Northwest Chamber Chorus Board of Directors
Nelson K Wong PE, Board President
Electrical Engineer, Sound Transit
Nelson was born in Seattle and joined the chorus in April of 1997. He joined the board in 2005 and is currently working in the Board Development group. He has been singing in choirs and small groups since 1971. When not singing, you may find him bicycling or working on one of his antique radios (13 at last count!).
John Hushagen, Board Vice-President
Arborist, Owner of Seattle Tree Preservation, Inc
John has a BA in American History from Pacific Lutheran University and a MS in Urban Horticulture from the University of Washington. He has been singing in church and other choirs since 1993. He has been a member of NWCC since 2008 and has recently joined the Resource Development group. When not working or singing, he enjoys tending his large garden and long-distance walking.
Matthew A Eng, Board Treasurer
Strategic Advisor, City of Seattle
Matthew is a native of Spokane, WA, and began volunteering at Chorus concerts in June of 2006. He became a board member in 2009 and is currently working in the Resource Development group. He enjoys traveling, walking, and reading about Seattle's history.
Deon K Miyoi, Board Secretary
Contracts Manager, Amazon.com
Deon grew up in Hawaii and attended college in Washington, D.C. She is a licensed attorney focused on internet and technology law. She joined the Chorus in 2008 and will be working with the Artistic Development group. She is a big fan of guinea pigs, video games, and pasta.
Elaine Fick Hardin, Board Member
Music Teacher, Retired
Elaine Hardin is a native of Wisconsin and holds a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in music education. She taught for five years in the Midwest and 28 years in Washington and had a one-year Fulbright appointment to the Netherlands. She currently works with the University of Washington on a study of the effects of aging on mental abilities. A board member since 2003, she currently works in the Resource Development group.
Fred Hoffer, Board Member
Pediatric and Oncologic Radiologist; Affiliate Professor, University of Washington
A NWCC member since 2007, bass section leader since 2011, and Board member since 2012, Fred has had a long avocation in singing, quickly moving to alto before his voice changed. He sang with Kenneth Jennings for four years, three of them in the St. Olaf Choir. Fred is also an advocate for autism spectrum adults (it takes one to know one), is on the Board of Friends of Yesler Swamp, and seeks a third service outlet through Rotary International.
Wendy C Roedell, Board Member
Educational Administrator, Retired
A native of New York, Wendy moved to Seattle in 1967, and joined the chorus in 1968. In 2008 she retired from her position as Assistant Superintendent for Early Childhood at Puget Sound Educational Service District. She enjoys birding and experiencing wildlife, both in Washington and in interesting locations such as Central and South America, Antarctica, Borneo, and Africa. She joined the board in 2010, and works with the Resource Development group.
Debra Smiley, Board Member
Personal Trust Associate, Union Bank
Originally from Chicago, Debra has been in Seattle since 1997. Debra enjoys choral music, having participated since elementary school. She joined the NWCC Board in 2010 and is happy to be involved in a choir again. Debra is a Personal Trust Associate at Union Bank, NA, where she assists high net-worth individuals and families in achieving their financial goals. Debra's interests include (in no particular order) sewing, cooking, and reading. She also describes herself as "a complete TV/movie junkie" - and that is her best Jeopardy category.
Kathy Young, Board Member
Teacher, Retired
Kathy is a long-time Seattle resident and former NWCC member: she sang alto in the chorus from the early 80s until 2005. She is a recently retired second grade teacher who also had the good fortune to teach K-3 music. She enjoys spending time with her two Seattle grandsons, volunteering in the public schools, singing with her church choir, and traveling with her husband. She served on the board twice in previous years and most recently signed on in 2010.
