Your 2024 Board of Directors Candidates Announcement

Thanks so much to all of the community members stepping up to help keep Ignition Northwest burning!

 

Elections:

Elections will open on Sat 1/13 at 9:30pm (to allow 10 days of notice after candidate info publishes)

Elections will close on January 21st at 8 pm. Results will be officially announced by email no later than January 25th.

Voting has now been closed.

Town Hall

The Town Hall is Virtual, It has happened on Jan 7th at 5pm.

A recording of the Town Hall is viewable on the Ignition Northwest Youtube Page

 

Questions?  Contact board@ignitionnw.org

Want to be on the Ignition Northwest e-mails? Join Ignition NW on this webpage and opt into emails, or tell our tech folks you want emails at: it@ignitionnw.org.

 

 

Board Candidate Info

Click the arrow to expand each section and read the candidates info.

James Lundie

James “Jimmie WiFi” Lundie


Sustaining and promoting Burning Man culture through ethical governance and servant leadership with an emphasis on egalitarian principles and participant safety. I don’t want to make all the decisions, I am happiest working collaboratively with a group of trusted peers. Brainstorming, troubleshooting, and engineering imaginative solutions are my jam. I am a better, happier person because of this community, and I want to ensure we can continue with this civic experiment so that others can find their spark like I did.

Please provide info on any theme camps, art projects, production roles, volunteering, etc in your past.
• 2007: Introduction to Burner Community at Burning Flipside (Burning Flipside, Austin, TX)
• 2008: Joined a Theme Camp and started community involvement (Burning Flipside, Austin, TX)
• 2009: Formed and led a Theme Camp through 2014 (Burning Flipside, Austin, TX)
• 2012: Volunteered as a Flipside Ranger (Burning Flipside, Austin, TX)
• 2013: Assumed the role of Ranger Lead at FreezerBurn, TX (FreezerBurn, TX)
• 2013: Camp lead for the Temple of Times (Burning Man Circle Of Regional Effigies project, Black Rock City, NV)
• 2014: Held dual roles as City Planning Admin and Zone Greeter Lieutenant at Flipside (Burning Flipside, Austin, TX)
• 2014: Oversaw all FreezerBurn Safety teams as Area Facilitator (FreezerBurn, TX)
• 2015-2017: Served on the board (FreezerBurn, TX)
• 2016: Relocated to Seattle and integrated into the local burner scene (Seattle Burner Community, Seattle, WA)
• 2017: Event Safety Lead at Critical Northwest (Critical Northwest, Seattle, WA)
• 2018-2019: Co-produced Critical Northwest (Critical Northwest, Seattle, WA)

Tell us about any projects you’re particularly proud of and a bit about the experience completing them. If you have a picture of you’d like to share, we’d love to see it if you include a link.
I am incredibly proud of my involvement with FreezerBurn, TX. I was Ranger Lead in 2013, promoted to Safety Area Facilitator overseeing all safety teams (Rangers, Medical, Fire, Pyro, Guardians, and Sanctuary) in 2014, before accepting a position on the board of the LLC from 2015 to 2017. During this time, the event nearly tripled in size, transitioned from it’s original 3 person board, and we laid the groundwork to form the current 501c3 that now produces the event. I am still on great terms with their leadership, and even take on a city manager shift whenever I fly back for the event.

How do you think the burner community is different because of your involvement?

Are you running to tackle particular issues? Tell us about them!
In Texas, I think I was able to create and maintain camps and organizations instilled with a strong collaborative spirit of volunteerism and ethical leadership. Here in Seattle, I brought many best practices in organization, safety, and culture, and sought to instill them into our leadership culture here. I am running to tackle issues of volunteerism, burnout, and to instill trust between the board and the community. I want to remove the siloing and stratification, and the notion that we have board > producers > leads > staff > volunteers > participants. I want to see the board operate from the 11 principles as much as possible. This isn’t always doable, as the board’s role is to interface with the default world so the microcosm we create can, but we should still try to honor them as much as we are able to.

What would you bring to the board? How could you leverage your skills and knowledge to help INW?

Which committees interest you? (All board members are required to serve on at least one committee. )
I would bring over a decade of burn event leadership experience gained from running regional events in two different regions. I would also bring my dedication to participant safety, ethical leadership, and creating a culture of strategic, collaborative governance.
  • Events – I love planning parties for thousands of my best friends
  • Tech – I love data, design, and the comforting glow of a laptop

What makes you the right person for the job?

Please elaborate on why you picked those committees.
Again, my experience across multiple regions in a variety of roles. I have written bylaws, negotiated land contracts, organized safety trainings events, and I firmly believe in creating an environment where volunteers feel empowered to do their jobs. I picked Events Committee, as that is the best avenue for me to share my event production experience with the board and production teams.
I chose Tech Committee because I am software engineer in my day job. I’ve been a SQL backend developer for a long time, and currently work across the full stack in dotnet. I love working with tech, writing code, and designing intelligent processes.

In conclusion- please share any final thoughts or further info you’d like the community to have.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community, and I hope that together we can repair old wounds, tear down paradigms that no longer serve us, and build back bigger and better. I have put a lot of thought into this over the last few years, and believe I can best contribute to this goal from a board seat. I humbly ask for your vote to help make that a reality, and I hope you’ll join me in shaping this community in the years ahead.

Justin "Tuck Planet" Kjolseth

Justin “Tuck Planet” Kjolseth

Harm Reduction, Flow Arts, Helping my friends “Do the Thing” in the best way possible

Please provide info on any theme camps, art projects, production roles, volunteering, etc in your past.
Camp Justice League (east coast regional camp) 2013-2017, Starfl33t 2018-2020, Oregon Snail Trails 2018-present, Regional Ranger 2015-Present, Seattle Flow Arts Board of Directors 2020-present

Tell us about any projects you’re particularly proud of and a bit about the experience completing them. If you have a picture of you’d like to share, we’d love to see it if you include a link.
One thing I am proud of is my work leading moth patrol for SOAK rangers. Moth Patrol is a group of rangers, started in 2019, who spend time with & around participants during the structure burns to identify those who may be “drawn to the flame.” I worked with Sinamox to plan the duties and checklist, and now have successfully trained other rangers on the task. I will be teaching a moth patrol workshop at Safety NW 2024.

How do you think the burner community is different because of your involvement?

Are you running to tackle particular issues? Tell us about them!
Well in 2022 I stopped a guy who had ideation to run into the fire so that’s a difference made. Want to help the board get up to snuff on corporate governance, conflict of interest, RAC relationship.

What would you bring to the board? How could you leverage your skills and knowledge to help INW?

Which committees interest you? (All board members are required to serve on at least one committee. )
I am an attorney of a little over 10 years who is a corporate governance specialist. I also have 3 years of experience serving on another non-profit board. I think I could help the board get back on its feet and in good shape to carry on with less regular need for lawyers (although some need is inevitable).
  • Events – I love planning parties for thousands of my best friends
  • Tech – I love data, design, and the comforting glow of a laptop
  • Finances – I want to help keep the financial side of INW in order.

What makes you the right person for the job?

Please elaborate on why you picked those committees.
I’m willing, have relevant experience and a desire to help These areas work best with my skill set and personal interests,

In conclusion- please share any final thoughts or further info you’d like the community to have.
It seems like you all could really use some help. I stepped away from the Ignition community a bit post-pandemic because I wasn’t feeling the vibe but it looks like a shift is happening and I would like to be a part of making it the best it can be.

Jim "Jimmer Shine" Jordan

Jim “Jimmer Shine” Jordon

~ Education ~ Learning ~ Creativity ~ Sharing Goodspace ~ Bridging Gaps ~

Please provide info on any theme camps, art projects, production roles, volunteering, etc in your past.
Last year, I was a Lead for Critical Parking. The first few Criticals, I was there to help as well. Starting in 2002 with Arson Island Resort, I got a good start on things in the community. During the NLS era, was the AIRFLO Shade Structure Project Binder-holder (300-foot wide crescent moon).(Good times.) ’04, Blue House, ’05, The Machine, ’06, The Temple, ’07, Korea, ’08, American Scream… ’22, mad-internationalized – between there, I got to the Korea Burn, the Turtle Burn in Taiwan, and the Dragon Burn outside Shanghai a couple times. It’s been a good trip.

Tell us about any projects you’re particularly proud of and a bit about the experience completing them. If you have a picture of you’d like to share, we’d love to see it if you include a link.
The Firepod (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i43hjXXujNU), The Machine (TheMach12e.org), The Blue House Gyroscope, Arson Island, American Scream, Burners Without Borders The Firepod (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i43hjXXujNU), The Machine (TheMach12e.org), The Blue House Gyroscope, Arson Island, American Scream, Burners Without Borders

How do you think the burner community is different because of your involvement?

Are you running to tackle particular issues? Tell us about them!
I’ve leaned in since 2002. I’ve participated in large art at Burning Man a dozen years since then, and have supported the community through volunteering to cover gates and the like as well. Also, I’ve added a sort of unique art through language. I’ve been known as a poet for many years, sharing my books at Burner events as far back as 2003, here in town. Still doing it these twenty years later. This is my first time edging toward the board because it was never asked of me before. This year, it was. Nope. Seems like there’s a need for folks to step in is all… I might incorporate a bit more with BWB if I can muster how, but you know… pet project.

What would you bring to the board? How could you leverage your skills and knowledge to help INW?

Which committees interest you? (All board members are required to serve on at least one committee. )
I have a belief that this thing should be healthy. I have a willingness to sit with others and chat about good creativity and how to keep it going.
  • Events – I love planning parties for thousands of my best friends
  • Grants and Scholarships – I have a deep appreciation for art and understand what it takes to make it happen
  • Acculturation – I want to help welcome those new to the Burning Man community

What makes you the right person for the job?

Please elaborate on why you picked those committees.
I care about the continuity of this project They are what I have experience with.

In conclusion- please share any final thoughts or further info you’d like the community to have.
I’m stepping up because it seems like a moment of inflection where the organization could use a little sustenance and I’m at my desk a lot these days, could maybe help. I’ve been part of this community since the outset, have enjoyed it thoroughly, and am still here in the light of it all. Might have had a bump or two on the way, but hey, not so many, considering the miles, ey ~ Plus, I’m a calm creator, building books and writing script. As a thoughtful head, I would hope that I could help balance that which is a ship worth stewarding.

To you, I offer time.

Hayley "Nonsense" Johnson

Hayley “Nonsense” Johnson

Nonviolent communication, trauma healing, sex positivity

Please provide info on any theme camps, art projects, production roles, volunteering, etc in your past.
I camped with baggage check twice at the big burn and SOAK and ran some events for them (cuddle parties, painting activities). I camped with Potluck at critical in 2023 and ran evening events.

Tell us about any projects you’re particularly proud of and a bit about the experience completing them. If you have a picture of you’d like to share, we’d love to see it if you include a link.
I’m more of an enabler than a creator, which I think is part of what makes me a good fit for these roles

How do you think the burner community is different because of your involvement?

Are you running to tackle particular issues? Tell us about them!
I have a passion for creating a proactive atmosphere of welcome. I strive to create spaces where people are safe to be themselves without coercion and safe to live as their authentic selves and seek out their hearts desires. I care deeply about good consent practices. While this isn’t the main reason I’m running (I would say that’s more general), I’m interested in understanding what’s happening with RAC and ensuring we have a positive institutional structure to support handling consent moving forward.

What would you bring to the board? How could you leverage your skills and knowledge to help INW?

Which committees interest you? (All board members are required to serve on at least one committee. )
I’m trained as a product manager, which means I have experience setting a vision, establishing requirements, and working with (often ornery and uncooperative) stakeholders to reach consensus and move forward with practical trade offs in execution. I care deeply about building relationships founded on trust and mutually beneficial goals. I have experience bringing difficult contributors around to a place of understanding and positive collaboration. I also have lots of experience ingesting negative feedback and turning it into constructive outcomes. I also have familiarity with how to balance costs/ budget concerns with vision outcomes.

I think these are many of the skills the current INW team needs more of.
  • Events – I love planning parties for thousands of my best friends
  • Tech – I love data, design, and the comforting glow of a laptop
  • Fundraising – I want to help INW pay for all of the above
  • Acculturation – I want to help welcome those new to the Burning Man community
  • Finances – I want to help keep the financial side of INW in order.

What makes you the right person for the job?

Please elaborate on why you picked those committees.
I’m excited about the possibility of pointing these skills towards the burner community, which, honestly, I think is a better use of these skills. I honestly don’t know yet where my skills will fit best. I have many administrative skills and capabilities, but I don’t just want to be on a computer. I am hoping that I can contribute where I’m needed most while still finding satisfaction in my role.

In conclusion- please share any final thoughts or further info you’d like the community to have.
I like you folxs and I hope I get to contribute to this organization regardless of how.

Alan "Giles" Hudson

Alan “Giles” Hudson

Fire art

Please provide info on any theme camps, art projects, production roles, volunteering, etc in your past.
I’ve been involved and helped run Moonrock, Pot Luck and Dirty Twister theme camps. Since 2008 I’ve done Burning Man art projects, some of the most notable are Hellascope, Big Burn Honorarium Simon Fire Edition, the water cannon at critical and last season Serpentine our living room fire piece.

Tell us about any projects you’re particularly proud of and a bit about the experience completing them. If you have a picture of you’d like to share, we’d love to see it if you include a link.
Our group PotLuck has made many fire pieces over the years. Simon Fire edition was our one big burn honorarium. See this link for projects ive been involved with: https://www.games-with-fire.com/portfolio/

How do you think the burner community is different because of your involvement?

Are you running to tackle particular issues? Tell us about them!
My focus has been on leading theme camps and art projects. I hope that both have given others the chance to make our events better and to feel connected with them. My usual focus is theme camps and fire art. But frankly there are basic survival issues that need addressing first. We need to regain the trust of the community and find a way to make decisions together.

What would you bring to the board? How could you leverage your skills and knowledge to help INW?

Which committees interest you? (All board members are required to serve on at least one committee. )
I have professional experience with running non-profit boards from my day job. The main thing I’d bring to Ignition Northwest is I really want to see it survive. I work well with others and would love to help the org get on solid footing. My passion is supporting theme camps and interactive art. I’ve really appreciated Igition’s support over the years as we learned how to contribute.
  • Events – I love planning parties for thousands of my best friends
  • Grants and Scholarships – I have a deep appreciation for art and understand what it takes to make it happen,
  • Tech – I love data, design, and the comforting glow of a laptop

What makes you the right person for the job?

Please elaborate on why you picked those committees.
I’d really like to see Ignition survive. Currently its got too many problems to count. I’d like to step up and help resolve these. I’ve been a leader, a follower and I’m willing to help out on any task. Practically I’ve got experience running a non-profit, have dealt with accountants, lawyers and those people. But what I’m really hoping for is an organization that lets up express ourselves, have fun parties and feel recharged at the end of the season. I’m a geek, rave promotor and artist that wants to find the right way to contribute.

In conclusion- please share any final thoughts or further info you’d like the community to have.
n/a