranking Member on Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Deputy Ranking Member of the State Senate’s Health and Long-Term Care Committee, where he works closely with his democratic colleague State Senator Annette Cleveland, who chairs the committee. “I believe civility is the antidote to the toxic divisions and tribalism we are currently seeing in our society. Civility First does an excellent job of training people to be good listeners and good speakers - - skills we very much need right now,” said Muzzall.
Gary Wray, Director (Board member)
Gary Wray is a long-time island resident active in Republican politics and civic affairs. He is currently (2023) President of the Builders Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) and is Vice President of the construction company Wray Brothers LLC. Gary has a commitment to public service with a special interest in housing issues. He is on the Human Services Housing Advisory Board for Island County, the Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association and the Habitat for Humanity Board. He also has an ongoing commitment of many years to Hearts & Hammers and is current president of that North Whidbey chapter organization.
Gary Wray is a long-time island resident active in Republican politics and civic affairs. He is currently (2023) President of the Builders Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) and is Vice President of the construction company Wray Brothers LLC. Gary has a commitment to public service with a special interest in housing issues. He is on the Human Services Housing Advisory Board for Island County, the Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association and the Habitat for Humanity Board. He also has an ongoing commitment of many years to Hearts & Hammers and is current president of that North Whidbey chapter organization.
Advisory Board Members
Richard Bacigalupi
Jim Campbell
Matt Chambers
Kathy Jones
Rev. Jim Lindus
Stephen Shapiro
Jim Campbell
Matt Chambers
Kathy Jones
Rev. Jim Lindus
Stephen Shapiro