It is our Honor to introduce Our Board Members
Chairman of the Board
and Officer, President
Brandon Simmons
Brandon Simmons, a Marine veteran, husband, father, and community advocate, founded the Skoolie Foundation to turn his own experiences of poverty and homelessness into a mission of hope. Guided by faith and resilience, he has built a movement that transforms buses into mobile she
Chairman of the Board
and Officer, President
Brandon Simmons
Brandon Simmons, a Marine veteran, husband, father, and community advocate, founded the Skoolie Foundation to turn his own experiences of poverty and homelessness into a mission of hope. Guided by faith and resilience, he has built a movement that transforms buses into mobile shelters, hygiene centers, food distribution units, and empowerment spaces for families, veterans, and unhoused neighbors across Pierce and Thurston Counties. Brandon’s leadership inspires compassion and action, proving that when a community comes together, lives are restored, dignity is renewed, and hope is rebuilt.
" we are all excited to get to work serving our community!"
Secretary of the Board
Tonja Lee
Tonja believes deeply in the power of community, kindness, and purposeful action. With an open heart and a genuine desire to make a difference, she always puts people and purpose first. Drawing from 22 years of experience as a paralegal and 10 years as a certified wedding planner, Tonja has honed exception
Secretary of the Board
Tonja Lee
Tonja believes deeply in the power of community, kindness, and purposeful action. With an open heart and a genuine desire to make a difference, she always puts people and purpose first. Drawing from 22 years of experience as a paralegal and 10 years as a certified wedding planner, Tonja has honed exceptional skills in organization, attention to detail, and managing complex projects, all with a calm and caring approach.
Treasurer of the Board
Raymond Arce
Raymond Arce, Founder & CEO of iCoach Solutions and Marketing Director at Vantage Financial Alliance, brings over 30 years of experience in healthcare, finance, and education to the Skoolie Foundation Board. A licensed insurance professional across seven states, he specializes in retirement planning,
Treasurer of the Board
Raymond Arce
Raymond Arce, Founder & CEO of iCoach Solutions and Marketing Director at Vantage Financial Alliance, brings over 30 years of experience in healthcare, finance, and education to the Skoolie Foundation Board. A licensed insurance professional across seven states, he specializes in retirement planning, disability protection, and healthcare navigation, while also making financial literacy accessible through his educational content. Passionate about empowering families, Raymond’s unique blend of expertise and compassion strengthens the foundation’s mission to support children, families, seniors, veterans, and businesses with dignity and hope.
Skoolie Hygiene Havens Program
Committee Board member
Joe Bowers
Owner of Bowers Plumbing
Marketing and Communications
Committee Board Member
Chun LI
Owner of Tacoma Bambu and Digital Encounters
Marketing and Communications
Committee Board Member
Josh Naito
Owner at EMNULProductions
Memberships and Clubs
Puyallup Chamber of commerce membership
tacoma pierce county chamber of commerce membership
Puyallup Chamber of commerce membership
Skoolie Foundation joined the Puyallup Chamber of Commerce and our founder became an ambassador to strengthen our local business network, foster strategic partnerships, and amplify our community impact. This involvement allows us to advocate for our mission effectively, access valuable resources, and support local economic growth while championing the needs of our community.
Rotary Club Membership
tacoma pierce county chamber of commerce membership
Puyallup Chamber of commerce membership
Skoolie Foundation joined our local Rotary Club to build stronger community connections, leverage valuable resources, and collaborate with like-minded leaders dedicated to driving positive change. This partnership enhances our mission, broadens our impact, and aligns with Rotary's commitment to service above self.
tacoma pierce county chamber of commerce membership
tacoma pierce county chamber of commerce membership
tacoma pierce county chamber of commerce membership
Skoolie Foundation joined the Tacoma Pierce County Chamber of Commerce to enhance our community engagement, leverage valuable business connections, and advocate for local economic development. This membership enables us to align with key stakeholders, access essential resources, and promote our mission of providing innovative housing solutions for those in need.
Master Builders of pierce County Membership
tacoma pierce county chamber of commerce membership
Skoolie Foundation joined the Master Builders Association of Pierce County to align with industry leaders, access cutting-edge building resources, and ensure our projects meet the highest standards of construction excellence. This membership allows us to leverage expertise, foster collaboration, and enhance our ability to provide sustainable, high-quality housing solutions for those in need.
IgniteU Tacoma Membership
IgniteU Tacoma Membership
Skoolie Foundation joined the IgniteU Business Group to connect with an unparalleled network of small to medium business owners, fostering collaboration and growth. Renowned for its exceptional business development opportunities, IgniteU offers the best networking platform in Washington state, enabling us to build valuable partnerships and expand our impact in the community.
SKOOLIE FOUNDATION AWARDS
Stewart Community Service Award
SKOOLIE FOUNDATION was the recipient of a Steward Community Service Award on May 1st, 2024