Board of Director Nominees

Sofia Bjorklund (Board Member Since 2023)

Biography

I have been a member of the LWSC for almost 20 years (I think I’m considered a local now), ever
since moving to Leavenworth. When my daughters were ready to ski, Ski Hill was the natural choice—it was affordable, friendly, and right in our backyard. My involvement grew from parent to coach, and I spent nearly a decade coaching Nordic skiing. When there is no snow, you’ll find me hiking, biking the Ski Hill trails, or enjoying music night or a drink with friends at the lodge.

Candidacy Statement

After serving on the board for the past three years, I have decided to run again. I truly
believe in our Mission so if I get another chance at being a board member my goal is to provide
continued leadership and stability. In my professional life I work with budget and grant management, which have allowed me to support LWSC’s grant efforts to help ensure that we can continue to look for outside funding for projects like lodge restoration, Nordic trail lighting, snow making equipment etc. I have also been an active member of the Ski Education committee, driven by my love for Nordic skiing and passing it on to the kids in our community. Looking forward, I will continue advocating for year-round sustainability, continued growth and the preservation of Ski Hill as the inclusive community gathering place we all value.

Oneida Duran Plakos

Biography

I grew up far from the mountains, in the land of guava pastries and plantains - Miami, FL. I was pulled to WA as a young adult and couldn’t wait to find myself a trail and start hiking. My husband and I moved to Leavenworth the winter of 2011/2012 and we have been enchanted by not only the beauty that surrounds us but the community as well. Professionally, I work at our local hospital as a charge nurse. I have 2 little mountain-town rippers and love to watch them recreate and enjoy all the things I would have never dreamed of doing as a kid.

Candidacy Statement

I find myself drawn to ski hill no matter the season. I’m here doing laps on the rope tow with kids, running, biking, and getting snacks at the lodge. I care about this community. I live here, work here, I'm raising my kids here. The LWSC is a huge part of our community. You don’t need me to tell you how special it is. We all know it. I want to help foster all the great things LWSC has created and hopes to accomplish while maintaining the sense of warmth and community we’ve all enjoyed; whether we’re chasing a toddler on the magic carpet or nordic skiing at the hatchery. I hope to serve and support LWSC as it continues to grow and thrive while maintaining its special small town sparkle.

Patrick Haggerty

Biography

I grew up in Washington, went to school at WWU, and spent the next decade working seasonal jobs and skiing as much as possible in the winters.  Commercial fishing, farming, logging, wildlife biology and fisheries work took me throughout the pacific northwest before landing in Leavenworth in 2010.  The community and mountains of Leavenworth drew me in, and I feel very fortunate that my wife and I now have the opportunity to raise our two kids in such a special place.  Since 2014 I have worked for Cascadia Conservation District, working throughout Chelan County to provide technical and financial assistance to landowners to steward their natural resources.

Candidacy Statement

I have worked or volunteered for the Club for 13 years.  From patrolling, to grooming, running tows, hill manager, nordic coaching and hot cacao machine mechanic... I have loved getting to be a part of so many aspects of LWSC.  I have a deep passion for the club that started my first year patrolling, watching the local kids spinning countless laps, making friends with their parents, and hearing stories from old timers about the history of the hill.  Beyond my experience on the hill my professional and volunteer experience will add value to the board.  As the Forest and Community Resilience Program Manager at Cascadia I bring extensive experience writing grants, managing budgets, and planning and implementing large scale projects to improve the health of our local forests and aquatic resources.  The success of these projects has required strong relationships with our local Forest Service Staff, City of Leavenworth, Chelan County and local non-profits.  Building relationships and giving back to my community is always something I have valued, and I have served on several other local board including Mountain Sprouts Children's Community and Chumstick Wildfire Stewardship Coalition.  As someone who has held board positions, and works professionally for a board of directors I understand the commitment that is essential to being an effective board member.  Ultimately, I want to see the amazing culture and community of Ski Hill be preserved and protected, with positive growth as a leader in youth education and gathering space for our local community.

James Leifheit

Biography

The best Christmas present I ever got was a pair of cross-country skis. In rural northern Illinois, we didn’t have any groomed trails, teams, or instructors nearby, but that winter I fell in love with the magic of strapping a couple boards to my feet and sliding around on snow. You can still find me up at Ski Hill most nights when it’s open - cycling the Big Tow to session the airplane jump, or lapping the Little Tow just for the sheer delight of watching the wee ones take their first turns. It’s as joyful as any powder turn. My wife, Kristi, and I have been fortunate to call Leavenworth home since 2004. Like many of you, two of our favorite things about living here are the access to the outdoors and the incredible people. The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club is a wonderful combination of those two aspects and a true gem of the community. 

Candidacy Statement

Much of my career has involved maintaining facilities that support recreation in the outdoors. Between 5 years of running the utilities at Holden Village and 10 years of lift maintenance for Stevens Pass, I bring an understanding of the operational needs for an organization like the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club. Additionally, I have spent the past 11 years working at Confluence Health in roles that support organizational development, process improvement, and regulatory compliance. If elected, I will strive to listen well, partner effectively, and continue to improve alongside the LWSC board, membership, and the broader LWSC patrons and partners. It would be an honor to help the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club continue to provide a place where people can experience the joy of winter sports while connecting with each other and the outdoors.

Kelly Oneil

Biography

I recently became a resident of Leavenworth, bringing with me more than two decades of experience in the agricultural industry. Much of my career has been spent managing research farms for several Land Grant Universities, where I oversaw field operations, research trials, and farm teams.

Before entering agriculture, I worked extensively in the nonprofit sector. My roles included running programs for at‑risk youth, coordinating job‑skills training for individuals with intellectual disabilities on organic farms, managing emergency homeless shelters, and serving as a volunteer coordinator for a parenting‑time program.

I am currently the orchard manager for the WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee. Outside of work, I stay involved in the community—my son is on the ski team, and I volunteer to operate the ski jump tow.

Candidacy Statement

I believe I would be a strong candidate for the LWSC Board of Directors because of my background in nonprofit leadership and my active involvement with the ski program over the past two years. I bring experience in capital campaigns, strategic planning, and volunteer coordination—skills that directly support the needs of a community‑driven organization. I value the role LWSC plays in this region and would welcome the opportunity to help the club navigate challenges, support ongoing work, and contribute fresh, engaging ideas that strengthen the community.

Ben Whitcomb

Biography

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where the mountains aren't just a backdrop — they are a way of life. For so many of us, the trails, peaks, and powder days have shaped who we are and where we find our people. What started as childhood visits to Leavenworth eventually became something I couldn't stay away from. After working at Ski Hill these past two seasons, running the Magic Carpet, teaching snowboard lessons, slinging chicken strips and brews in the lodge, and hosting Bingo Nights, my husband and I looked at each other and said "This is it!" We're here, we're all in, and we are beyond grateful for the way this community has welcomed us with open arms.

Candidacy Statement

LWSC has already given me so much, and I'd love nothing more than to give something meaningful back. I've spent my career bringing people together as an alternative education teacher, a nonprofit board member, a union rep, and a community organizer, and what I've learned along the way is this: the best communities thrive when people feel genuinely heard and valued. I'll bring that belief into every board conversation, along with years of experience making the outdoors more welcoming for kids and families who didn't think the mountain was for them, including my time volunteering with Snowriders at Parkrose High School and the Snowdays Foundation across Oregon. LWSC is something rare, special, and absolutely worth protecting. I'd be honored to help steward it with care, with heart, and always with this community's best interests guiding the way. Thank you so much for your consideration, and hope to see you at the next Bingo Night at Ski Hill Lodge!

Chris Wojcik

Biography

As a kid, I learned to ski on the frozen lakes and tiny hills of the Midwest. As I grew, it only seemed natural to find bigger and better places to ski, and a community of people who were as excited about skiing as I was.  It took me a while, but once I found Leavenworth, I knew I was home.  Along the way, I was lucky enough to work for a large PNW based outdoor gear Co-op that gave me some valuable experiences (and a great discount!)  I started in retail but eventually ended up at HQ in marketing, where I created content to promote the brand.  I've spent the last 15 years freelancing in video production, helping non-profits and businesses in the valley tell their stories.  My proudest accomplishment is being a dad and seeing my daughter grow and thrive in this amazing community.

Candidacy Statement

As a dad, it’s been amazing to see my daughter embrace the outdoors. She loves winter and skiing has been a huge part of that.  It has really made me appreciate just how important LWSC is to not just my family, but to the entire community.  I would love to contribute in any way that I can to help the club with it's mission and to get as many people as possible, especially kids, involved in winter stoke.  In my work life, I've learned the importance of customer service, the challenges of leading others, and how to help build a brand.  It's my hope that some of this experience might be helpful in guiding LWSC to achieve its goals.