
The Bridge Board Members
Our board members come from diverse backgrounds and possess a wide range of specialties, yet they all share an unwavering commitment to The Bridge's core mission. We take immense pride in having such dedicated and exceptionally talented individuals serving on our board.
Meet the Board
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Mary Rustick
Executive Director & Mentor
Mary has always been an advocate for youth and education. She has served many years as a lead and substitute teacher in Virginia, Texas, and Hawai'i. She was very involved in her children's education and extra curriculars where she served as a PTA board member and volunteered in youth sports.
Currently, Mary implements educational plans for underserved communities in Hawai'i and works directly with those families to support their needs. She whole-heartedly believes in the mission of The Bridge and has big plans to create opportunities for every Kaua'i scholar so they're better equipped on their journey for higher education on the mainland.

Chelsea Pinacate
Executive Administrator & Secretary
Chelsea studied to become a secondary education teacher and quickly grew to love working with the community as a whole. She has extensive experience in graphic design, marketing, event planning and promotions, reviving old and bringing new businesses alive by implementing strategic marketing strategies and curating brand identities digitally and traditionally.
She has volunteered with various non-profits in arts and education. Chelsea has been a member of her local PTA for 8 years serving various roles and currently serving as Treasurer at her son's middle school. Knowing the direct impact teachers have on our youth, Chelsea continues to serve as a substitute teacher for Leadership Prep School and Frisco Independent School District (Texas).
She is primarily be remote, but say hello when she's on-island!

Kevin McPhee
President & Mentor
Kevin McPhee, originally from the island of Bermuda, is a hospitality and education professional. Kevin received his Masters degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Cornell University, and has held various executive management positions in the hotel, resort, private club, and restaurant industries.
Kevin has also been involved with the field of education through University of Phoenix for ten years. He currently serves as a substitute at local schools and as a business school lecturer at Kauaʻi Community college. Kevin's love for both Kauaʻi and the education and growth of island kids was what attracted him to The Bridge, where he is a mentor and board member for The Bridge. Now, he serves as our President.

Becky Evans
Treasurer
We are working on Becky's updated bio.

Yuri Montgomery
Board Member
Yuri came to the United States on an IREX (International Research and Exchange) grant. He has a degree in Economics from the University of Skopje, No. Macedonia, and a masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington. Yuri retired after a successful career in business and is an advocate for cross cultural learning for people of all ages. Yuri's diverse background make him a highly effective member of The Bridge.

Art Stipanovic
Board Member, Lecturer, & Mentor
Art Stipanovic , Ph.D.is an Emeritus Professor and past chairman of the Chemistry Department at the S.U.N.Y. College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, N.Y. where he also received his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees. In addition to his academic experience, Dr. Stipanovic spent almost 20 years working in industrial research and development on projects ranging from energy conserving lubricants to biodegradable composite materials.
Art's extensive background in education and academia have made him a vital part of the Bridge, both as a board member and a mentor to STEM-oriented students.

John Etherton
Board Member & Mentor
We are working on John's updated bio.

Tari Vickery
Board Member & Mentor
We are working on Tari's updated bio.
Emiritus Board Members
We are so fortunate to have board members who continue to serve after their terms.

Susan Davis
Founder

Tisa Herold
Emeritus Board Member

Lisa Makaneole
Emeritus Board Member

Tory O'Malley
Emeritus Board Member

Salvador Hernandez
Emeritus Board Member

Dainard Spore
Emeritus Board Member