Staff

Lawson F. Knight
Lawson joined the Foundation staff in August 2002 following a five-year stint at Oregon State University in development and university relations. His passions are philanthropy and community and can actually be said to enjoy fundraising. Active personally and professionally in the community, he is a Leadership Walla Walla alumnus, served on the Union-Bulletin Community Advisory Committee, the Leadership Prayer Breakfast Steering Committee and Walla Walla Public Schools Strategic Planning Committee. He is also active in Rotary of Walla Walla and his church. He is married to wife Cyndy and has three daughters. A graduate of Oregon State University and the University of Lyon, France in biology, Lawson began his professional career in winemaking and marketing.
Joan Aragone
Joan has served the Foundation since January 2003. She has 27 years of legal experience with specific expertise in Wills and estates. A primary function of Joan's duties is managing the Foundation's grant program. Her attention to detail, excellent oral and written communication skills and passion for the local non-profit community makes her ideally suited for the role. She has been active in service to causes ranging from the Humane Society and AIDS advocacy and assistance to pro bono legal aid. She is an avid reader, movie buff and animal lover with an eye for great bargains at local rummage sales and auctions.
Kate Bobrow-Strain
Kate Bobrow-Strain comes to the Foundation with nine years experience in non-profit administration and finance. Before moving to Walla Walla in 2004, she served as Business Manager for the Hesperian Foundation, an organization promoting community-based healthcare around the world. Kate has lived and worked in Mexico at various times; most recently she worked with indigenous women's artisan cooperatives in Chiapas, Mexico. Here in Walla Walla, Kate spends her time raising two children and renovating a historic home with her husband. If that were ever to leave extra time, Kate also enjoys quilting, knitting and gardening.