Donna joined the Board in January 2025 and is a long-time resident of Whidbey Island. Born and raised in Mexico City, she watched how unchecked urban sprawl can cause deforestation, habitat loss, disruption to natural ecosystems, and health impacts. Her interest in land use and environmental protection led to a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a master’s degree in environmental planning from Arizona State University. Following a three-year stint in South America where her oldest daughter was born, Donna moved to Seattle in 1992 and eventually settled on Whidbey Island in 1994 to raise her family. For the past 25 years Donna has been working as an environmental, land use and transportation planner. Prior to joining her current employer, Facet, Donna served as the Planning Director for the Town of Coupeville where she led the update to the Comprehensive Plan and Shoreline Master Program, and development of a sea level rise vulnerability study for Coupeville.
An active community volunteer, Donna has served on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations and is a former Town Council member. Currently she is a board member of the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association and in her spare time enjoys exploring WCLT properties, hiking, trail running, cycling, camping, skiing and traveling. She also relishes spending time with her family and friends and being a new grandparent.