Jim Cooper, President & CEO

Jim is the President and Chief Executive Officer for United Ways of the Pacific Northwest, the trade association for 31 local United Way organizations in Idaho, Oregon & Washington. In this work he has also served as the interim CEO for four different local United Ways.  Jim is also an elected (2011, 2013, 2017, 2021) member of the Olympia City Council where he serves on various committees. 

For the Imagination Library of Washington, Jim leads our public policy and finance work, facilitates the ILWA Advisory committee, and provides technical assistance to ILWA staff. 

Jim has 29 years of nonprofit, corporate and government leadership experience working with community organizations, governments and businesses to achieve positive outcomes for people and the environment. As an Army veteran, Eagle Scout and activist, Jim works to stand up for issues that affect health and safety while aiming at his personal goal of the Pacific Northwest being the best place in America to grow up and live. Jim loves the outdoors and lives in Olympia, WA with his wife Thomasina, daughter Maggie, and their rescue dogs Rusty & Meli.

Brooke Fisher-Clark, Executive Director
Imagination Library of Washington

Brooke is a champion for Washington children as current Executive Director of the Imagination Library of Washington. Brooke's vision, dream, and efforts to bring this program to all Washington early learners began in 2020 as she formerly managed the top performing Imagination Library affiliate in the state with most enrolled children, as Executive Director of United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties. She saw the way it united a community, and how effective it was at equipping children for a successful future, and she wanted this opportunity for all our children. 

Brooke brings 20+ years of world-class hospitality, nonprofit, and leadership experience to this role, having served at renowned company's like Walt Disney World, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, and United Way. Brooke is a Rotarian having served as President for Rotary Club of Longview for the 2021-22 term, and she loves supporting her local community, having championed numerous events. She is married with two children, Anabelle (14), and Baron (5), who keep her plate full and exciting! In her free time, Brooke enjoys camping, entertaining, traveling and being her kids biggest cheerleader.

Jenefeness Franke, MBA
Project Director, Community Reinvestment Plan Asset-Building Project

United Ways of the Pacific Northwest (UWPNW) is proud to introduce Jenefeness Franke as the Project Director for the Community Reinvestment Plan Asset Building Project. A trailblazer in financial empowerment and community development, Jenefeness brings extensive experience in advancing equity and economic opportunity for Black, Latine, and tribal communities across Washington State.

As the Founder and CEO of Fiscal Finesse Consulting, Jenefeness has been a driving force behind innovative solutions that support small businesses, increase financial literacy, and empower historically marginalized communities. She has delivered impactful training, one-on-one coaching, and financial guidance, helping nearly 50 minority-owned businesses navigate the COVID-19 pandemic through her work with Black-Owned Business Excellence (BOBE). Her commitment to fostering resilience and economic mobility has earned her recognition as the 2024 Economic Development Advocate of the Year by the Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA), making her the first Black woman to receive this prestigious honor.

Jenefeness 's passion for community advocacy aligns perfectly with the mission of the CRP Asset Building Project. This transformative initiative, supported by a $2.5 million investment from the Washington State Department of Commerce and UWPNW, seeks to rectify historical injustices and create economic opportunities for communities disproportionately affected by systemic violence. Under her leadership, the CRP will focus on outreach, technical assistance, asset-building initiatives, and Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) to empower communities across Washington State.

Angela French, Director of Marketing

Angela began her exciting journey with United Ways of the Pacific Northwest and the Imagination Library of Washington in May of 2022, bringing passion, creativity, and a strong desire to support and uplift Washington's youngest learners through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Angela is a passionate, highly motivated nonprofit professional with over 20 years of experience elevating important causes and initiatives that enhance people's lives and build thriving communities. 

Her expertise in marketing, communications, and community outreach allow her to support our region's United Way organizations with collective collaboration on state and regional initiatives that create opportunities for everyone in every community to thrive. Angela also works closely with Washington's current Imagination Library program partners, aiding in their success of enrollment growth and sustainability. Prior to joining the ILWA team, Angela was the Resource Development Director at United Way of Lewis County for 14 years, working deeply with local organizations to lift families out of poverty in Lewis County. Angela also managed the local Imagination Library program in her community for three years. 

In her free time, Angela loves spending quality time with family and friends, spontaneous adventures, volunteering in her community, traveling, and relaxing at the beach. 

Alena Fridley, Program Manager

Alena joined the Imagination Library of Washington team in September 2022 as the Operations Assistant, and now serves at the Program Manager for both United Ways of the Pacific Northwest and Imagination Library of Washington. Her infectious enthusiasm and passion for helping kids is the perfect addition to the ILWA team. Alena was born and raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and enjoying it to the fullest by living full time in an RV. She has always had a passion for helping people, specifically our younger generations and has years of experience working with youth in underserved areas of Portland and SW Washington. She was so excited to be recently welcomed to the team and can't wait to see what we can accomplish together. 

Alena loves hiking, camping, swimming, drawing or coloring in adult coloring books and spending time with family and friends. She loves a good rooftop bar or local craft brewery and any chance to see live music, you will find her there!