Any staff member would be delighted to talk with you.
- Call us at 360-906-4700
- Send an email via our Contact Form
- Drop by 1007 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA, Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
- Send mail to: PO Box 2384, Vancouver, WA 98668-2384
Staff
Rick Smithrud, Executive Director
Rick has worked for a number of private colleges, public universities, and other nonprofit organizations for more than 35 years. One of his more interesting projects was raising funds and procuring materials for the reassembly and restoration of the Spruce Goose for the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.
He believes that building relationships with individuals and businesses in the community is the key to success for the Foundation. He wants to make sure people know about all of the things FVRL has to offer, and believes that the more people know about the library the more likely they will be to invest in its success.
During his tenure at FVRL Foundation, Rick has been amazed by the passion and dedication exhibited by the many donors and volunteers that support the various library branches. He is constantly impressed by the amount of time and effort given by so many loyal library supporters.
Why the Library:
“I have always wanted to work for organizations that enhance the lives of the people they serve. At the library, I see examples of that every day, whether it is a children’s storytime, a job search or resume writing class, or a community forum on homelessness. Literally, there is something here for everyone.”
Judy Musa, Business Development Officer
Judy has been passionate about reading since childhood when riding her bike to the library was a favorite summer activity. Going to the library was as much a reward as going to the movies or swimming.
Fundraising and volunteering have always been a part of her life—in fact, she started fundraising campaigns in elementary school. But she didn't become an "official" fundraiser until she came to work at the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation three years ago.
In her role with the Foundation, she assists the Friends of the Library groups across the district in their fundraising efforts, and she builds relationships with local communities and businesses to raise funds for FVRL's programs, events and building campaigns.
Why the Library:
"I love the fact that the library is still relevant today and has recreated itself to offer what is needed in our communities. The library is so much more than books! It is a place to find knowledge, inspiration, and creativity as well as a place where community discussions begin."
Christine Perry, Executive Assistant
Christine has spent the majority of her career working in the nonprofit sector. She values the opportunities it brings to help change the world and give back to the community.
Working at the FVRL Foundation as its Executive Assistant has been new and fulfilling. She enjoys working behind the scenes to support the love of reading and community engagement, and she finds it a pleasure and a privilege to work with this team to further the mission of literacy and life-long learning.
Why the Library:
"My son is a voracious reader and might have up to 40 books checked out at any given time. I’m thankful for the library because I couldn’t afford to keep him reading without it!"
Mary Walsh, Senior Administrative Assistant
With a background in a variety of creative occupations and business office experience, Mary enjoys the diverse tasks the Foundation offers and feels at home as part of a community-oriented non-profit team. She received her first library card at age four and is still amazed by all of the services, resources, programs, technology, spaces, and materials that the library offers. She is thrilled to be able to support the library as part of the Foundation.
In her spare time, Mary enjoys exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest, cooking (or anything to do with food, really), and reading something from her ever-present stack of library books.
Why the Library:
"The library is a community powerhouse for absolutely everyone. And it's free!"