Board of Directors

Barb Wells has been on MERIT’s Board of Directors since 2005. Barb was born and raised in Sunnyside and graduated from Sunnyside High School. She then went on to receive a degree in business and human resources from Central Washington University. She and her husband, Garry, live in Sunnyside, where Barb owns and operates Campbell’s Mini Storage, her family business. Barb is also a board member of the Junior League of Yakima and Allied Arts and volunteers for the Yakima Greenway and the American Cancer Society. She spends her spare time with her family, walking the dogs, reading, and “stressing out” about her garden.

Dale has been on the board of directors since 1996. He is a former board chair and has served on the personnel committee for over twelve years. Dale was raised in and lives in Grandview. He graduated from Grandview High School and attended college for over two years. He has two sons and three grandchildren. Dale owned his own trucking company for over twenty years and still owns and manages a cruise agency. He currently is the manager of Zillah Ameristar.

Jason Bliss is the Executive Director of the Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences and Chief Operating Officer of Seasons Housing. He has opened dozens of addiction recovery homes and assisted with the operations of over 350 homes across multiple states. Jason serves on two non-profit boards, including the Benton Franklin Recovery Coalition and Merit Resources Services. He works with county, state, and federal human service organizations, behavioral health organizations, law enforcement, prosecutors, therapeutic courts, CPS, and the department of corrections to build and maintain a strong network for those seeking addiction help across the country.

Bill Bourn has been on the Board of Directors and Personnel Committee for over twenty years. He has twice served as the Chair of the Board. Bill is currently retired from a lifetime in education.

John Brotherton was born and raised in Ellensburg. After graduating from Ellensburg High School, he attended CWU and The University of Washington before embarking on a career in interior design and color consultation. John served on the ADDS (alcohol, drug dependency services) Board from 2008, continuing as a board member following its merger with Merit Resource Services substance abuse treatment center. He serves on the Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame Board and is a past executive member of the international Color Marketing Group (CMG) Board in Washington, D.C. John spends his spare time enjoying boating, cooking, and crossword puzzles.

Kathleen Douglas grew up on the west side of Washington State and moved to Ellensburg in 2005 with her husband and three children. She has been in the financial services industry for over 35 years. Kathleen has been a Merit Board member for seven years and was on the ADDS (alcohol, drug dependency services) Board several years prior. She has a passion for helping people and enjoys serving on the Board.

Don Follett has been on MERIT’s Board of Directors for over twenty years. He has twice served as the Chair of the Board. He is currently retired from a lifetime in education. Don is a recipient of the James Oldham Award — an honor annually given to a community member that has distinguished themselves for providing help for addiction to recovering individuals in the Yakima Valley.

Rick Rangel lives in Yakima, serving on the Board since 2012. He has a background in the field of behavioral health.

Rick Reed is retired from a lifetime in education and coaching. He has been on the Board since 2008. Rick is the driving force behind our annual Bill Hayes Golf Tournament.