GTCF Welcomes Five New Board Members

Released 12/14/23
Media Inquiries Contact:
Megan Sukys, 253.345.4173
Chief Strategy & Communications Officer, GTCF

TACOMA, WA – Greater Tacoma Community Foundation’s Board of Directors approved the addition of five new members during their annual meeting on December 13th. Brett Freshwaters, Christina Blocker, Christopher Algeo, Jeanette Roatch and Tono Sablan will officially begin their terms in January 2024.

Brett Freshwaters

Brett Freshwaters, now retired, has extensive experience with local nonprofit organizations having worked as the Chief Financial Officer for YMCA, Metro Parks, and Pierce Transit.  In addition to his work experience, Brett has been a member of the Tacoma Sunrise Rotary for 30 years, a volunteer mentor at Palmer Scholars, and served on Advisory Councils for Metro Parks and Tacoma Community College.

Brett and his wife Melanie enjoy spending time on outdoor pursuits such as hiking, running, bicycling, and cross-country skiing.

Christina Blocker

Christina Blocker is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Momentum Professional Strategy Partners. In her diverse community roles, both professionally and as a volunteer on several local and national boards, Christina has consistently championed diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).

Christiana has played strategic roles in campaign management, leveraging her skills in community engagement and advocacy to effectuate tangible change and amplify underrepresented voices.  Chrisina says the highlight of her journey has been serving as president of the African American Community College Trustees Association, a national organization where she led efforts to foster inclusive educational environments and policies.

Chrisina says her roles as ‘mom’ to her two boys and ‘wife’ to her husband Keith, are what bring her the most joy.

Christopher Algeo

Christopher Algeo, Senior Vice President – Umpqua Bank, brings over 30 years of experience as a financial services leader and community advocate.

Christopher has served as a Board President and member for several local organizations including Goodwill of Olympics & Rainier Region, American Leadership Forum-Tacoma /Pierce County Chapter, Tacoma Sunrise Rotary Club, and Tacoma Arts Live.

Outside of his work and volunteer commitments, Christopher enjoys traveling throughout the western United States judging amateur and professional bodybuilding events, as well as attending performances at Tacoma Arts Live.

Jeanette Roatch

Jeanette Roatch, Partner and Director of Accounting & Auditing, Shannon & Associates, has been a CPA in service to the public for 25+ years.

Jeanette specializes in relationship-building, strategic planning, and delivering extraordinary client services.  She says she aspires to be the first person her client thinks of when they need advice on any matter, regardless of if it is a financial matter, strategic or operational issue, or even a personal challenge.

Jeanette has served on GTCF’s Audit and Finance Committees and is actively involved in volunteering at her church and supporting the Shannon & Friends Foundation.  Jeanette enjoys walking at Ruston Way waterfront and meeting other people enjoying the outdoors.

Tono Sablan

Tono Sablan, Executive Director Blue Zones Parkland and School Board President, Franklin Pierce Schools, is a Parkland native with expertise in community development. Prior to his role at Blue Zones, Tono led a 10-year career in the nonprofit sector (including a stint as a Grants Liaison with GTCF) which centered on institutional philanthropy with a particular focus on education equity and community development.  Tono was also a member of GTCF’s Youth Philanthropy Board in 2011.

Tono currently serves on the Amara and Sound Outreach boards of directors and previously served on the Grand Cinema and Pierce County Library Foundation boards, as well as the Parkland-Spanaway-Midland Land Use Advisory Commission and Pierce County Conservation Futures Citizens Advisory Board.

Tono enjoys spending time with family and friends in Parkland and watching movies at the Grand Cinema.

GTCF’s Board of Directors governs the organization, establishes policy, sets priorities, and approves grant recommendations. All members are volunteers.

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Greater Tacoma Community Foundation connects people, knowledge, and funding to build a racially equitable, accessible, inclusive Pierce County, now and for generations to come. 

GTCF aligns funding and action through strategic philanthropic investments as well as stewardship of 600 individual, family, and agency funds. 

with over $150 million in assets, as well as strategic funding and partnerships with the community, GTCF provides philanthropic support to meet the community’s needs and achieve its opportunities. 

As a nationally accredited nonprofit community foundation with more than $150 million in assets, GTCF has catalyzed a thriving Pierce County since 1981. Learn more at https://www.gtcf.org