The responsibilities of the Board of Directors are to provide additional program oversight, provide guidance and support to Imagination Library of Washington staff, and provide resource support to aid in achieving state program goals.

Susan Grisham

Assistant to the City Manager | City of Olympia

Susan is the Assistant to the City Manager at City of Olympia, bringing her strengths in communications, organization and problem resolution to supporting the Imagination Library of Washington. "From a young age, I've had a passion for books and the power they have to expand an individual's world. I am excited to merge my experience in both the public and private sectors to inspire a future generation of readers." Fun fact...Susan's dog is also named Dolly Parton! Dolly is a Vizsla (cousin of the Weimaraner), typically used for duck hunting, but the only thing Susan's Dolly hunts for is hugs.

Jodi DeCesari

Executive Director | Okanogan County Child Development Association

Jodi DeCesari has nearly 30 years of experience working in health and social services, including in hospitals, nursing homes, community mental health, workforce development, and education. She is currently the Executive Director of Okanogan County Child Development Association, which provides early learning programs, including Head Start, ECEAP, and home visiting programs. OCCDA has been an Imagination Library Program Partner since 2019.  She serves as the president of the Washington State Head Start and ECEAP Association, is on the Okanogan CHI Leadership Council, and is a member of Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare’s Community Advisory Committee. Jodi is passionate about building community and programs to support our youngest learners and their families. "I love the Imagination Library, and I am passionate about the program, young children, and increasing literacy skills."

Carl Borg

Housing and Homeless Program Manager | Kitsap County

Carl is the Housing and Homeless Program Manager with Kitsap County Dept. of Human Services and former CEO of United Way of Kitsap County. Carl helped launch the Imagination Library program in Kitsap County in 2022, which now serves more than 3,000 children. Carl brings his advocacy, public relations experience and humor to support Imagination Library of Washington efforts. "United Way of Kitsap County had such a great response in bringing Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to Kitsap children, and I want to help others have the same experience."

Heather Gallagher

Senior Program Manager/State Managing Director of ABCD Dental | Arcora Foundation

Heather has dedicated her career to improving the health and well-being of young children and families. She oversees Arcora Foundation’s access programs and public-private partnerships, including Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD), which connects young Medicaid-insured children with dental care in their communities; and DentistLink, a dental referral service for people struggling to access care. Heather joined Arcora Foundation in 2021 as ABCD Managing Director. She started her journey with ABCD as both a participant and later a local program coordinator in Spokane. In addition to ABCD, Heather has managed multiple programs with a focus on early supports for children and families. "Dolly Parton's Imagination Library plays a crucial role in promoting literacy and inspiring young minds. Literacy is foundational for a child's cognitive development and can help them make informed decisions about their health later in life”

Jessica Beach

Director for Health Equity and Cultural Competency | Molina Healthcare of Washington

Ms. Jessica Beach is the Director for Health Equity and Cultural Competency for Molina Healthcare of Washington where she uses her expertise in community health  to work with communities, providers and community based  or organizations to advance equity and address the health disparities that impact communities. Ms. Beach works collaboratively with communities and healthcare providers to support access to high quality, equitable care, services and resources to support the unique needs of Molina birthing members, and their families, across Washington.

Prior to her time at Molina, Ms. Beach worked for the State of Arizona’s Early Childhood Development and Health Board as the Regional Director for the White Mountain Apache Tribe. In this role, she collaborated with local leaders to expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive, early childhood development and health resources. Additionally, Ms. Beach facilitated the coordination and collaboration of various early childhood development and health organizations, agencies, and community partners both regionally and statewide.

Ms. Beach holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Arizona and a Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University.