Three New Board Members Announced
SEVEN ACRES FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES THREE NEW BOARD MEMBERS BRINGING DECADES OF LEADERSHIP TO LAKE CHELAN COMMUNITY CENTER
Former Microsoft executive, public service veteran, and marketing leader join Foundation board to advance mission of strengthening intergenerational connection of people, resources, and activities.
LAKE CHELAN, WA – The Seven Acres Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of three accomplished community leaders to its board of directors: Erik von Fuchs, Ricardo Castro, and Rod Brooks. These seasoned professionals bring nearly eight decades of combined leadership experience across technology, public service, and marketing sectors to support the Foundation's mission of strengthening community connections through the Lake Chelan Community Center.
Erik von Fuchs: Technology Innovation Leader
Erik von Fuchs joined the board after a 28-year career at Microsoft, where he served as one of the company's first mechanical engineers and helped develop groundbreaking hardware products, including leading mechanical engineer on the world's first optical mouse. As General Manager of Engineering for the Devices Engineering Tools & Services team, von Fuchs formalized Microsoft's hardware development process and established a 100,000-square-foot Advanced Prototyping Center.
"Erik's commitment to community runs deep, shaped by his belief that interdependence creates more meaningful outcomes than independence alone," said a Foundation spokesperson. Von Fuchs has demonstrated a lifelong passion for coaching and mentoring, from early roles as a ski instructor and soccer coach to over 25 years of managing teams at Microsoft. He currently mentors students at the UW Foster School of Business and is excited about the Community Center's potential to create mentoring opportunities for all ages.
Ricardo Castro: Community Development Champion
Ricardo Castro brings deep local roots and extensive public service experience to the board. Born in Wenatchee and raised in Manson, Castro is a proud graduate of Manson High School (Class of 2000) and currently serves as Facilities Specialist for the City of Chelan. His background includes 18 years with the U.S. Forest Service as a wildland firefighter, where he gained invaluable experience in emergency operations, logistics, and field leadership.
Castro's passion lies in community development and creating inclusive spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect and belong. Beyond his professional role, he serves as Vice President of the City Union, is a local middle school board member, and volunteers his time coaching and mentoring youth in soccer, basketball, and wrestling.
Rod Brooks: Strategic Communications Expert
Rod Brooks brings four decades of marketing expertise to the Foundation, including nearly two decades as Chief Marketing Officer of PEMCO Mutual Insurance Company. Since retiring in 2018, Brooks has created what he calls “The Grandpa Project,” which is focused on prioritizing meaningful intergenerational connections over corporate achievements.
Brooks' connection with Chelan began in 2003 when he and his wife Cindy purchased their first vacation home in the area. After retirement, they made Chelan their permanent home. He has served on Thrive Chelan Valley's board and developed innovative programs like "Grandpa Camp" for men and their grandchildren and "Grandpas in the Classroom" at Morgen Owings Elementary. With ten grandchildren of his own, Brooks is passionate about fostering community connections across generations.
"We are thrilled to welcome Erik, Ricardo, and Rod to our board," said board President Brooke Isaak. Their combined expertise in technology innovation, community development, and strategic communications will be invaluable as we continue to expand our impact and serve the growing needs of our community."
About the Seven Acres Foundation
The Seven Acres Foundation oversees the development and partnerships of the Lake Chelan Community Center, which has a mission of bringing the community together through programs and facilities that serve all ages and backgrounds.
For more information about the Seven Acres Foundation and the Lake Chelan Community Center, please visit www.chelancommunity.org or contact Maribel Cruz at maribel@chelancommunity.org