Connie Watts, Executive Director

Connie hails from Utah, but most recently lived in Washington, D.C., where she worked as National Field Director for Planned Parenthood Federation of America for seven years. During her 18 year tenure at Planned Parenthood, Connie worked closely with affiliates from across the country. Among her many accomplishments, she headed the organization's efforts of the March for Women's Lives, the largest march on Washington, DC in United States' history. Connie and her partner are the proud parents of an 18-month-old son.

Josh Friedes, Advocacy Director

Josh comes to us from Mass Equality and the Freedom to Marry Coalition of Massachusetts, a veteran of the fight there to win and defend marriage rights for the LGBT people of Massachusetts. A grant from the Gill Foundation brought Josh to ERW as a consultant. In July he accepted the position of Advocacy Director. Josh's professional credits include executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts, and advocacy director of Mass Coalition for a Healthy Future. Josh has served as Chairperson of the Boards of the MassEquality Education Fund and the Freedom to Marry Coalition of Massachusetts.

Michal Wiesbrock, Development Manager

Michal received his B.A. in Political Science from Washington & Lee University then went on to get his MIBS (Masters of International Business) from the University of South Carolina. He moved to Seattle in June 2007 and brings over 17 years of marketing and fundraising experience with him. Michal spent a majority of his career working for Walt Disney World LLC in the marketing, media relations and special events divisions. His experience includes work on international press events, planning and production of the annual Central Florida media pitch, collateral design and VIP management. He served as the Development Director for The Magic Drum & Bugle Corps, Events Coordinator for Hope & Help Center of Central Florida, served as a marketing consultant for United Arts of Central Florida and was the performing talent coordinator for N*SYNC's Annual Challenge for the Children Charity Weekend.

Louise Weed, Coordinator of Communications and Technology

Louise is originally an East-Coaster who has been in the rain for two years. After graduating from Tufts University with a degree in women?s studies, she landed at the Planned Parenthood Public Policy Network of WA working at the State office coordinator and data management specialist. Her work at PP led naturally to joining the ERW team, where she works as the Communications and Technology Coordinator. Louise?s alter ego, Weed Whack-Her, skates with the Jet City Rollergirls where she is the proud captain of the Camaro Harem and a member of the All-Star Travel Team. If you?re not watching Louise skate, you?ll catch her making neurotic to-do lists and buying organic produce.

Cate Burlington, Administrative Manager

Cate, another non-native Seattleite, was born and raised in Washington, DC. She finished her A.A. in Business Administration in summer 2006, then promptly moved across the country to attend University of Washington. She will be graduating with her B.A. in Economics in March 2008 (and is counting down the days). She started at ERW in April '07 as a Field Intern, then became the Communications Fellow, and has now been hired as the new Administrative Manager. They just can't seem to get rid of her! When not at school or ERW, Cate works as a birthday party leader at Gymboree Play & Music, where she evinces great enthusiasm for kids' songs and activities.

Adam Kuglin, Brand Strategy Consultant

Adam, yet another non-native, joins ERW from the icy tundra of Minneapolis, Minnesota. A student pursuing a BFA in Graphic Design at the Art Institute of Seattle, his previous experience includes brand development, graphic design and event promotion for OutFront Minnesota, and event coordination and brand design as the assistant program director of the Twin Cities-based Playhouse Theater. Adam works closely with our fundraising and advocacy operations to creatively raise public awareness and perception of the agency, our mission, goals, and events. Adam is a Taurus, loves chai tea, and is a terrible bowler.

Roldy Ablow, Wales Foundation Development Fellow

Bio coming soon

David Walega, GLAAD Communications Fellow

David is serving as our new GLAAD Communications Fellow. As a graduate of the Masters of Communication in Digital Media Program at the University of Washington, he researched and produced new media production and electronic communications. A local Seattle artist and photographer for the last thirteen years, David has years of practical experience with commercial, non-profit institutions and publications throughout the world. When not traveling to Africa or Central America on photography assignments, he lives in Seattle focusing on GLBT equality issues throughout the northwest.