Yakima Valley Leaders Step Up: Four New Voices Join Community Foundation Board

YAKIMA, Wash. – When Marthy Hernandez's farmworker parents immigrated to the lower Yakima Valley, they couldn't have imagined their daughter would one day help guide one of the region's most influential philanthropic organizations. Now, as one of four new board members at the Yakima Valley Community Foundation (YVCF), Hernandez brings her lived experience and legal expertise to a leadership team working to transform education, health, and civic engagement across Central Washington.

The appointments—announced this week—reflect YVCF's commitment to diverse perspectives in addressing the Valley's most pressing challenges. Joining Hernandez are three other community leaders whose expertise spans philanthropy, health sciences, and regional business: Briana Tamaki, Dr. Fotinos Panagakos, and Mike Preacher.

Four Leaders, One Mission: Building a Stronger Valley

Briana Tamaki: A 4th-generation Japanese-American and 2nd-generation Filipina-American, Tamaki has deep roots in Yakima—she's a Davis High School graduate who returned home to lead the Blaine and Preciosa Tamaki Foundation. The foundation focuses on inclusion and justice, primarily supporting Valley nonprofits. "When philanthropy comes from people who understand the community firsthand, its impact multiplies," says one colleague. Tamaki also co-chairs the Yakima Advisory Board for UW's Consulting and Business Development Center, helping local talent access business education and economic opportunities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management from the University of Washington.

Marthy Hernandez: Born and raised in the lower Yakima Valley by immigrant farmworker parents, Hernandez now serves on the Native American Affairs Team at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, representing tribal governments, enterprises, and Indian-owned businesses. But her impact extends beyond her legal work—she partners

with Heritage University to direct a law-school pipeline program targeting first-generation college students, opening doors that might otherwise remain closed. A graduate of the University of Washington and Gonzaga University School of Law, Hernandez understands both the barriers and the pathways to success in the Valley.

Dr. Fotinos Panagakos: As founding dean of the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences—School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Panagakos is literally building the future of healthcare education in the Yakima Valley. With a DMD and PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UMDNJ (now Rutgers), plus advanced degrees in Education and Business from Seton Hall and Lehigh Universities, he brings both clinical expertise and a vision for expanding health education opportunities right here in Central Washington. His work means Valley residents increasingly have pathways to healthcare careers without leaving home.

Mike Preacher: A Yakima native who returned to the Valley in 2007 after stints in Walla Walla and Seattle, Preacher serves as Vice President of Marketing and Strategy for the Kershaw Companies, a regional leader in Northwest-grown fruit. His volunteer work with organizations like Cowiche Canyon Conservancy and the Washington Apple Commission reflects a commitment to both the Valley's natural resources and its agricultural heritage. Preacher and his wife Kristin raised their two sons here, giving him firsthand knowledge of what families need to thrive in the community.

Why This Matters Now

With nearly $90 million in charitable assets under management, YVCF grants more than $3 million annually to nonprofits across Yakima County and surrounding rural communities. These new board members will help guide investments in early childhood development, health initiatives, and civic engagement programs—decisions that ripple through schools, clinics, and community centers throughout Central Washington.

The foundation's focus on creating equity in education, health, and civic vitality takes on new dimension with leaders who've walked different paths to the boardroom—from farmworker fields to university halls, from family businesses to tribal law offices.

Honoring Outgoing Leaders

As new members join, YVCF extends heartfelt thanks to departing board members Gwen Chaplin, Cynthia Juarez, and Kristin Kershaw-Snapp for their leadership and service. The foundation also recognizes Magaly Solis and Corinne Murphy Hines, who recently stepped down, expressing gratitude for their contributions and continued partnership with the Valley's philanthropic community.