Board of Directors
Officers may fill multiple roles as Directors and Committee ChairsOfficers and Directors receive no compensation and are all Volunteers. Other Committee Chairs may be appointed without also serving as a Director.
Karin Velez
PresidentKarin Velez brings a lifelong commitment to sustainable land use and community education to the Peculiar Parks Foundation board. She holds a degree in Horticulture from Oregon State University, where her studies focused on sustainability and the ecosystem services that green spaces provide, research that continues to inform her approach to land stewardship today. She is a strong advocate for the benefits green spaces bring to their surrounding populations, including improved health and well-being, environmental quality, and community cohesion.
Karin and her family have operated a working farm for 20 years using sustainable growing practices from day one, and the farm is home to a certified wildlife habitat. She previously served on the board of directors for the Cass County Sustainability Committee, contributing her expertise to local environmental initiatives like early recycling programs and native pollinator plantings.
Through her company, Just Grow Something, LLC, Karin teaches home gardeners organic growing practices via a podcast, newsletter, and classes, helping a wide community of backyard growers connect with more sustainable, ecologically minded gardening methods. Karin’s blend of formal horticultural training, hands-on sustainable farming experience, community teaching, combined with previous experience in non-profit work, makes her well suited to help guide the Foundation’s mission of advocacy for Peculiar Parks and Recreation services.
Jessica Williams
Vice PresidentJessica is Branch Manager of Community Bank of Peculiar. She is actively involved in the Peculiar community and also serves on the Peculiar Area Chamber of Commerce Board.
Jessica has a deep love for nature and enjoys spending time outdoors. She is excited to support the Peculiar Parks Foundation because she believes parks give everyone the opportunity to experience and enjoy nature and the outdoors.
Christal Chapman
TreasurerChristal Chapman loves the outdoors and as a mom of 3 boys, has spent lots of time at the parks and trails in Peculiar. You can find her at the Peculiar Farmers and Artisans Market, community festivals and teaching classes at the local libraries with her game piece jewelry business – Green Games Jewelry. She appreciates the Peculiar Parks Foundation and looks forward to helping bring more resources to Peculiar as a member of the Parks Foundation Board.
Christal has experience bookkeeping for two small businesses she co-founded in addition to helping numerous small businesses with tax support. She looks forward to helping the Foundation in the role of treasurer by keeping track of donations and expenses as projects get underway.
Shannon Wells
SecretaryShannon Wells serves as Secretary of the Peculiar Parks Foundation, a role that fits her love of organization, planning, and helping good things come together. Growing up surrounded by woods and mountains gave her a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and the importance of having spaces where families can connect with nature and each other.
As a parent herself, Shannon cares deeply about creating and improving parks that families in Peculiar can enjoy for generations to come. She believes parks are more than playgrounds and trails, they are places where memories are made, friendships grow, and community pride takes root. Shannon’s heart is in helping Peculiar continue to grow while making sure residents feel proud to call it home.
Virginia Costanzo
Director of CommunicationVirginia is very passionate about Parks. All of her favorite childhood memories involve family trips to National and State Parks as her family traveled back and forth across the country. When she finally settled here in Peculiar, all three of her children attended and graduated from Ray-Pec and were involved in youth sports. They have created many happy memories together in the parks of Peculiar. From sports to photography to just enjoying the quiet spaces, each member of Virginia’s family has their own way of appreciating these parks.
Virginia brings with her over 25 years of experience on non-profit boards in multiple states. After serving as a Member and Chairman of the Peculiar Parks Board for several years, it was time for something new to help the Peculiar Department of Parks and Recreation grow. Founding this organization and watching it grow has brought her much joy.
Virginia is very excited to continue with community outreach, helping others make cherished memories in our most beautiful spaces. She looks forward to restoring and maintaining the features that were installed by our wonderful community groups over the years, as well as helping Parks with the many new projects to come.
Position Open
Director of Grant ApplicationsAre you passionate about helping Peculiar grow? Do you have experience in grant research and writing?
Contact us if you are interested in joining us or volunteering your services.