Meet Our Board
Stephanie Bowers
Founding Board Chair
Stephanie Bowers serves as the Founding Board Chair of PNW Plateful, bringing extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and fundraising. She was the Vice President for Advancement at Western Washington University and President and CEO of the WWU Foundation. She has dedicated her career to strengthening community connections and mobilizing private support for meaningful causes.
Stephanie joined PNW Plateful after meeting founder Sarah Chan and learning about the pressing challenge of food insecurity in Whatcom County. She believes it is her responsibility as a citizen to care for the health and welfare of her community, and she is passionate about making a difference in the lives of those who need help and hope.
Beyond her professional and board service, Stephanie and her husband Rich love spending time outdoors in all types of weather and environments, with a deep appreciation for wild lands and the animals that call them home. One of her most memorable moments with PNW Plateful was serving at the Foothills Food Bank, when a gentleman shared that receiving Plateful meals was his favorite time of the week. His sincerity and gratitude left a lasting impact on her, reaffirming the importance of the organization’s mission.
Steve Swan
Founding Board Member
now acting in an Advisory Capacity
Kelly Beerman
Board Member, Executive Committee
Kelly Beerman brings extensive leadership and organizational expertise to PNW Plateful’s Executive Committee. With a professional background as an Aerospace Industrial Engineer, he has led international business development initiatives, managed large-scale projects, and served as a company representative to the Chinese consulate, experience that reflects his strong strategic and cross-cultural communication skills.
Kelly’s dedication to addressing food insecurity is deeply personal. During his first year of college, he relied on a food bank for several months, an experience that shaped his lifelong belief that no one should go hungry.
A former board member of the Bellingham Food Bank, Kelly continues to serve the community through hands-on involvement with PNW Plateful, where he finds fulfillment in helping distribute meals and connecting directly with those they serve. He believes that a good meal not only feeds the body but also reminds someone they matter.
Outside of his professional and volunteer work, Kelly is an avid backpacker, biker, and adventurer. He’s also a licensed pilot, certified beer judge, and aspiring piano player.
Becky Merris
Board Member, Executive Committee
Becky Merris brings over 25 years of accounting and financial management experience to PNW Plateful’s Executive Committee. As the owner of Balance Accounting Services, she has spent her career supporting local businesses with expert bookkeeping, budgeting, and business planning. Her deep understanding of financial systems ensures that PNW Plateful operates with transparency, accuracy, and integrity.
Becky is passionate about using her skills to strengthen PNW Plateful’s mission of fighting food insecurity. Through meticulous bookkeeping and clear financial reporting, she helps the organization maximize its community impact and make every dollar count.
Her commitment extends beyond the books, Becky often joins in meal distributions, finding joy in connecting directly with those served by PNW Plateful. “Seeing the smiles while handing out food,” she says, “is what drives my commitment to this work.”
When she’s not balancing budgets, Becky finds delight and joy spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Karen Keown
Board Member, Executive Committee
A retired food service professional, Karen Keown brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of the food industry to PNW Plateful’s board. Over the course of her career, she worked in foodservice sales and was an active member of the Women’s Foodservice Forum. She also served as an ambassador for CORE , Children of Restaurant Employees, supporting families navigating crises within the restaurant community.
Karen’s connection to PNW Plateful runs both professional and personal. Having known Executive Director Sarah Chan for over 15 years, she has watched with admiration as Sarah’s vision to combat food insecurity came to life. For Karen, food is a love language, one that embodies care, connection, and compassion, and she is passionate about helping those who are less fortunate through that shared language.
A lifelong Northwesterner and devoted Seahawks fan, Karen treasures time with her family, especially her nine grandchildren. Her dedication to community and generosity of spirit make her an invaluable part of the PNW Plateful team, helping ensure that every meal served carries both nourishment and heart.