Alex Garrard
When did you move to Issaquah Highlands?
We moved from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Dallas to Issaquah Highlands (Dahlia Park), arriving in 2007 (near the height of the housing market).
Why did you choose to live in Issaquah Highlands?
Our last two homes were in planned communities, so we were very familiar with their benefits. When we found out we were moving to the Seattle area, I asked some colleagues where to live, considering a commute to the SoDo area, and one said, “You want to live east if you have to commute. There’s less traffic than I-5 or I-405, and you get pretty views of the mountains.” (Remember, this was 2007; the views are still great, but it seems I-90 is busy all the time.)
I love Issaquah Highlands; we have friendly neighbors all around; there are paths, trails, and parks everywhere; easy access to the water and the mountains; and restaurants and shops.
Tell us about your family.
Christy, my spouse, is the executive director of Highlands Council, so she has the best commute there is (to Blakely Hall). Our daughter Samantha is engaged, and she and Matt, her fiancé, loved visiting us in Issaquah Highlands so much they bought a home here last year, 1.4 miles away (yes, I did measure it).
How did you become involved as a volunteer in Issaquah Highlands?
I started with the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Architectural Review Committee (ARC) and then moved to the IHCA Finance Committee.
I am also routinely “volun-told” by Christy to help at all the events produced by Highlands Council! Just kidding; it is fun being part of all the excitement and fun.
Tell us about volunteering on the IHCA Finance Committee.
As you can imagine, a lot going behind the scenes to maintain the fantastic look and feel of the community. It all doesn’t happen by chance; there is a dedicated team of folks at the IHCA, our homeowners association (HOA), who make it all happen, and that involves being good stewards of our HOA dues. Finance Committee members are your neighbors, ensuring good stewardship continues in partnership with the IHCA staff.
What do you hope for the Finance Committee in the future?
Continue to provide the resources needed to maintain and evolve the community through effective oversight of our shared financial resources.
Photo (top): (left to right) Alex; Alex’s wife, Christy; daughter, Samantha; Samantha’s fiancé, Matt.
Are you inspired to get involved in the Issaquah Highlands community?
Opportunities are available!
Click here to discover all the different ways you can get involved in our Issaquah Highlands community, including opportunities to join boards and committees, as well as urgent needs at local nonprofits.
Questions? Contact Lindsey Pinkston, Highlands Council Program Manager.
