Bellingham Dharma Hall
Board of Directors

Bob Penny
Board Treasurer
Chair of the Finance Committee

I have been a member of the Dharma Hall since its beginning. The Hall is a unique resource for the Bellingham community, providing an open forum for non-sectarian Buddhist expression as well as a home for each of the four groups to fully thrive in their own traditions. This combination is rare and deserves care and nurturing as the Hall goes through it's next period of transition. I joined the board at this time to help specifically with what promises to be an exciting and growthful phase of the Halls history, which could see us find a permanent home. And I have wanted to give back to the community for what has been provided to me through the group of spirited practitioners which comprises the Dharma Hall Sangha. It is my hope that the Hall can grow to become an even better resource to members and to Bellingham, a place looked to as a haven for wisdom and peace.

email:    bobp@nas.com  

Daimon Sweeney
Board Chair

Daimon Sweeney was interested in Buddhism before he knew it existed. He began sitting at the Rochester Zen Center under Philip Kapleau in 1972, graduated from Fairhaven College with a self-designed degree in Sustainable Culture, founded and ran a publishing company focused on metaphysics for 15 years, studied Nonviolent Communication, and has developed an approach to inclusive group dynamics using collective intelligence. He works with individuals and groups to facilitate rapid personal and organizational change.

email: daimon.sweeney (at) gmail.com

Jack Birr
Chair of the Operations Committee

Jack Birr is a practitioner and student of the dharma. He is affiliated with the Shambhala group on Monday nights.

email: jeb@abhost.us

Joe Hebert
Board Secretary

In 1999 my wife and I moved to Bellingham from Seattle. I practice with the Vipassana group and became a member of the Bellingham Dharma Hall in 2003. I enjoy being involved in community services and have participated in volunteer programs in Seattle and Bellingham as well as abroad. I feel the Dharma Hall is a wonderful asset to the community and serves as a unique model for Buddhist cooperation worldwide. I appreciate the opportunity to serve the Buddhist community of Whatcom County by being on the board.

email: joenjen01@hotmail.com

John Robinson
Chair of the Member Relations Committee

I have been involved with the local Vipassana meditation group (Bellingham Meditation Society) since 1989 and am one of the original supporters of the Bellingham Dharma Hall since 1993. The Buddha said, "The greatest gift is the gift of the Dharma." And in my over 30 years of meditation practice I have found much benefit in applying that statement - from teaching, serving food or cleaning toilets at meditation retreats and now serving on the BDH board. May I be a skillful and sincere representative for the membership and to my Dharma buddies on the Board.

email: john@treefrogfarm.com

Karen FitzGerald
Board Vice Chair
Chair of the Communications Committee

I have been a member of the Dharma Hall since 1995. I practice with the Mindfulness Sangha.  I am committed the continuation of the Dharma Hall as a focal point for Buddhist study and practice in our community.

email: karen@karenfitzgerald.com

Monica Aebly
Chair of the Outreach Committee

Monica Aebly has worked at WWU for over 15 years in office administration. She has experience organizing conferences, doing outreach, publicity, promotion, and recruiting. She is excited about applying her experience and skills to supporting the Dharma Hall in its evolution and growth, and to increasing awareness of the Dharma in Bellingham.

email:  flamingboaryear@yahoo.com