Meet Our Board Nominees!
We’re so thrilled about our nominees!
In order of photos:
David Lambert
Current Occupation: Project Manager/Estimator in Custom Metal Construction and Asphalt Paving
Why you want to be on the board? I love the community and want to help push the goals forward.
Applicable Skills: My experience in construction, specifically with regards to structural steel design and asphalt paving, will likely be helpful in future projects. To date, I've tried to provide as much guidance as possible with regard to the two current projects.
Favorite Paddle, Gear or Athletic Wear: My CRBN paddle.
Julie Zalikowski
Current Occupation: Amateur Pickleball Player/Volunteer
Why do you want to be on the board? BIP can only be a success if we all do our part to maintain and grow the community.
Applicable Skills: I believe I would best be of assistance as an Event Lead.
Favorite Paddle, Gear, or Athletic Wear: I prefer the PaddleTek Wave Series paddles, Babolat shoes and Lass compression socks.
John Hussey
Current Occupation: Pickleball Instructor and Fitness Attendant at the Bainbridge Island Athletic Club.
Why do you want to be on the board? To promote pickleball and spread information regarding the goodwill and health benefits of pickleball.
Applicable Skills: I’m a people person and enjoy making all feel good about this game.
Favorite Paddle, Gear, or Athletic Wear: As a sponsored ONESHOT player for the past 5 years, I only use ONESHOT gear!
Leigh Tatum
Current Activities: Painter, Philanthropist, Pickleball and Tennis Player, and Resident Treat Supplier
Why we want Leigh on the board: She brings knowledge of the history of the game that no one else can. She will help our community stay connected to our history while looking toward the future. She is well-connected, which will no doubt aid us as we seek support for our court expansion efforts.
Favorite Paddle, Gear, or Athletic Wear: Anything electric blue!!!
Neal McCullough
Current Occupation: Geotechnical Engineer at Shannon and Wilson, where I’ve worked for 30 years.
Why do you want to be on the board? I’m excited to join the board and want to help spread the spirit of pickleball to the Bainbridge community. We need more opportunities to play year round, and I want to be part of making that happen.
Applicable Skills: I’ve lived on Bainbridge my entire life and feel very connected to the community. I hope that my engineering experience will help navigate some of the challenging projects we have planned.
Favorite Paddle, Gear, or Athletic Wear: I love my BI Pickleball paddle band.
Megan Sanchez
Current Occupation: Owner, Creative Director and Designer of Wavekelly. Wavekelly is a local boutique and brand on the Island!
Why do you want to be on the board? I am passionate about this island community and Bainbridge Pickleball is all about community and connection. I think it will be great to have a voice from a local business owner and designer on the board. I also think I can reach a young crowd that isn't yet involved with BI Pickleball. I want to grow this pickleball community on our incredible island!
Applicable Skills: I'm super creative and love events. I feel like my skills as a designer will be an asset to hosting events, creating merchandise, etc.
Favorite Paddle, Gear, or Athletic Wear: My favorite paddle is the only paddle I’ve ever had...a Selkirk paddle, as I’m also a Ceour d'Alene girl so I gotta support the local CDA brand! I also carry an incredible variety of court sport activewear in my store! I love Splits59 and The Upside, as well as my own brand, Wavekelly, for activewear.
Ben Morgan
Current Occupation: I run a team that protects intellectual property for software publishers. Basically, I ensure that customers are using the correct amount of software that they purchased.
Why do you want to be on the board? I want to help in any way that I can to make the pickleball experience on Bainbridge Island the best it can be.
Applicable Skills: I have experience in managing and leading people. I also review and analyze contracts as part of my job. In addition, I can perform manual labor and I have some basic handyman skills.
Favorite Paddle, Gear, or Athletic Wear: As some people know, I am a bit of a maverick when it comes to paddles. I enjoy a sub $100 dollar paddle in most cases but I did recently purchase a Thrive Smoke paddle made in Nevada. It seems like a great paddle and I’m looking forward to seeing how it holds up.