Whatcom Community College Welcomes Brad Tuininga as Executive Director of the WCC Foundation.
Bellingham, Washington, February 12, 2026 – Whatcom Community College (WCC) is pleased to announce that Brad Tuininga has stepped into the role of executive director for the WCC Foundation. He started on January 16, 2026.
Brad comes to Whatcom Community College with extensive experience in organizational leadership, advancement, fundraising, and relationship building, grounded in a deep commitment to mission-driven philanthropy. He most recently served as the vice president of philanthropy at the Whatcom Community Foundation where he led philanthropic services and community engagement.
Much of Brad’s career has been spent within Washington’s Community and Technical College System. Most recently, he served for eight and a half years as Executive Director of the Skagit Valley College Foundation, where he helped lead three major campaigns and significantly expanded donor engagement and philanthropic support. He also held leadership roles at Whatcom Community College Foundation and Bellingham Technical College Foundation, as well as the North Cascades Institute.
“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Brad to the WCC Foundation and the College. He brings a deep knowledge of the community and technical college system, along with proven leadership in community philanthropy and engagement. Known for building authentic relationships and advancing organizational impact, Brad’s experience will be instrumental as we expand our support for student success,” said Dr. Justin Guillory, WCC’s President.
Brad also brings extensive board leadership experience. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for North Cascades Institute, where he recently completed a three-year term as board chair. His previous board service includes the Association of Fundraising Professionals Advancement Northwest, the Northwest Washington Estate Planning Council, and the Society for Wilderness Stewardship.
“With Brad joining the WCC Foundation Team, we’re gaining not just an experienced leader, but someone who truly believes in the power of education to transform lives. His strong community connections and genuine care for our mission make this a very exciting moment for the Foundation,” said Cheryl Thornton, WCC Foundation Board Chair.
Brad holds a Master of Education in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Resource Management and Sustainability from Western Washington University.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Jenny, and their daughters, Campbell and Elise.
About the WCC Foundation: The mission of Whatcom Community College Foundation is to enhance educational opportunities by providing student scholarships, to support faculty development, and to assist with key college initiatives. Founded in 1987, WCC Foundation helps students achieve their aspirations by funding their education through grant and scholarship programs, with the goal of creating global citizens who live out their potential and give back to their community. For more information, visit Foundation | Whatcom Community College.
About Whatcom: Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, Washington, is a destination for cybersecurity, healthcare, and business studies and offers three bachelor’s degrees in computer science, IT network-cybersecurity, and social work as well as transfer degrees, online and hybrid courses, career and workforce preparation, and community education classes. With affordable and accessible programs at WCC, students of every age and background can create their own pathways that align with their specific goals and interests. WCC consistently enhances its range of programs to support students in transitioning to four-year institutions and successful careers. New high school graduates, laid-off workers, seasoned employees, future university students—all students count on WCC to support their academic and career goals. For more information, visit www.whatcom.edu.
