Nicky and her husband stumbled upon La Conner and quickly fell in love with it, making it their home. She has since become a valued member of Whatcom Community College's full-time faculty in the Business Department, specializing in small business sustainability and social justice. Nicky's passion for supporting local businesses and nonprofits seamlessly led her to the role as Executive Director of La Conner Thrives Association, where she continues to make a positive impact.  When not doing all of this, she spends her time with her husband and little boy, running around La Conner or traipsing through the forest.

Gina Torpey, director of community outreach and events, is the creative engine behind many La Conner fundraisers and festivities. After moving to the La Conner area in 2018, Gina and her life partner, Ernie Gomez, quickly impressed everyone they met with their open hearts and energetic, imaginative support for local businesses, the community, and its people. Gina’s busy hair salon, Enchanted Locks, serves as ground zero for La Conner Thrives planning and outreach, and Gina takes advantage of every chance she gets to rope her clients into the fun.

Christine Hill is a retired corporate communications consultant who moved to Shelter Bay nine years ago. She worked part-time for a few years in a local boutique, where she loved welcoming visitors and getting to know her new neighbors. Christine also has enjoyed volunteer work with a local child advocacy organization, a leadership role in the local Soroptimists chapter, and developing publicity for local events. She is grateful every day to be surrounded by breathtaking beauty in such a warm, close-knit community.

Michelle Wittman is a semi-retired entrepreneur with a diverse background in launching corporate wellness programs, self-storage facilities, and quick service restaurants. She and her husband, Thomas, moved to La Conner four years ago to enjoy its small-town lifestyle and abundant fishing, camping and crabbing opportunities. Michelle relishes her weekday ritual of walking to the post office and meeting her neighbors and their dogs along the way. She is an enthusiastic booster of the town and is eager to develop LCTA's plans for increasing tourism and ensuring businesses thrive in her cherished community. 

Warren Smith retired as a director of what was then the third largest U.S. air express company. He and his wife, Julie, settled in Shelter Bay six years ago, where they started vegetable and flower gardens and enjoyed helping neighbors with errands and home projects. Warren is a frequent volunteer at La Conner events when he and Julie aren’t busy planning their next big holiday light display.

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After several years of persuasion from Warren, and the children, she retired from the medical field to return to the Pacific Northwest. Grandchildren and the love of travel were among the driving factors in the move from Arizona. Along with travel and gardening, Julie enjoys reading, Quilting, costume creation, volunteering at La Conner events and COFFEE.

Do you love La Conner as much as we do?  Please contact us for more information and to share your vision.