Our Staff

Meet the Team

Elizabeth Kilanowski has served on the Lummi Island Heritage Trust Board for more than nine years, including nine years as Chair of the Land Protection Committee and most recently as Chair of the Finance Committee. She also served as Interim Executive Director in 2022.
A Whatcom County resident for more than 27 years, Elizabeth has volunteered with numerous organizations focused on conservation, water resources, and climate change. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Art Education and Geology, as well as a master’s degree in Geology.
Elizabeth is deeply committed to protecting Lummi Island’s natural places for generations to come. “I’ve had a lifelong commitment to the conservation of the natural world and care deeply about leaving protected places for the next generations.”

Skylar's conservation journey began as a Youth Conservation Corps member with a Land Trust in Northern New Mexico, where he contributed to trail maintenance, invasive species control, and data collection. Skylar's commitment to conservation led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Sustainability and a minor in Geographic Information Systems at Western Washington University, where he focused on land use, environmental planning, and equitable community development. Skylar views the world from a bird's-eye view, a skill he applies by using GIS technology to create, analyze, and develop web maps and applications that assist conservation efforts. Skylar is delighted to contribute his skills to preserving the nature of Lummi Island.
When he’s not working on stewardship projects, Skylar enjoys exploring the North Cascades and surrounding areas through hiking, biking, skiing, and fly fishing.

Lynnette Berry has lived in Whatcom County for over 35 years, and has lived on Lummi Island since 2023. She graduated from Western Washington University with bachelor’s degrees in History and German, and a master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education. She spent 14 years working with Whatcom County community members at Whatcom Community College, managing and developing the international homestay program. Her work included outreach and development, recruiting and retaining volunteer host families for international students. Most recently she was Regional Manager for Educatius, working closely with local families and school administrations in Utah, Idaho, Oregon and Washington states hosting international students.
Lynnette loves engaging with the local community, languages and cross cultural communication. She is fluent in German and conversational Italian, Russian and Spanish. When time allows, she enjoys hiking our local trails and those abroad. When she travels, she includes volunteering abroad, most recently rebuilding schools damaged in earthquakes in remote areas of Nepal, youth art therapy in Russia, and teaching English in the Czech Republic. She brings to the Heritage Trust expertise in program development, community outreach, relationship building, organization and love for preserving our land and nature on Lummi Island.

Sean has resided in Whatcom County since the early 1990’s, and has lived on Lummi Island since 2023. He graduated from Western Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in International Business, and a minor in Environmental Studies. Over his career, Sean has worked with San Juan Cruises, Washington State Parks, Whatcom Community College and owns and operates Double Crown Records and The Continental Magazine. Sean is an avid backpacker and hiker, recently completing 1700 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2025 as well as the 300-mile Chinook Trail in 2018. When time allows, Sean volunteers with the Washington Trails Association. He brings to the Trust an expertise in office administration, attention to detail and love of hiking trails, nature and land preservation.