Bellevue LifeSpring is pleased to announce that Craig Chapman, former President of Commerical Banking for Washington Mutual Bank, has joined our Board of Directors. Craig brings with him a passion for his community and a deep commitment to helping children in need.
We asked Craig to share his vision for his new role and why he chooses to serve with Bellevue LifeSpring:
Craig Chapman is the former President of Commercial Banking for Washington Mutual Bank. His background includes CEO of financial services companies in the US, Australia, and Canada. Craig was a board member of the Washington Mutual Foundation and Seattle University. Prior to that, he worked with the University of South Florida and business partners to provide upgraded school facilities for grades K-12.
What about our mission is meaningful to you?
For me, the most important aspect of Bellevue LifeSpring’s mission is ending the cycle of poverty. If we can support stability in children’s lives by providing rental assistance and food in times of need, we increase a child’s chances of graduating high school and going to college.
What do you hope to accomplish as a board member this year?
In my first year as a board member, I hope to assist in surpassing our revenue goal. In addition, I look forward to working with my fellow board members to develop and implement strategies that will support the organization’s growth.
You are joining the board during a critical time for our community. Why do you think Bellevue LifeSpring’s work is essential for Bellevue’s low-income children and families, especially during a crisis like COVID-19?
Bellevue LifeSpring’s work is essential due to two factors in this pandemic. First, there are delays in government help, which caused a significant gap between the high number of layoffs and unemployment benefits. Secondly, rent support will be essential for families to avoid homelessness as the moratorium on evictions is lifted in the near future.
What do you hope Bellevue LifeSpring can achieve in the future?
My hope for Bellevue LifeSpring would be to develop a coalition in our community that recognizes just how fortunate we are. From there, we can come together to take care of our own! Together we can start solving the poverty issue here in our own town and in our own backyard. We start by providing the stability and education our children need to be successful.
What does community mean to you, and why is it important to give where you live?
I have been fortunate never to have experienced a day where my parents could not provide food or shelter. I believe it is our fundamental obligation in life to help others who are less fortunate. If we can materially increase high school and college graduation rates, then we will improve the quality of life for our entire community and reduce or eliminate this cycle of poverty.
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We are thrilled to welcome Craig and his expertise in the financial sector to the Bellevue Lifespring family during this critical time for our community.
