Heifer Board of Directors
Gary Tabaskinske, Lopez Island Washington
 Gary was drawn to Heifer International in 1996 when he and his late wife Cyndie McLachlan went on a study tour to Ecuador. There, he met long-time Heifer staff member Rosalee Sinn and her husband Paul. He instantly fell in love with the respectful and inclusive way in which Heifer helps people to create a sustainable life for themselves, their families, and their communities. No amount of reading or talking about Heifer could have more clearly explained what Heifer is about. Since that time, Gary has returned to Ecuador, has visited projects in El Salvador and Cameroon, and has most recently witnessed Heifer’s work in Uganda and Rwanda.
Gary, a native of central Washington State, received a Bachelor of Architecture from Washington State University. He headed a Seattle-based architectural practice for approximately 20 years with projects ranging from houses, restaurants, offices, an Episcopal church, space planning, and interior design. He is very active in the Lopez community, having served as Chair of the Board for the Lopez Community Land Trust since early 2003. This organization provides permanent affordable housing for low income families as well as other projects involving sustainable agricultural and rural development. Prior to joining this Board, Gary designed its last project of eight affordable houses.
Gary is one of the founders and an officer of LOHO, (Lopez Housing Options), a group currently working on innovative housing for seniors based on an Aging in Place concept. He serves on the Board of Friends of Open House, the U.S. branch of a group based in Israel and working toward Jewish, Arab, and Christian reconciliation through programs for children and young adults.
Gary says, “The more I have seen, the more I believe in the way in which Heifer helps people help themselves. It is respectful of the culture, inclusive of the people, and incredibly empowering to those assisted. Seeing Heifer on the ground is, for me, a truly profound experience.”
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