BINGEN — Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) welcomes Julie K. Hester as its next Executive Director following a regional search process led by the organization’s Staff and Board of Directors. Prior to joining WAGAP, Julie worked for over 15 years at the National Crime Victim Law Institute, a Portland, OR-based nonprofit advocating for crime victims in the criminal justice system. During this time, she gained wide-ranging experience in communications, outreach, volunteer coordination, fundraising, event planning, data collection, and storytelling. Her experience managing complex multi-million dollar public and private funding portfolios, overseeing organizational and project budgets, and leading collaborative, cross-functional teams will be a valuable asset to WAGAP.
“I was immediately drawn to WAGAP’s focus on expanding opportunities by delivering essential services that lead to self-sufficiency and well-being,” Hester said. “I am thrilled to join this amazing team and build on WAGAP’s strong partnerships to ensure continued stability and impact in Skamania and Klickitat counties.”
As a leader, she values clear and transparent communications, personal accountability, and operational rigor and approaches her role with humility, curiosity, and deep respect for co-workers and the people and communities served. In her personal life, she values quality time with her husband, grown kids, and labrador retrievers, and enjoys cooking (and eating), reading, following politics, playing tennis, home improvement, and listening to live music.
The organization also expressed deep gratitude to outgoing Executive Director Jennifer Pauletto for her leadership and service. Staff, board members, partners, and community members alike have recognized her steady leadership, compassion, and commitment to the people and communities WAGAP serves.
“I’m proud that we accomplished while at WAGAP, expanded wellness programming, financial wellness events, and community outreach in places like Roosevelt after listening to the community’s requests,” Pauletto said. “I have confidence that Julie’s leadership will continue to make sure all people are connected with resources and opportunities to thrive.”
Hester joins WAGAP during a time of growing community need and increasing challenges for human services organizations as nonprofits across the country navigate funding uncertainty and rising demand for services. The organization currently operates programs supporting food security, housing stability, energy assistance, family support services, prevention, youth programs, domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy, and community wellness efforts across the Columbia River Gorge region.
WAGAP leaders emphasized that the agency’s mission, services, and commitment to the community remain strong throughout the transition. The organization’s leadership team and staff bring decades of combined experience serving local communities, and programs and partnerships will continue uninterrupted.
“WAGAP’s team works diligently to meet the needs of individuals, families and communities in Skamania and Klickitat Counties and serves upwards of 39% of its residents,” Pauletto said. “We are grateful to have Julie join the team and embody the mission and commitment to the community.”
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