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
Steve Swan has been part of PNW Plateful’s story since the very beginning. As one of our founding board members, Steve played a pivotal role in establishing the foundation that allowed PNW Plateful to evolve from a grassroots effort into an official nonprofit organization serving thousands of individuals and families across Whatcom County. After completing his board service, Steve now continues his impact in an advisory capacity as an Emeritus Board Member, offering valuable insight rooted in decades of community leadership.
Prior to retirement, Steve served as Vice President for University Relations and Community Development at Western Washington University. He and his wife continue to support PNW Plateful through leadership, advocacy, and ongoing financial commitment. Reflecting on their continued giving, Steve shared:
“I have seen and heard the gratitude recipients feel when they receive meals from PNW Plateful… Helping people feed themselves and their families is truly humbling.”
Steve’s continued involvement reflects his belief that food is dignity and that every meal represents connection, compassion, and hope. We are deeply grateful for his enduring leadership and commitment to our mission.
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.
Peter Coogan, M.D., M.S.Ed.
Board Member, Executive Committee
is a retired Professor of Family Medicine and former Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Educated in England, he earned his medical degree from the University of London and held senior leadership roles at the University of Washington, the University of California–Irvine, Henry Ford Health System, and Michigan State University. Dr. Coggan also served as President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Medical Education and Research Center and secured more than $3.5 million in grant funding for programs serving medically underserved populations. He now resides in the Pacific Northwest and is a strong supporter of organizations addressing food insecurity.
Corky McReynolds
Board Member, Executive Committee
Corky McReynolds is a recognized leader, administrator, researcher, consultant, and educator in the nonprofit sector with more than 50 years of experience. His career includes serving as Director and Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, Principal of LeadTeam, LLC, Senior Fellow at Portland State University’s Center for Public Service, and Director of the Master of Nonprofit Leadership program at Pacific University. Corky brings deep expertise in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, and best practices, and is excited to contribute to PNW Plateful’s continued growth. He is strongly aligned with the belief that food security is a fundamental challenge and values PNW Plateful’s direct, community-centered approach to addressing it.