Friends of Fisher House Puget Sound
Board Members 2021-2022
As the "Friends" of the Fisher House Puget Sound Board of Directors, we appreciate the trust our stakeholders have placed in us. The 100% all-volunteer Board is humbled by the opportunity to advance the generous intentions of our donors. We will continue to act as prudent stewards of your gifts with transparency, integrity, and heart!
Rocco Bagala, President
As an Army Veteran, Rocco has always valued the Fisher House's mission. During his career as a social work leader in the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, he became actively involved with the development of the Fisher House policies as well as extensive involvement in social work leadership at the National Fisher House network and on the local level. Rocco's experience of working with Veterans and their families has allowed him to develop a variety of skills and expertise in the field of social work. He is excited to be on the Board of Directors, bringing his knowledge of military culture along with insight to family involvement to the board, and looks forward to continuing to serve Veterans and their families.
Rod Skaar, Vice President
Rod is grateful for the opportunity to be personally involved in supporting the important mission of assisting the families of those who have served and sacrificed.
John Park, Treasurer
John has worked the last 29 years at the Seattle VA Medical Center/Puget Sound Health Care system in roles that allowed him to have an impact on operations and services for Veterans. As someone who has dedicated his life working for Veterans and their families, John finds it extremely rewarding and satisfying. Now serving as a Director for the Friends has allowed him to continue to make positive contributions to Veterans and their families during difficult times in their lives. John looks forward to helping ensure continued support for house guests in the future.
Joel Wirasnik, Secretary
Joel has a life-long commitment to serve Veterans. His recent retirement following 38 years of service with the Department of Veterans Affairs, lead him to serve on the board of Friends of Fisher House Puget Sound. It continues to be his mission to faithfully serve the men, women, and families that diligently share their time, talents, and lives to protect our freedom. As a participating member of the Board of Directors, he works to provide housing and comfort for military families impacted by illness and injury.
Gail Eck, Director
Right out of college, with a business degree in hand, Gail accepted a position in management with the VA. Little did she know that her entire career would be spent serving in seven different VA health care systems across the country. It was the VA's mission of caring for those who gave so much in support of our nation and other nations around the world that Gail couldn't leave. Having a son who served as a Marine in Iraq brought the importance of that mission home in a personal way. After retirement, her involvement as a Board Member of the Friends of Fisher House Puget Sound Board has allowed her to continue to provide support for Veterans, active-duty military, and their families.
Roxane Rusch, Past President
Roxane serves as the past President of the Friends of Fisher House Puget Sound. She comes to "Friends" with experience as an Air Force Nurse and years in federal government leadership roles. As someone married to a member of the Navy and a sister to seven siblings, Roxane knows first hand the importance of family and service to the country, leading her to "Friends" and the vital mission of opening the doors of home for deserving Military and Veteran Families.
PO Box 18253, Seattle, WA 98118 · 206-501-8860 · friends@fisherhousevaps.org