Meet The Bridge Board
Meet the dedicated professionals behind The Bridge: Kaua'i to College.
The Bridge: Kaua'i to College is guided by a dedicated group of community leaders who share a commitment to expanding opportunities for local students. Our board memebers bring diverse professional backgrounds, leadership experience, and a shared belief in the power of mentorship, education, and community support to help Kaua'i youth pursue meaningful post-secondary pathways.
Arianne Johnson
Board Member, Mentor Liason
Arianne Johnson is a first-generation college graduate who is deeply committed to expanding access to higher education and helping students navigate the path after high school with confidence. She previously served as Assistant Director of Admission at Carnegie Mellon University, where she guided thousands of students through the college application process.
With experience in college admissions and enrollment management, Arianne is passionate about supporting students as they explore meaningful post-secondary pathways. Her dedication to mentorship and opportunity strongly aligns with the mission of The Bridge.
Art Stipanovic
Board Member, Grant Writer
ASW Committee
Dr. Art Stipanovic is an Emeritus Professor and former Chair of the Chemistry Department at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He earned both his B.S. and Ph.D. from the same institution and spent nearly two decades in industrial research and development working on projects ranging from energy-saving lubricants to biodegradable composite materials.
Art’s deep commitment to education and mentorship makes him a vital part of The Bridge community. As a board member and mentor, he enjoys guiding students interested in STEM fields and supporting their academic journeys.
Becky Evans, Board Treasurer
Becky Evans brings more than three decades of financial and nonprofit accounting experience to The Bridge: Kaua‘i to College. A graduate of the University of Washington and a former IRS Enrolled Agent, Becky co-founded Meadowdale Accounting Services, Inc. with her husband, where they supported small businesses and nonprofit organizations for over 30 years.
After retiring in 2019, Becky and her husband made Kaua‘i their forever home. She enjoys being part of the island’s close-knit community and remains actively involved in volunteer work, including supporting student tutoring programs and community outreach for kūpuna.
As Treasurer of The Bridge, Becky provides thoughtful financial stewardship and is passionate about helping local students pursue opportunities beyond high school
Kevin McPhee, President
Bridge Mentor & Peer Lead
Originally from Bermuda, Kevin McPhee brings extensive leadership experience from the hospitality and education industries. He earned his Master’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Cornell University and has held executive management roles in hotels, resorts, private clubs, and restaurants.
Kevin has also worked in higher education and currently serves as a substitute teacher in local schools and as a lecturer at Kaua‘i Community College. His passion for education and mentorship led him to The Bridge, where he now serves as Board President and a dedicated mentor supporting students on their path to college.
Greg Iten
Board Member, Angel Fund Committee
Bridge Mentor
Mary Rustick, Executive Director
Bridge Mentor
Mary Rustick is a passionate advocate for youth, education, and community connection on Kaua‘i. With a background in education and years of volunteer leadership supporting schools, youth programs, and families, she has dedicated much of her work to helping young people discover opportunities that expand their futures.
As Executive Director of The Bridge: Kaua‘i to College, Mary works closely with scholars, mentors, families, and community partners to ensure local students have the guidance and support needed to pursue meaningful post-secondary pathways. She leads the organization’s program development, community partnerships, and fundraising efforts to expand opportunities for Kaua‘i students pursuing higher education, community college, and skilled trades.
John Etherton has been a mentor with The Bridge: Kaua‘i to College for three years and is deeply committed to supporting local students as they pursue opportunities beyond high school. During his time with the program, he has mentored Kaua‘i High School students who have gone on to attend colleges in Wisconsin and California, helping them develop scholarship search strategies that led to summer educational experiences in Spain and Italy.
John holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and retired to Kaua‘i in 2022 after a career as a Senior Safety Research Engineer with the U.S. Public Health Service. He remains active as a consultant and volunteers in church and community programs. As a Lead Mentor with The Bridge, John also supports fellow mentors and encourages students to stay focused on their academic goals while exploring opportunities that broaden their horizons beyond the island.
John Etherton
Board Member, Grant Writer
Bridge Mentor & Peer Lead
Tari Vickery
Board Member, PAC Liason
ASW Committee
Tari Vickery is the founder of Life Matters Financial Group and has spent more than 25 years helping clients navigate the emotional and practical sides of financial planning. She holds both a B.A. and M.A. in Sociology from Stanford University and has experience supporting organizations and startups with leadership and organizational development.
Tari has served on school and civic boards in multiple communities and is deeply committed to supporting young people as they pursue their goals. As a board member and mentor with The Bridge, she helps guide scholars through the college process and serves as the Board Liaison to the Parent Advisory Committee.
Chelsea Pinacate, Executive Administrator
Acting Secretary
Bridge Mentor
Chelsea Pinacate studied secondary education and quickly discovered a passion for serving and strengthening communities. She has built a strong background in marketing, branding, and small business development, along with extensive experience in event planning and nonprofit support.
Currently serving as Director of Operations for a growing restaurant group, Chelsea also works as an Executive Consultant for Catholic Volunteer Network. As Executive Administrator and Secretary for The Bridge, she supports organizational operations while mentoring scholars and helping the program grow through community engagement and service.
Yuri Montgomery
Board Member, Angel Fund Committee
Yuri Montgomery came to the United States through the International Research and Exchange (IREX) program. He earned a degree in Economics from the University of Skopje in North Macedonia and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington.
After a successful career in business, Yuri remains a strong advocate for cross-cultural learning and global education. His international perspective and passion for lifelong learning make him a valuable member of The Bridge board.