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Board of Directors

Officers

  • Philip Vogelzang, President
    Phil Vogelzang has been doing volunteer restoration work and advocating for Discovery Park since 1998. From 2002-2007 he served as president of the Discovery Park Advisory Council. He became FoDP board president in 2017. He has a special interest in Fort Lawton history and how that history impacts the Park user of today. Phil’s interest in the Park began with volunteering as a restoration steward in the Adopt-An-Area program in 1998. He continued that work for the next 15 years, primarily at the 15-acre old-Hospital site (just north of the historic administration building). He currently volunteers at the 30-acre Capehart forest restoration site. He works as a physician in the Seattle area. He lives in Queen Anne with his wife Katy, his wife of 25+ years. Phil joined the board in 2002.

  • Leslie Reed, Vice President
    Leslie Reed is a real estate attorney with almost 20 years’ experience in commercial transactions and leasing/development matters, the last ten at Amazon here in Seattle.  Prior to that, she was a creative executive in the music business, working on film soundtracks and other album projects for Atlantic Records and Universal Records before shifting to the legal side – all in Los Angeles. She lives with her long term partner, Stephen, in Magnolia, near Discovery Park.  She is a registered Forest Steward with Green Seattle Partnership and focuses on an area near the South Entrance off West Emerson Street. Leslie joined the board in early 2021.

  • Joyce Erickson, Secretary
    Joyce Erickson joined the FODP board in 2021. She had walked the loop-trail many times, but the combination of retirement + foot injury + pandemic led her to Discovery Park’s many other routes. The park’s size and beauty made her aware of its history, but also its fragility: throughout its 50+ years as a nature-focused park, people had wanted to “improve” it with all sorts of development projects, any of which would have led to another bit of development, and another. She joined the FODP board to further its mission to protect Discovery Park’s integrity and ensure its long-term health as a natural area. Prior to joining the board, Joyce worked for 30 years at PATH, a nonprofit global health organization. She lives in Ballard with her spouse Kenneth Brown, who photographs birds and features them in a daily email to his avid subscribers. Joyce joined the board in 2021.

  • Don Schlosser, Treasurer
    Don Schlosser and his wife bought their first house just north of Discovery Park over 40 years ago and continue to live in Magnolia.  The Park has always held a special place in their lives – for dog walking, for hiking, for just appreciating the quiet in the midst of the city.  Don was born and grew up in the Philippines, graduated from Ballard High School and the UW and has strong interests in global development, in equity, and in the environment.  He has worked in business development  and financial roles and as CFO with a variety of media, software, and biotech companies, including King Broadcasting Company and AEI Music Networks as well as with equity-oriented non-profits including Global Partnerships and MicroEnergy Credits.  He served on the boards of directors of Casa Latina, Business Impact NW, and with the Plymouth Church Investment Committee. Don serves as treasurer of Friends. Don joined the board in 2019.  

Directors

  • Bart Cheever
    Bart has been a member of the FODP board for 6 years. He is involved in many aspects of board operation but has been primarily focused on annual fundraising, building Friend’s social media presence and our maps. Bart is retired but worked for many years in Silicon Valley as an entrepreneur where he started several companies, one of which was acquired by Disney and another, a non-profit that let users register to vote with a mobile phone. He helped San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom organize a Digital Media Advisory Council of Bay Area tech companies, and worked in marketing and advertising in New York City. Bart loves to take long walks in the park with his wife, two kids and dog Maisey. “I have walked in the park every day for the past 6 years and still find something new almost every time I go out.” Bart joined the board in 2019.

  • Marcus Donner
    Marcus Donner has been a professional photographer for more than 30 years. He started his career as a news photographer and always looked for any chance to photograph wildlife. In 2020 that changed and now his main artistic pursuit is finding and documenting “city critters,” the wildlife that lives with us in urban areas, specifically in Seattle. Marcus believes you don’t need to travel far away to be a wildlife photographer and has written two zines on this topic, including City Critters: Wildlife Photography In Your Own Backyard. Discovery Park is one of his favorite wildlife photography spots and walks there often with his wife Peg Cheng.  He also volunteers with The Seattle Urban Carnivore Project, a joint project of the Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle University.  P.S. He’s also flown the Goodyear Blimp. Yes, really. Marcus joined the board in 2023.

  • Brian Errico
    Brian began attending Friends of Discovery Park meetings in January 2024 as an eager newcomer and learner. He quickly immersed himself in the organization, attending meetings regularly and contributing wherever possible. He hikes the park weekly with his young children, who are fascinated by the trails, trees, and wildlife. An avid trail runner, he is often seen navigating the loop trail or paths to the beach. Brian has helped to edit website articles and written excerpts for the FoDP email newsletter, aiming to be a jack of all trades for the board. Professionally, Brian is a Program Manager at Amazon, overseeing internal office movements and team shifts across various cities. His organizational skills are valuable to the FoDP board. An outdoor enthusiast, Brian believes Discovery Park is a jewel of Seattle, on par with the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. He is passionate about preserving the park’s natural beauty for the community. Brian joined the board in 2024.

  • Pete Hanning
    Pete Hanning lives in Fremont with his wife, Emily, and their large garden. They are both active in their local P-Patch, Hazel Heights. He is currently the Executive Director of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, but when he is not engaged in community building and supporting local businesses, he can often be found running the trails of Discovery Park. He was drawn to FODP by their steadfast commitment to their mission: “to defend the integrity of Discovery Park; to create and protect there an open space of quiet and tranquility, a sanctuary where the works of man are minimized, appearing to be affected primarily by the forces of nature, a place which emphasizes its natural environment, broad vistas and unspoiled shorelines.” Besides his love of the natural world and community, he actively participates in local politics. And don’t get him started on the subject of the Civil War unless you have time to spare! Pete joined the board in 2024.

  • Bill Laprade
    Bill Laprade is a retired engineering geologist who has lived on Queen Anne since 1974, enjoying the diverse amenities of Discovery Park with his family.  He practiced engineering geology for 51 years, primarily in western Washington, working on the largest and most complicated public works projects in the region.  He co-authored the 1991 “Engineering Geology of Seattle, Washington” published by the Association of Engineering Geologists. As the chair of the Trails Committee of the FODP, he combines his knowledge and love of the earth to enhance and maintain the beauty and accessibility of the park trail system. Bill practices Yang and Chen tai chi and teaches tai chi to fellow service veterans through the Seattle Vet Center and Ballard VFW.  He loves competitive games, and he is Vice President of the Edmonds Petanque Club. Bill joined the board in 2020.

  • James (Jim) Mcintosh
    Jim first saw Discovery Park between Christmas and New Years, 1973. The Loop Trail was narrow, steep and full of roots. Nonetheless, you had the feeling that you were somewhere else, in the great outdoors – away from the City. Jim earned a BA Degree in Urban Planning and Transportation in 1978 from the University of Washington. He then worked in Information Technology. He has been involved with the Sierra Club, All Aboard Washington and other organizations advocating for public transportation and environmental land use. Jim joined the FoDP Board in 1986, was involved with the Metro Sewage Plant Expansion and many other issues that have progressed over the years. Having low-vision Jim has always maintained that the Park be accessible to all as a place to be in natural surroundings.  Jim joined the board in 1986.

  • Tom Palm
    Thomas (Tom) Palm has been working on restoration in Discovery Park since 1998 when he became an Adopt-An-Area volunteer pulling Scotch Broom near the historic bus stop. He served various roles on the Discovery Park Advisory Council from 2013-2017 and became a Green Seattle Partnership Forest Steward for 13 acres in Discovery park in 2011. Tom joined the Friends of Discovery Park Board in 2017. He received his Math degree from the UW in 1969 and following Army service 1969-1971, worked in industry as a programmer and software manager for 35 years. In addition to Discovery Park related volunteering he often creates websites for non-profits or his own amusement. Tom lived in Magnolia in the late 1970’s and has resided in the North Beach neighborhood for 44 years. Tom joined the board in 2002.

  • John Rundall
    John Rundall has lived in Seattle his entire life. He is a civil engineer by training and vividly recalls when Discovery Park was created.  He also remembers many of the battles to develop it including expanding the treatment plant and building a golf course.  As an avid outdoor enthusiast and regular park visitor; he is committed to improving the park and preserving the natural environment for future generations.  He regularly picks up litter, removes ivy and helps plant native plants to enhance the park and he joined the Board of Friends of Discovery Park in 2018 to support efforts to preserve the park for the future.  He is passionate about protecting plants and wildlife in the park and wants to make sure that this resource is available, accessible and enjoyed by all residents of Seattle, the many visitors from the Puget Sound area and others from more distant places. John joined the board in 2020.

  • Peggy Willis
    An outdoors enthusiast and conservationist, Peggy joined the Board in 2021 and is committed to protecting and preserving Discovery Park as a natural wilderness park.  She is a member of the Trails Committee.  Peggy has 30 years professional experience working in local government in technical and managerial positions, including serving as Technology and Management Information Manager for King County Metro Public Transit until her retirement.  Peggy has served on several nonprofit environmental Boards, including Washington Conservation Voters, Washington Environmental Council and Pacific Crest Trail Association.  She and her husband, Ted, enjoy long distance hiking and have hiked from the North Sea to the Mediterranean, across England, the Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail.  Peggy grew up in Seattle and has lived near Schmitz Park and Ravenna Park. She currently lives near Discovery Park where one of her favorite activities is walking in the park.  Peggy joined the board in 2021.

  • Mary Winsor
    Mary Winsor has developed a deep appreciation for Discovery Park since her first visit in 2019.  From the fruiting fungi to the towering trees, she believes there is always something special to observe and experience at Discovery.  As a geologist and a lover of wild natural landscapes, she enjoys spending time in the sanctuary of Discovery Park.  Mary hopes to channel her enthusiasm for this valuable (and free) resource by applying herself to bettering the park’s trails and overall environmental conservation. Mary joined the board in 2024.

  • Wende Wood
    Wende lives a block from Discovery Park with her husband. They enjoy daily walks in the park. They have five grandchildren that also enjoy the park, including the children’s play area.  She is a recently retired M.D.  She sees the goal of being on the board is to maintain this incredible urban park for the citizens of Seattle and beyond.  She considers the park to be a significant part of Seattle, and surrounding areas, allowing the citizens of Seattle to experience the peace and quiet of Discovery Park’s forests, meadows and beaches. Wende Wood joined the board in 2023.