Executive Board
Want to get to know our board even better? Here's some information about every one of our lovely board members that strive each day to make this community a safer place. (Descriptions TBA)
President / Board Seat 1
Lisa Ortiz
Lisa earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership and owns/manages 18 North Kitchen & Bar where Fresh & Fabulous food and friendly, excellent service are valued. She is a glass artist, hosts Republic’s arts non-profit, and is a long-time community activist focused on Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice. Lisa is a founding member of PRIDE of Ferry County and works to enact PRIDE’s Vision to foster an authentic, diverse, and safe place that encourages better understanding, acceptance, and respect ... while promoting support of the LGBT2QIA2+ community through compassionate service, creative expression, education, and community awareness. “Together there is nothing we cannot accomplish” (Bernie Sanders)
Vice President / Board Seat 2
Crystal Strong
Crystal is a dedicated and results-oriented Real Estate Broker with a proven track record of success in Ferry and Okanogan Counties, Washington. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a deeply committed community member and advocate for social justice. Crystal is a founding member of Pride of Ferry County, a local organization dedicated to fostering inclusivity and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. Her active involvement reflects a commitment to social progress and building stronger, more equitable communities. This dedication extends to broader community engagement, demonstrating a deep understanding of local needs and networks.
2nd Vice President / Board Seat 3
Heather Brice
Heather Brice, originally from Oregon, has settled in Ferry County with her husband and pets. With a background in political activism, community organizing, and dedicated volunteer work, she understands that voter engagement, community building, and education are essential to addressing today’s challenges. Heather has been on the frontlines at Standing Rock, participated in Black Lives Matter protests, managed successful campaigns, and engaged in legislative work at the county, state, and national levels. Through her involvement with numerous organizations, including the Democratic Party and Our Revolution, Heather has learned that enacting real change requires hands-on work and understanding the systems that govern our country.
Secretary / Board Seat 4
Shanna Rugo
Treasurer / Board Seat 5
Henrik Lewis
Henrik lives on a mountain homestead with his parents. He loves researching and participating in hobbies like beekeeping, playing instruments, and brewing beer. At the age of ten, he began a war against cancer that he won. One of his favorite activities is listening to music, and he also reads many nonfiction books to learn about physics and to pick up new skills. A firm believer in equality, Henrik does his best to treat everyone with respect, and he fights to ensure that others do the same.
Assistant Secretary / Board Seat 6
Marcella Lewis
Marcella is a former RN, a horror novelist specializing in zombie apocalypse, and podcast host of “Social Injustice LET’S TALK ABOUT IT with Marcella.” A mom of three, she homesteads in the mountains of Eastern Washington with her husband and one of their sons. She loves cooking, crafting, nature, dogs, and goats. She is an Ally of the queer community and advocates for social justice across the board. Marcella is the Assistant Secretary for PRIDE of Ferry County.
Assistant Treasurer / Board Seat 7
David Wermuth
David Wermuth, born July 30th, 1947 in Louisville, KY of Cherokee/German Heritage. Married, has four children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter/ Furniture designer and builder from 1981 to 2023. Has lived in Republic, WA since 1995. Hobbies are playing guitar, native beading, gardening, and storytelling. Enjoys reading, good conversation, interesting people, walking his dog, looking at the stars, gazing at the mountains and valleys from our mountainside home. Other interests include visiting art galleries. museums, and live music. He believes in equal rights for ALL.
Web Manager / Board Seat 8
Oakley R. Robins
From the sunny shores of Florida to the mountains of Washington, Oakley knows what it's like to feel out of place, even more so considering Oakley is transgender, and that experience is what drives them every day as they strive to make their community a welcoming one! Aside from their work for PRIDE, Oakley is involved as a PCO and SCO for the Democratic Party, and founded Action Blues, a social media movement that aims to bring more of America's youth into the fold! In their free time, Oakley runs a YouTube channel and loves to play video games and spend time with pets!
Board Seat 9
Peter Lewis
Peter is a Jack-of-all-trades who specializes in carpentry and mechanical ingenuity. He retired from the aeronautical industry in 2022 to homestead in the mountains of Ferry County, where he enjoys building with lumber he mills himself and working closely with the land. He loves hiking with his rabbit dog, Marla, and foraging for wild plants and mushrooms. He wants to make the world a better and more just place for all.
Board Seat 10
Member 10
Board Seat 11