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We are the Doers, Movers, Shakers, Changemakers.

We believe in accelerating change with intention, sparking authentic, lasting momentum

PEOPLE

Staff

Nick Hartrich, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Paper Whale
Nick Hartrich

Executive Director & Co-Founder

Nick has spent nearly three decades in Bellingham, WA, proving that creative change doesn’t wait for permission. His work has focused on sparking local-to-global sustainability campaigns and building networks that move ideas into action; however, he believes the most meaningful work happens in relationship to one another. He moves fast. He bets on people. He treats “yes” like currency — and invests it in those ready to make life more beautiful. A champion of entrepreneurs, artists, and storytellers, Nick helps lead and grow the creative economy. If your idea has heat, consider partnering with Paper Whale.

Grace Rogers, Events Manager at Paper Whale
Grace Rogers

Events Manager

Grace loves working with others to create shared spaces and experiences that bring out beauty and connection. With a background in civil engineering focused on stormwater treatment and management, she brings careful attention to detail to event planning for Paper Whale. Grace wants to help people connect deeply with their community and environment. One of her greatest joys is collaborating with others toward a common goal. She is passionate about experiential art that explores self-discovery and the natural world.

Emma Mindel, Marketing Specialist at Paper Whale
Emma Mindel

Marketing Specialist

Emma is a marketer with a heart for the arts and a passion for the Pacific Northwest. She uses her promotional expertise to share information and connect people to cultural experiences that build a more vibrant community and world. She started her career with placemaking in the Chicago Loop, and is thrilled to be using the skills she honed over the past 15 years to impact public spaces here in Bellingham. When she’s not behind the scenes, you’ll find her in an art class, out in her garden, or somewhere in the mountains.

Micah Ellis, Design Director at Paper Whale
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.

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

Co-Founder & Advisor

Jeffrey Bos, Advisor, Paper Whale

Jeffrey Bos

Advisor

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Alex Warnake

Advisor

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Sachin Pai

Advisor

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Peter Frazier

Advisor

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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