Meet the 2020-21 HEA Executive Board
- Sandy Hunt, President -- Since 2001, Sandy has taught in a variety of roles at Shorewood, Beverly Park, and Madrona Elementary. Active in HEA governance since her third year of teaching, she believes passionately in the power of our members to organize and advocate for our students and our profession.
- Jeb Binns, Vice President -- 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.
- Katie Utesch, Secretary -- Katie has been teaching in Highline for 8 years and has been an active HEA member for 6. She began her journey in HEA as a building rep, followed by the BST chair, and now serves as the Secretary. Her journey to a leadership role began when she started her teaching career in Utah, where being a part of the Union was a choice. Her passion is to inform members of their rights and to make sure we have a good work-life balance.
- Sandra Aguila, Elementary Representative -- Sandra is a dual-language kindergarten teacher at Madrona Elementary. Previously she taught a variety of grade levels in self-contained ELL programs. Her union involvement began as an organizer in El Salvador during the 1980s. Sandra is a strong advocate for unions as a vehicle for promoting social justice and equity.
- Brandice Tranholt, Elementary Representative -- Brandice teaches at McMicken Elementary, and previously served as an HEA building representative for two years. She is dedicated and passionate about advocating for the rights of our students and their families, our community, and both classified and certified staff.
- Christian Tautua, Secondary Representative -- Christian is a community educator at Cascade Middle School. He is from Hawai’i and White Center. He is a proud Evergreen High School graduate.
- Rupika Madhavan, Secondary Representative -- Rupika teaches at Tyee High School, where she has served as an HEA Building Representative for several years.
- Jeff Steen, Specialist Representative -- Jeff is a passionate, veteran music educator who cares deeply about the fine arts for all students. He knows that when we support teachers and other specialists, we are ultimately supporting students and learning. Jeff currently teaches at Evergreen High School.
- Deborah Strayer, WEA Board Director -- Debby is a former Family and Consumer Science Teacher at Mount Rainier High School. She currently works as a Highline Substitute and Athletic Support Staff.
Click here to see a list of the HEA Executive Board Liaison Assignments.