FOH Team
Each May at a general membership meeting, the Nominating Committee presents officers to be elected. That group of officers is referred to as the FOH Board. In addition to board members, committee chairs are also discussed and selected as necessary. Learn more about FOH Board roles and our FOH committees.
Interested in filling an open committee chair role or becoming a board member for the 2026-27 school year? Contact us!
2025-26 FOH Board:
Co-Presidents - Heather Koelsch (year 2) & Brooks Thompson (year 1)
Vice President - Vanessa Payne
Co-Treasurers - Dana Troy (year 2) and Cedric Walker (year 1)
Co-Secretaries - Jessica Burke-Lazarus (year 2) and Lisa (year 1)
Advocacy Lead - Alicia Gibson and Cora Weed (SSESFA)
After School Enrichment Lead - Dawn Bushnaq
At-Large Member - Allie Siegal
Fundraising Chair - Molly Judge
Communications Chair - Vanessa Payne
Sustainability Lead - Cori
Staff Appreciation Leads - Arianna Means and Kate Chen
Playground Leads - Katie Mathis and OPEN
Nominating Lead - OPEN
FOH Info
Friends of Hawthorne (FOH) PTA is a volunteer-led group that creates successful and engaged students by supporting teachers, connecting families and strengthening the Hawthorne community. Anyone who cares about the students at Hawthorne Elementary may join: parents, caregivers, extended famly, friends and neighbors! Learn more about how to Get Involved.
FOH focuses on focus on increasing volunteerism, fostering participation in community-building events, and raising funds for the school. Our values include supporting our children, our school, and working for a great education for all students through teamwork, strong leadership and action, building an inclusive community, celebrating our diversity.
FOH is an active chapter of the Washington State PTA and is a member of the Seattle Council PTSA. We are incorporated in the State of Washington and registered as a charitable organization. View our Washington state required annual reports here.
We are a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. Click here to view the IRS 501(c)(3) ruling and our Tax ID. Friends of Hawthorne falls under purview of Washington State nonprofit laws. Our standing rules are amended as necessary and approved annually by our full membership.