Lee Wojnar maintains his vision on community resilience with an eye to future generations. As president of the board of the Olympia Tumwater Foundation he continues to cultivate meaningful connections with the people who live, work, and visit Thurston County, and specifically Tumwater. During the day, he’s the Chief Marketing Officer at OBEE Credit Union. Artist, photographer, hiker, husband, and father of five, now adult, girls, Lee shares the richness of his life with others.
Lee Wojnar’s Path to Washington and Volunteering
Lee grew up on the east coast. “I put myself through school,” he recalls, He graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He owned his own production company for 18 years until he was recruited by Intel. He and his young family settled in the Pacific Northwest. Lee was on the forefront of digital imaging and became a senior marketing manager.
Lee reflects on his various volunteer activities. “I didn’t think I would ever do this kind of work,” he shares. “My family didn’t do this. Giving back and helping others is part of me now. It’s important.”
His early volunteering was with the Tumwater Youth Program (TYP), through the City of Tumwater. It’s an after-school program for students. “I hung out with the kids,” smiles Lee, as he remembers the various events and conversations with students.
Lee served on the United Way of Thurston County Board for nine years including time as president. “I learned more about the community,” he says of his experiences with this agency. He still volunteers with Capital Soccer Fields and works to support maintenance of the complex.
Leadership at OBEE
Lee brings his community spirit into his work at the OBEE. For example, the credit union supports the Thurston Asset Building Coalition, which partners with community organizations to help people with limited incomes to broaden and stabilize their resources such as housing, income, education or food. One project provided no-cost tax preparation. OBEE also supports the Thurston County Food Bank and United Way.
Lee has overseen growth in OBEE’s business from $98 million to over a half billion in assets. Originally OBEE served only the brewery workers, but is has expanded to include anyone who lives, works or worships in the state of Washington. Out of state Pabst employees can also join.
The Olympia Tumwater Foundation
As president of the Olympia Tuwmater Foundation, Lee works hard to support their mission, which honors the legacy of the Schmidt family by maintaining and providing Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls for use by the public. It awards annual scholarships to graduating seniors. It also preserves the historic Schmidt House and records of the Olympia Brewing Company, a Northwest iconic brewery.
Brewery Park hosts 250,000 visitors each year. People come to see the salmon hatchery, walk the trails, breathe in nature, and take a break. The expansion of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife salmon hatchery and construction of the Deschutes Valley Trail (ADA-compliant walking and bicycling trail sponsored by the City of Tumwater) happened with generous easements from the Foundation. “It’s a special unique space,” says Lee. “I don’t want it to go commercial.” Future generation will continue to enjoy the park, which is free to visitors.
Many people are surprised to learn the oft visited and local favorite park in Tumwater is privately owned. The 15-acre park is known for photography-inspiring waterfalls, impressive rock formations, scenic walking path, picnic areas and play areas. Plans for the History & Nature Center are well underway, with the first $2 million secured. Major fundraising efforts are moving forward to build a multi-use facility that will serve as a learning center and display space. As board president, Lee is leading the campaign.
“I work with Lee on the Olympia Tumwater Foundation board, and he approaches nonprofit work with excitement, energy and passion thus creating meaningful assets in Thurston County,” notes Dan Jones, CEO ThurstonTalk.com.
People may also be unaware of the generous scholarships awarded annually to graduating seniors. It’s another way the Foundation believes in investing in the future. You might want to visit the Schmidt House, which is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. The well-tended grounds feature statues from Europe brought here by Leopold Schmidt. Walk around native gardens and see the reflecting pool.
Enjoying the Pacific Northwest
Lee’s days are full. However, he manages time to smoke his own salmon “I have my own smoker,” he says. He also likes to get his hands dirty, rebuilding engines or with a carpentry project. “My dad was an electrician,” he adds.
He enjoys being a good neighbor. You can ask him about rescuing a friend’s cat in the middle of the night. He and his wife also have fun with neighbor Bill Carter. In winter, you might find Lee blowing snow off driveways. “I am a firm believer that you help when you can,” says Lee. He and his wife Ann like to hike and ride bikes together.
Volunteering in Thurston County
There are more volunteer opportunities in our community than one might imagine. Whether you can support financially or with your time and talents, there is surely something that aligns with your interests: children, animals, land preservation, elder care, art, education. “If everyone does a little, it makes a difference,” says Lee, adding, “And, it’s highly appreciated.”
Thank you, Lee, for your continued involvement in our community.
