Supporter Spotlight: David Dunphy
This month, we celebrate David Dunphy as he concludes his service on the board, honoring years of dedication and inspiring leadership with the Issaquah Alps Trails Club (IATC). From his early days as a passionate volunteer to his tenure as board president, David has guided the Club through a period of growth, professionalization, and expanded community engagement. His mentorship, vision, and unwavering commitment to protecting the Issaquah Alps have left a lasting impact on both the organization and the landscapes we love.
Recently, we sat down with David to reflect on his journey with the IATC, memorable moments, and advice for the next generation of volunteers and board members.
David and his wife, Shawna Brennan. Photo courtesy of David Dunphy.
You’ve served as past president and are now rolling off the board. How did you first get involved with the IATC, and what inspired you to take on a leadership role?
I’m fortunate to have grown up in Issaquah and had the privilege of spending a lot of time outdoors as a child. I first learned about the IATC in college when I interned with the Mountains to Sound Greenway, helping with their 20th anniversary trek that traced the historic protest across the Cascades, originally led by the IATC.
In January 2016, I returned to Seattle and had just started a new job at the soon-to-open Sammamish YMCA. I was excited to reconnect with the community that had raised me and attended the annual meeting of the IATC, which is similar to a public forum. I was the youngest person in the room by several decades, but I immediately found a group of people who were incredibly passionate and eager to mentor. I was in awe of what they had accomplished collectively and was hooked—ready to join the Club’s efforts.
Young David enjoying the outdoors in the Issaquah Alps. Photo courtesy of David Dunphy.
Looking back over your time on the board, are there particular accomplishments or moments that stand out as especially meaningful?
My tenure on the board marked the transition of the IATC toward professionalizing its operations and making space for the next generation. While learning about advocacy from Ken Konigsmark, Doug McClelland, Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly, and Dave Kappler, I was simultaneously learning about organizational leadership and management from Kirt Lenard, John Sherwin, Annie Newcomb, Lindsay Frickle (then Executive Director), and Suzanne Kagen.
A few accomplishments I’m especially proud of include:
Welcoming new, young voices to the IATC, particularly from the running community
Building deeper relationships with land managers and the Snoqualmie Tribe
Our efforts to protect Tiger Mountain
Saving Coal Creek and Courage Mountain
…and so much more.
How have your professional experiences influenced your work with the IATC, or how has your time with the Club informed your professional life?
I’m currently Executive Director at Y.E.T.I. (Youth Empowerment Through Innovation, goyeti.org), a youth program in South King County. I never would have considered or taken on the challenge of nonprofit leadership without the learning, mentorship, and experiences I had with the IATC. Sometimes the students I work with go on trips in the Alps, which feels like a full-circle moment.
Do you have a favorite trail or area in the Alps that holds personal significance, or a story from your time on the trails that sticks with you?
One memorable moment was when Weyerhaeuser was preparing to log the top of Tiger Mountain, and it seemed like trail access might be blocked. I witnessed how a deep understanding of place and a coalition of committed people could uphold the Club’s values. Lindsay Frickle, ED at the time, and Mayor Pauly guided us through what I call the “pizza night negotiation”: a conversation that went from “this should happen” to “sorry this is happening,” ultimately resulting in a win-win for trail access and a long-term plan for public ownership.
Past IATC Presidents during Harvey Manning’s 100th Birthday Celebration in July 2025 (L-R): David Kappler, Ken Konigsmark, Anne Newcomb, David Dunphy, and Steve Williams.
As you step down, what advice or encouragement would you give to future board members and volunteers?
I sometimes think of the IATC like a fire station. The board has the responsibility to work with staff and the community to ensure the organization has all the tools (fire trucks), citizen advocacy (firefighters), and network (911 system and mutual aid) ready to respond to challenges in the Alps.
As the world changes and climate change transforms our ecosystems faster and faster, the need for the IATC grows. We have to hold and teach the long-term vision of a connected and healthy ecosystem in the Alps, and, just like a decade ago, we must be willing to try new approaches and welcome the next generation into caring for this place we all love. We can never underestimate the power of a small group of people who care deeply about a place—they can make a huge impact.
On a personal note, do you have any outdoor adventures you’re looking forward to this fall or winter?
This winter, you can find me on Grand Ridge or West Tiger, walking my dog as we wait for the return of the sun!
Photo courtesy of David Dunphy.
Interested in becoming an active member of IATC? Learn more about our programs here.