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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 of Paper Whale
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 at Paper Whale
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Member at Paper Whale

Chelsea Jepson

Board Chair

Bronson Lamb, Board Member at Paper Whale

Bronson Lamb

Board Secretary

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Harry Roberts

Board Treasurer

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Free Borsey

Board Member

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Aaron Straight

Board Member

Advisors

Gretchen Leggitt, Co-Founder and Advisor, Paper Whale

Gretchen Leggitt

Artist & Co-Founder

Jeffrey Bos, Advisor, Paper Whale

Jeffrey Bos

Facilitation

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Alex Warneke

Fundraising

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Sachin Pai

Analytics & Data

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Peter Frazier

Community Relations

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Ziad Youssef

Legal

PRESS

Southside Living Magazine (Print Only)

November 2025

A New Place for Bellingham’s Favorite Placemakers

Bellingham Alive! (Print Only)

September 2025

JOBS

Interested in working for Paper Whale? Have great skills and a love of placemaking to bring to our fast-paced work?

Sorry, there are no open positions at this time. Thank you for your interest, and please check back soon.

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