Lael Duncan

Pledge to Clients:  Lael is a life long resident of Washington. She was born and raised in Seattle and moved to Okanogan County in 1987 to raise her two children. After working in Seattle and the Eastside of Lake Washington selling property & casualty insurance, building apartments, selling real estate, and owning a mortgage company, the quiet country life seemed very appealing. The reality of survival faced by so many urban refugees soon became apparent and despite successful small-scale ventures in organic farming and literary publishing, Lael found herself looking for more opportunities to make a difference.

Professional Experience:  As the first statewide coordinator of the Share our Strength Writers Harvest, Lael began her education in hunger relief. She wanted to also build a sanctuary for women escaping from domestic violence, but soon learned that all of the problems, which produce poverty, are circular – feeding upon themselves. This realization led to involvement as a founding board member of the county revolving loan fund for businesses. In 1997 she was appointed to the Loan Fund Executive Director position where she served until 2000 when she was appointed Executive Director of the Washington State Lenders Network (now the Western States Lenders Network).

Education:  Lael is also active as a volunteer. She served three terms as President of the local Economic Development Council in Okanogan County, and has chaired several other non profit boards including the Support Center and the Washington State Lenders Network. Currently, she serves on the Governors State Advisory Council on Homelessness, the Board of the Washington State Homeless Coalition, the Economic Alliance, the State Small Business Development Center Advisory Board, and is Vice Chair of the Washington State Community Action Partnership. In May Lael was appointed to the North Valley Hospital Board of Commissioners and is currently running for re-election.

Outside Interests:  Lael’s paid position is that of Executive Director of the Okanogan County Community Action Council where she has been employed since late 2002. In this position, she has taken the agency from an “at risk” agency with a $900,000 budget to an over $4 million budget that is recognized by the state as an “exemplary” agency in 5 years.

Personal Information: