JANUARY NEWSLETTER
GREG STEINHAUER NAMED SEATTLE POLICE FOUNDATION CHAIR
We are delighted to announce the appointment of a new chairman. Current board member, Greg Steinhauer, has been named chairman of the board, replacing our immediate past board chair, Mark Pinkowski. 

When asked about his new role within the Foundation, Greg said, "I am honored and excited to be taking on the role of Chair of this essential organization. SPF's dedication to the Seattle Police Department is more important than ever. I am hopeful that my leadership experience will contribute to the Seattle Police Foundation's future success."

Greg is a graduate of the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania  with a Bachelor of Science in economics. He has spent his entire working career in construction and real estate development. He currently directs all American Life, Inc.  large-scale development projects and oversees SODO Builders, the company's in-house construction company.

A lifelong resident of Seattle, Greg served as President of a construction and residential  development company that specialized in urban infill mid-rise projects for 15 years. Just prior to joining American Life, he was Vice President of Development for a billion-dollar institutional real estate investment firm in which he was active in acquiring and entitling several projects.

Thank you for your dedication to SPF and SPD, Greg!

Learn more about all our board members  here .
NEW YEAR, NEW PRESIDENT & CEO
The Seattle Police Foundation is thrilled to announce the hire of our new President & CEO, Cherie Skager. Cherie succeeds outgoing President & CEO, Laura Mathers, who served the organization for over two years.

Skager has more than 20 years of experience managing health and safety programs in Washington State. She has held leadership positions at The Hope Heart Institute, The Puget Sound Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and The YWCA of Seattle-King County-Snohomish County. Cherie brings an expertise of building collaboration across sectors to improve the well-being of the community, with a priority focus of reaching undeserved populations and implementing upstream solutions to issues that disproportionately affect our community.

Cherie has a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and Master's degree in Health Education from the University of Nebraska and a Masters degree in Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle University. She has proven success in identifying and addressing community need, launching programs and taking them to scale, as well as raising visibility of issues that impact lives of those living in the Seattle area.

Skager is thrilled to work at the Seattle Police Foundation, supporting the Seattle Police Department and the dedicated women and men working there, in creating a safer—and healthier-Seattle for all. Cherie knows she has large shoes to fill following Mathers' departure, "I am inspired by Laura's passion and energy. She has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to this amazing organization. I hope I can build on the legacy that she and others have set."
WEST PRECINCT MURAL WALLS
On December 8, two new murals installed on the walls of the community and roll call rooms in SPD's West Precinct.  The funding for both of these murals was provided through a Seattle Police Foundation grant as a way to boost morale.

The roll call room mural provides a historical perspective on SPD and features many current and former West Precinct officers. More than 50 black and white photos are used in the mural that was designed by SPD Photo Unit employee, Kathy Durkee.

Before the installation was complete, several officers noted that the roll call room was not an encouraging place to begin a shift, nor a motivator to provide the best policing service, pride, and dedication. The murals now provide a poignant backdrop for officer safety information, Department news, and car assignments.  

The community room's makeover has been just as impactful. The room's skyline mural is now a visual reminder for visitors that SPD's officers are professionals and who have the highest regard for the community they serve.

There are many strong community relationships at the West Precinct, the new murals will not only help to enhance them but it will strengthen new ones as well. West Precinct Captain Tom Mahaffey said he hopes that every time officers see the murals they are reminded not only of the history of SPD, but the part in the proud legacy that officers continue to build every day. 
OPERATION SANTA'S HELPERS
Making a difference in the community is a top priority for East Precinct Captain Paul McDonagh and his team. This holiday season they wanted to do something special for a few deserving families and the Foundation was happy to help out. Using funds for the department's community engagement grant, the Foundation purchased several Target gift cards and began "Operation Santa's Helpers." Officers George and Blase used the gift cards to purchased toys for children ranging from 6 months to 14 years old and delivered them to each home. It's clear that these officers made a little holiday magic and a lot of happiness possible for these children.

Programs like this are made possible through the Foundation's community engagement grants with the goal of fostering positive relationships between youth, communities, and the officers of SPD and are funded through the generous contributions of our donors. For more information on the programs supported through SPF click here.
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