South Whidbey is Home.
The South Whidbey Project’s roots trace back to the ‘90s as youth thriving from the offerings of island life. Through the locker-clad hallways of Langley Middle School, to the long sandy stretch of Double Bluff, and the Friday night lights on Waterman field, the rock became our roots to the special place we called home. As we all left over town to further our education and the years passed, the lasting memories and friendships stayed with us. Inspired to give back to the community that raised us, the South Whidbey Project was born.
Founded in 2023, the South Whidbey Project’s mission is to improve the community of South Whidbey Island through public projects, education, engagement, and opportunity.
As we develop our support roadmap, we strive to build out impactful projects and initiatives for the community. Have a suggestion for an idea or project in mind? Reach out to us at hello@theSWP.org
Meet the Board
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Parker Barnett
Position: President
Originally from Clinton on South Whidbey Island, Parker Barnett is committed to driving positive change. A graduate of environmental engineering from Seattle Pacific University and an MBA from Eastern Washington University, Parker currently serves as the Global Facilities Operations Manager at The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, leveraging his skills for impactful change on a global scale.
Outside the office, Parker finds joy in spending time with his family, at the beach, camping, and pursuing an active lifestyle through basketball, lifting weights, running, hunting, and fishing. Parker is passionate about giving back to his community and leaving a lasting, positive impact.
parker@theswp.org
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Levi Sawyers
Position: Secretary
Raised outside of Clinton, Levi is a product of South Whidbey Island. From being the first stop on the school bus, to various sports at SWHS, swimming at Deer Lake, bonfires at Double Bluff Beach, and picking up range balls at Useless Bay CC, Levi explored the many offerings available to youth growing up.
In his professional life, Levi left South Whidbey to attend the University of Northern Colorado and built his career developing product strategies in cloud-based technology. In collaboration with his best friends from the island, the South Whidbey Project was born to give back to the community that raised him.
levi@theswp.org
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Hunter Hawkins
Position: Treasurer
Hunter grew up salmon fishing at Bush point, beach-combing Double Bluff, swimming in Goss Lake, hiking the trails of the Saratoga and Putney woods. These special places along with family, friends, teachers, and coaches raised him. Hunter owes a lot to the community and to the environment of South Whidbey.
Together with two of the best islander friends he could ask for, the South Whidbey project is one small way Hunter can give back to this incredible place that will always be his true home.
hunter@theswp.org