South Kitsap Public Education Foundation

Jay is actively involved in the South Kitsap community and has raised his 3 boys in the South Kitsap School District. He currently sits on the Kitsap Community Foundation Investment Policy Committee and served the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce board for 6 years. He also coaches baseball in the district at Cedar Heights Middle School. His vision is to improve the lives of students in SKSD through coaching, mentoring, and community support. 

As a board member of the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation, Bob brings a wealth of experience in organizational leadership and arts advocacy.

He is a deeply committed community leader and true Renaissance man, Bob Cooper has spent over 34 years in public and private education, inspiring creativity through arts education from kindergarten to college. He believes that creativity and innovation are essential to shaping productive global citizens and strengthening the future of our country.

His work on the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards writing team and Washington State Arts Standards and Assessments reflects his dedication to educating the whole child and fostering a culture of creativity in education. Through his passion and leadership, Bob continues to champion the power of the arts, innovation, and education to transform lives and communities.

In 1990, Tracy and her husband decided to move to Port Orchard, make it their home and raise a family. Three children later, who attended school in the South Kitsap School District, and now in college and graduate school, they are pleased with their decision.  Tracy is an attorney and the Co-Managing Partner of the Shiers Law Firm. She serves on the Board of Directors for Land Title Company of Kitsap County, South Kitsap Public Education Foundation, Cedar Cove Association, is a member of We Are Kitsap Leadership Tea/Kitsap Community Foundation and of Soroptimist of Port Orchard, and was a Board Member of the Olympic College Foundation (2000-2011), and Past President. Tracy knows that education leads to a healthy and prosperous community, and wants to enhance the opportunity and experience for all children.  

As a dedicated community leader and financial expert, Linda Smith has played a pivotal role in supporting education and economic empowerment throughout South Kitsap. A founding board member and Treasurer of the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation (SKPEF), she ensures the foundation’s long-term sustainability by maintaining strong financial stewardship, compliance, and accountability. Her leadership has been instrumental in the SK Backpacks for Kids program, distributing vital funding to provide food security for vulnerable students.

In addition to her work with SKPEF, Linda serves as Co-Chair and Treasurer of Soroptimist International of Port Orchard, helping to advance opportunities for women and girls through education and training. She also serves on the Kitsap County Affordable Housing Coalition, demonstrating her deep commitment to addressing key community needs.

Recognized as a YWCA Women of Distinction honoree, Linda exemplifies the power of volunteerism and corporate leadership in fostering community growth. As Executive Vice President at Kitsap Bank, she actively champions corporate engagement, earning board certification in Volunteer Engagement and Outreach in 2024. Through her expertise and passion, Linda continues to make a meaningful difference in South Kitsap, strengthening the foundation for future generations.

A former South Kitsap business owner and dedicated community advocate, Katie Niles Benoit is passionate about building a thriving, connected South Kitsap where everyone benefits. Since moving to Washington in 1995, she has been deeply involved in the community, raising her two daughters in the South Kitsap School District and volunteering in local schools for over 14 years. From 1995 to 2012, she owned a chiropractic practice in Port Orchard, guided by her father’s belief that if you want a community to support your business, you must first support your community.

Now, as a board member of the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation, Katie remains committed to fostering opportunities that empower students and educators. She sees SKPEF as a catalyst for positive change, where local action leads to lasting impact.  Through her service, Katie continues to champion the idea that when a community invests in its schools, it invests in a brighter future for all. In her free time, she enjoys creating glass art, gardening, and traveling with her husband—continuing to embrace the beauty of lifelong learning and community engagement.

Carol Kowalski brings extensive expertise in strategic leadership, resource development, and community collaboration to her role on the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation (SKPEF) Board. A highly respected philanthropy and community outreach professional with over 25 years of experience, Carol has a proven ability to build partnerships that drive positive outcomes for organizations and the communities they serve.

As a longtime advocate for public education, Carol is passionate about creating philanthropic opportunities that empower students to succeed. Her commitment to South Kitsap schools is reflected in her dedication to advancing SKPEF’s mission of supporting innovative programs, scholarships, and resources that enhance educational excellence.  Carol is a SK High School alumnus, class of 1984.

Carol’s professional background, combined with her collaborative leadership style, equips her to contribute meaningfully to the Foundation’s fundraising and outreach initiatives. She has been recognized with several awards for her community impact and remains deeply engaged in efforts to strengthen Kitsap County’s future.

In addition to her board service, Carol enjoys connecting with local families and exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She is honored to support the students, educators, and families of South Kitsap through her service with SKPEF.

As Communication & Public Information Officer with South Kitsap School District, Amy understands the role quality education plays in the success of our students and the future of our community. She feels that residents have a duty to invest in public schools if they want our community to keep pace with surrounding areas. Amy is an active volunteer with the South Kitsap School Supporters. She is also active in the South Kitsap Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club of Port Orchard, South Kitsap Kiwanis Club, and South Kitsap Public Education Foundation. Amy and her husband Doug live in Port Orchard and have two daughters who attended South Kitsap schools. 

Jay Rosapepe is a dedicated community leader and advocate for public education. He currently serves as a Port Orchard City Council member (2018–present) and previously held an elected position as a Director on the South Kitsap School District School Board (2007–2011).

Following a distinguished 20-year career in the U.S. Navy, Jay brought his leadership skills to roles at South Kitsap School District, Mason Transit, Pierce Transit, Boeing, and Starbucks. His commitment to community service is evident through his involvement with organizations such as Kiwanis, South Kitsap Rotary, South Kitsap Helpline, Food Lifeline, the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce, and the Port Orchard Bay Street Association.

Jay has also contributed to initiatives like the Jingle Bell Run (Arthritis Foundation), South Kitsap High School Cross Country and Track, the SK Back to School Celebration, and South Kitsap School Supporters.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Finance (cum laude) from Mount St. Mary’s College and a Master’s Degree in Petroleum Management from the School of Engineering at the University of Kansas.

Passionate about education and lifelong learning, Susan Rosapepe dedicates her efforts to advancing literacy, curiosity, and the vital role of libraries in community education. As a board member of the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation, she brings her expertise in marketing and communications to support initiatives that enrich educational opportunities for South Kitsap students.

Susan is also an active member of the Kitsap Regional Library Downtown Port Orchard Friends, advocating for accessible resources that inspire learning at all ages. Through her leadership and dedication, she champions the power of education to transform lives and strengthen the South Kitsap community.

A former South Kitsap Schools teacher and dedicated servant leader, Liz Sebren is passionate about the success of local students and the power of community collaboration. As a board member of the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation, she works to enhance educational opportunities that empower students to thrive.

Liz is also an active member of Kitsap 100 Who Care, a giving circle focused on making a meaningful impact by supporting local nonprofits. An outdoor enthusiast, she embraces the belief that together, we are better” whether in education, philanthropy, or community-building. Through her leadership and dedication, Liz continues to give back, ensuring that South Kitsap remains a place where students and families can succeed.

As a young man who grew up in a liberal family, worked commercial fishing and pulp mills, then spent 25 year in the US Air Force following a scholarship to pay for medical school I have developed a  strong belief that people from all walks of life are really quiet similar and passionate. They all love their children and hope their communities will support their dreams. After retiring from the Air Force my wife and I returned to our house in Manchester looking for ways to make a home and a difference. Volunteering with a local Organizing For America group and Kiwanis Club I strive to find common ground and pragmatic ways to keep my community strong and healthy, particularly with respect to our children and schools. 

After a meaningful career as an educator, Sharon Tankersley continues to make a lasting impact on South Kitsap Schools through her role with the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation. With a deep commitment to student success, she brings invaluable experience and insight to her board service, helping to advance initiatives that enhance educational opportunities for all SK students. Her dedication to public education extends beyond the classroom, as she actively supports programs that foster academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Sharon’s leadership and passion for education make her a vital advocate for the future of South Kitsap Schools. Sharon’s board service includes serving on the SK Night of Inspiration and Impact benefit auction committee.

As a South Kitsap alum, Kimi is passionate about building strong community relationships and bringing people together to achieve shared goals in public education. Believing that a thriving community begins with a strong educational foundation, she is committed to contributing to the growth of South Kitsap, ensuring it remains known for its caring and exceptional school system.

With a strong background in organizational leadership, Kimi is a proven leader in project management and event coordination. She has successfully led diverse teams, including PTA, coffee ministry, and booster groups. Kimi’s professional experience also extends to the import/export and distribution of consumer products across the Mass, Health, and Asian markets.

With a distinguished legal career spanning 40 years, 28 of them in Kitsap County, Greg is retired from Law office of Gregory J. Wall, PLLC. He brings a wealth of experience in mediation, dispute resolution, and appellate advocacy to his role with the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation. A graduate of the Strauss Institute at Pepperdine University’s Mediation Training program, Greg is dedicated to fostering collaboration and problem-solving both in his profession and in the community. His deep commitment to education is reflected in his service with SKPEF and the Port Orchard Rotary, where he actively supports initiatives that enhance opportunities for South Kitsap students. Through his leadership and dedication, Greg continues to make a meaningful impact on the future of education in our community.

Tim Winter serves as the Superintendent of South Kitsap School District, bringing decades of leadership experience in education. Passionate about student success and community engagement, he is committed to ensuring that every learner has the resources and opportunities to thrive. As a board member of the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation, Tim champions initiatives that enhance educational excellence, support educators, and expand opportunities for students. His dedication to public education and belief in the power of community partnerships drive his work to make a lasting impact on South Kitsap schools.