We are the Doers, Movers, Shakers, Changemakers.
We believe in accelerating change with intention and sparking authentic, lasting momentum.

PEOPLE
Staff

Nick Hartrich
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Nick believes the places we live shape who we become — and that we all have a role in making it beautiful. For nearly three decades, he's been rooted in the Pacific Northwest, working alongside businesses, creatives, and civic leaders to build communities people are proud to call home. His work has influenced global sustainability campaigns and community networks from Alaska to New Zealand. He moves fast. He bets on people. He treats "yes" like currency and accelerates ideas into action. A champion of entrepreneurs, artists, and storytellers, Nick founded Paper Whale to strengthen the creative economy and make cities worth falling in love with. If your idea has heat, you've found your people.

Grace Rogers
Events Manager
Grace loves working with people, shapes & colors - and is happiest when giving form to things that are not yet visible. At Paper Whale, she focuses on highlighting the inherent beauty in both the world around us and the inner worlds that connect us. With a background in civil engineering focused on stormwater treatment and management, she brings spatial thinking, a love of creating systems, and an intentional approach to shaping the built environment. Grace is especially passionate about art installations and experiences that encourage self-discovery through observing the laws of nature.

KAYLEIGH BURKINSHAW
Digital Culture Creator
Kayleigh is a storyteller and change-maker with a deep love for the people, places, and landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, which she's proudly called home since 2022. Drawn to the power of community, she brings a background in nonprofit marketing and years behind the camera to share authentic stories through impactful content. She believes the most meaningful work brings people together and inspires them to be a part of something bigger. When she’s not brainstorming her next creative endeavor, she’s immersed in nature, dancing at a music festival, or browsing a local artist’s market.

Micah Ellis
Design Director
Micah is a dedicated leader, designer, and strategist with two decades of experience focusing on driving brand impact. His expertise helps lead the entire Paper Whale brand design and art direction. See Micah's portfolio at Further Up Co.

ACACIA LOPEZ
Momentum Analyst
Acacia is a strategic systems-thinker who integrates over a decade of professional design experience with advanced expertise in space systems engineering and geophysics. Currently applying her skills in project management and systems optimization, she excels at translating complex, multidisciplinary concepts into structured, actionable processes. By bridging analytical diligence with creative vision, Acacia helps to deliver innovative solutions that drive operational efficiency. Outside of her professional endeavors, she maintains her creative and athletic pursuits through music, painting, and trail running in the mountains.

JAMIE valenta
Finance
Jamie is Paper Whale's financial backbone. With over a decade in commercial banking, she brings rigor and care to the books — keeping our creative community on solid ground. Outside of the office, you’ll find her traveling, photographing people and places, pursuing various active and creative endeavors, and exploring our coasts and mountains
Board of Directors

Chelsea Jepson
Board Chair

Bronson Lamb
Board Secretary

Harry Roberts
Board Treasurer

Free Borsey
Board Member

Aaron Straight
Board Member
Advisors

Gretchen Leggitt
Artist & Co-Founder

Jeffrey Bos
Facilitation

Alex Warneke
Fundraising

Sachin Pai
Analytics & Data

Peter Frazier
Community Relations

Ziad Youssef
Legal
PRESS
A New Place for Bellingham’s Favorite Placemakers
Bellingham Alive! (Print Only)
September 2025







