YNPN Seattle Board
The YNPN Seattle Executive Board is an all-volunteer working and governing board. We operate under a co-leadership model, with all board members contributing equally.
We’re always looking for new people to help support our work and welcome anyone with a passion for supporting young nonprofit professionals. No age limits or specific experience required
Ashley Ford | Co-Chair
Ashley Ford (she/they) is a fundraising professional and has worked at many local nonprofits, small and large. Originally from NC, where they received their Bachelors of Science in Public Health from NC State University (Go Pack!), Ashley moved to Seattle in July 2019 and has been living in the Lake City neighborhood with their partner and two cats, Prim & Rue, ever since. Ashley has been a musician for over 15 years and has a passion for serving the arts community, serving three years in national office for Mu Beta Psi, National Honorary Musical Fraternity. They are in their fifth year of board service to YNPN Seattle, previously serving in the National Liaison role. In their free time, you can find Ashley on a local hiking trail or trying to find the best lavender latte in town. They enjoy connecting over coffee and meeting new people that love to go on new adventures!
Karen Andrew | Co-Chair
Karen (she/her) is a California girl who has called Seattle “home” for almost 20 years. Karen is a nonprofit leader, small business owner, and fundraising consultant in Seattle who graduated in 2022 with a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle University. In her free time Karen hangs out with family, friends, and her sweet pitty, Hugpaws. She loves to road trip all over the West Coast and PNW but her favorite place to be is home with a good book and cup of tea.
CJ Chen | Co-CHair
Chung-Jen (CJ) Chen (he/him) is an accountant. Originally born in Taiwan and moved to Tacoma, Washington at a young age, he now resides in Seattle after completing both Bachelors in accounting and Master of Professional Accounting from Seattle University, and has recently obtain both CMA and CSCA designation, and will eventually start his journal to MBA. CJ has been on various boards and committees since completing his degree. CJ gets involved with different nonprofits because he believes it’s the best way for him to give back to the community that supported him. When CJ is not busy volunteering, he enjoys getting boba with friends, spending time with his cat, or playing video games to relax.
Elias Olsen | Co-Chair
Elias (they/them/theirs) is a nonprofit and advocacy communications problem-solver who loves building trustworthy brands. They are currently serving as the Communications & Data Manager at Alexander Hamilton Scholars, empowering under-served youth through college access. With experience in communications, political organizing, and marketing, as well as a degree in Public Relations and Journalism from Western Washington University, Elias thrives when transforming vision into action. Their mission is to build authentic bridges of respect and trust, helping others feel seen and heard. Outside of work and volunteering as Membership – Stewardship Co-Chair at YNPN Seattle, Elias loves playing video games, reading up on their hometown newspaper The Washington Post, and spending time with their German Shepard Pete (or Peter when he’s in trouble)!