NRNA Officers
all members can be reached at north.renton@gmail.com
PRESIDENT, Sheryl Friesz
I moved to Renton in 2022 to be closer to my daughter and grandson. My background includes 30+ years of Talent Acquisition and Human Resources, mainly for start-up tech companies, with a few non profits and affordable housing sprinkled into that experience. I joined the North Renton Neighborhood Association to give back to the community I reside in. (I definitely believe in putting your time and energy into volunteering - especially if you want to have a positive impact.)
My role as president includes a lot of communication, both face to face, phone, and via emails (which I know you've all been in receipt of many ;-)), attending and presenting at City Council meetings, helping to create a connected, active community, and overall being an advocate for the needs of the neighborhood. I'm grateful for this opportunity with the NRNA - thank you.
VICE PRESIDENT, Matt Hanbey
Matt has a deep connection to the Pacific Northwest, having grown up in Puyallup and making Renton his home in 2014. He appreciates the convenience of being situated near the river and the proximity to downtown businesses and shops, which offer a perfect blend of work and play.
As someone who is committed to revitalizing the community, Matt hopes to help NRNA regain its pre-COVID neighborhood presence, fostering a sense of community and connection among residents. With his extensive experience in management, particularly in government affairs, working for Washington State Ferries, Matt is well-equipped to bring his skills and expertise to the table to make a positive impact in the neighborhood.
As someone who is committed to revitalizing the community, Matt hopes to help NRNA regain its pre-COVID neighborhood presence, fostering a sense of community and connection among residents. With his extensive experience in management, particularly in government affairs, working for Washington State Ferries, Matt is well-equipped to bring his skills and expertise to the table to make a positive impact in the neighborhood.
SECRETARY, Meredith Farmer
Meredith has been a North Renton resident since 2014. Her strong connection to the area is evident in her dedication to serving as the Student Ambassador Chair for the NRNA, a role that allows her to engage with and give back to the community that has given her so much. By day, Meredith shines as a Technical Project Manager, where her attention to detail and organizational skills serve her well in managing complex projects from start to finish.
When she's not tackling challenges at work, Meredith can be found pursuing her passions outside of the office. She's an avid walker, often taking long strolls around the neighborhood to clear her mind. Her love for animals runs deep, and she volunteers at Purrfect Pals in Renton PetSmart, helping to care for furry friends in need. At home, she's surrounded by her two beloved stray rescue kitties, Phantom and Ms. Meows. With her infectious enthusiasm and tireless work ethic, Meredith is committed to making a difference in the community she calls home.
When she's not tackling challenges at work, Meredith can be found pursuing her passions outside of the office. She's an avid walker, often taking long strolls around the neighborhood to clear her mind. Her love for animals runs deep, and she volunteers at Purrfect Pals in Renton PetSmart, helping to care for furry friends in need. At home, she's surrounded by her two beloved stray rescue kitties, Phantom and Ms. Meows. With her infectious enthusiasm and tireless work ethic, Meredith is committed to making a difference in the community she calls home.
Photo Coming Soon!
TREASURER, Karen McKinnon
I have been a resident of Washington all my life. I was born and raised in the once small, rural town of Issaquah. I moved all the way to Renton in 1985 and have lived in the neighborhood the past 39 years.
Over the years I seen the good, the bad and the ugly. I've observed neighbors helping neighbors. I've seen a once thriving, family friendly area begin to decline. I've also witnessed the great things that can be accomplished when a community comes together. We are beginning to thrive again!
I am grateful for my neighbors and my community every day. Serving as an officer of the NRNA is one way I can give back.
NRNA Student Ambassadorship Program
all members can be reached at north.renton@gmail.com
STUDENT AMBASSADOR, Dominic Williams
Dominic (Dom) is a vibrant and imaginative individual with a contagious enthusiasm that is hard to ignore. Growing up surrounded by the world of fashion and entrepreneurship, Dominic spent four years working in his grandmother's clothing and jewelry business, where he honed their skills in retail and developed a keen eye for detail. This experience not only gave them a solid foundation in customer service and sales, but also instilled in him a deep appreciation for the importance of building strong relationships with community members.
Dominic's passions extend far beyond the retail world. They are a dedicated volunteer, having worked closely with King County Council Member Teresa Mosqueda to advance community initiatives and promote civic engagement. This experience has not only deepened his understanding of local politics and policy-making, but also fueled their desire to make a meaningful impact on the world around him. Dominic is a natural problem-solver, always looking for ways to leverage their skills and experience to drive positive change and create a brighter future for all.
Dominic's passions extend far beyond the retail world. They are a dedicated volunteer, having worked closely with King County Council Member Teresa Mosqueda to advance community initiatives and promote civic engagement. This experience has not only deepened his understanding of local politics and policy-making, but also fueled their desire to make a meaningful impact on the world around him. Dominic is a natural problem-solver, always looking for ways to leverage their skills and experience to drive positive change and create a brighter future for all.
STUDENT AMBASSADOR, Khai Richardson
Khai is a multifaceted individual with a thirst for knowledge and a willingness to learn. Khai has gained a wealth of experience in various fields, including journalism, construction, acting, technology, and more. Khai also enjoys spending time honing his rugby skills with his brother.
As a freshman at Albert Talley Sr. High School, Khai has taken on a leadership role as the vice president of communications in their school's DECA chapter. This experience has provided them with a solid foundation in business and marketing principles, further fueling their ambition to pursue a career in marketing. Khai's long-term goal is to establish their own shoe production company, where they can combine their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to create innovative products. Khai's recent membership in the NRNA has given them a platform to explore ways to positively impact their community.
As a freshman at Albert Talley Sr. High School, Khai has taken on a leadership role as the vice president of communications in their school's DECA chapter. This experience has provided them with a solid foundation in business and marketing principles, further fueling their ambition to pursue a career in marketing. Khai's long-term goal is to establish their own shoe production company, where they can combine their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to create innovative products. Khai's recent membership in the NRNA has given them a platform to explore ways to positively impact their community.
NRNA Board Members
all members can be reached at north.renton@gmail.com
BOARD, Nora Schultz
I was born in North Renton and after living a few different places I moved back to the neighborhood 20 years ago. This will always be home to me. It looks a lot different than it did in the 70s and change is going to keep coming fast. In order to help guide that change we need a strong neighborhood group willing to advocate for the change we want to see.
When I was young this was a strong neighborhood where folks knew each other and could work together to solve issues. It’s my personal goal to get back to that. They say fences make good neighbors, but I disagree. Fear and distrust of strangers has fractured our communities and made it easy for criminals to prey on us. It’s important for people to get back to connecting with their neighbors. Our neighborhood is more diverse now and sometimes that can cause mistrust. It’s important we make connections with all our neighbors. That’s what makes great neighborhoods.
BOARD, Nancy Monahan
I moved to Renton in 2008 when my spouse took a job here. I retired, after 20 years, with the Navy and Coast Guard which took me from the East to West Coast, and missions to the Bering Sea doing fishery patrols and law enforcement. I also was part of the team who repatriated Haitians and Cubans in 1994.I joined the Board in approximately 2013 to give back to the community I live in. And in my free time, I garden, rescued 3 rabbits (George, Henri, and Josephine), and as a Veteran, I'm a member of the American Legion post 204, which is an all woman post.
Photo coming soon!
