Jeb Binns, HEA President | jBinns@washingtonEA.org | Jeb has been teaching social studies at Highline High School since 2002. He got involved in the union after he was caught arguing with a former superintendent about proposed budget cuts to special education and ELL. Jeb also serves as an NEA State Director.

Shawna Moore, HEA Vice President | Shawna.Moore@washingtonEA.org | Over the past 20 years in Highline, Shawna has taught K through 12. Shawna leads the racial and social equity work at the local, council, and state level. Her leadership extends to serving as a WEA Culturally Responsive Trainer, a Cadre Lead for ECS 01 and 06, as well as a Core Team member of RECN (Rainier Educators of Color Network). Her passion is helping educational professionals experience the power of relationships and human connection with the goal of ensuring all students have a caring adult in their educational setting. Meet her in person at the Rainier Educators of Color Monthly Meetups! Check your home email for more info.

Veronica Fairchild, HEA Secretary | veronica.fairchild@highlineschools.org | As a 25-year member of the Highline Education Association, Veronica is looking to expand her knowledge and participation in the union. Starting as a building rep in 2013 led her to the bargaining team in 2017; and in the most recent bargain, taking on the role of bargaining lead. Serving as the HEA Executive Board Secretary complements her work on the HEA Finance Committee. “As a bilingual educator of color, I am able to be one of the many pieces of the union's culture of diversity in representation.”

Katie Utesch, HEA Pre-K/Elementary Representative | Katie.Utesch@highlineschools.org | McMicken Elementary School

My name is Bertha Crandall. I am a 2nd-grade dual language teacher at Hazel Elementary. I've worked for Highline for the last five years, first as a paraeducator and now as a certificated teacher. I'm excited to serve as an elementary representative on the HEA Executive Board and to highlight the needs of our dual language program. | Bertha.Crandall@highlineschools.org

Ben Folgers, HEA Secondary Representative | ben.folgers@washingtonea.org | Ben has been teaching for 11 years, with the last 6 at Mount Rainier High School. He first got involved in union work when he organized within charter schools both in Chicago and in Washington. He has served as a building rep at MRHS since 2020. Ben has been proud to bring forward NBIs (New Business Items) at the state and national rep assemblies. When not fighting for workers' rights, you can find him riding bikes throughout Seattle.

Leslie Sokolik, Secondary Representative | Leslie.Sokolik@washingtonea.org | Leslie grew up in the district and has worked in it since 2012. She got involved in the union when there was a need for more educator voices heard in Olympia. Leslie also serves as Vice President on the Rainier UniServ Council.

Sara Fox, Physical Therpist, HEA Special Services Representative | Sara.Fox@highlineschools.org