Meet The Board

Robert "Bob" Calkins comes to SARVAC by way of a nearly 20-year career as a dog handler. He spent most of his SAR time in Kitsap County, responding to in excess of 200 missions. He had prior experience as a base support person in King County, plus history with the ARES, RACES and CERT programs. He currently serves as a mission planner and unit treasurer for Ferry County Search and Rescue.

"I've gotten a little old to chase a dog around the woods," Calkins said. "Serving the SAR community through SARVAC allows me to still contribute, and frankly keeps me young."

Prior to retiring, Bob's "day job" was serving as public information officer (PIO) for Sea-Tac Airport and later the Washington State Patrol. He was part of both organizations' Incident Management Teams, responding to aircraft accidents, major crimes, riots and the 2014 SR 530 mudslide outside Oso, Washington. He's also been a Disaster Assistance Employee for FEMA, and has been part of the response to five Presidentially-declared disasters.

"Emergency response is in my blood," Calkins added. "Now is the time to put that experience to good use for the search and rescue community."

Calkins was elected President of SARVAC in November of 2025 for a two-year term. He welcomes your concerns or ideas at [email protected].

Kathy has been an active member of the Washington search and rescue community for more than six years, bringing dedication, teamwork, and a strong service mindset to every mission. Before stepping into her current role as Vice President, she served as Secretary of the Council, supporting statewide coordination, training initiatives, and advocacy for SAR volunteers and organizations.

Her passion for SAR grew from a lifelong love of the outdoors and a desire to help people in their most challenging moments. Kathy is a member of both Ferry County Search and Rescue and Stevens County Search and Rescue, where she played a key role in helping restart the Stevens County team and strengthen its operational foundation.

A retired teacher and coach, Kathy brings a background in leadership, communication, and mentorship to her SAR work. In her spare time, she enjoys pickleball, fishing, reading, and traveling—activities that reflect her love of learning, the outdoors, and staying active.

Kathy Ballew was elected as Vice President of SARVAC in November of 2024 for a two-year term. She can be reached at [email protected]

June Mansfield has 16 years of SAR experience and has participated on more than 100 missions throughout Washington State.

“Serving with SARVAC is a way for me to give back to an incredible community that has shaped so much of my life. I’m honored to step into this role and help ensure every SAR volunteer has the resources they need to serve their communities,” Mansfield said.

June has more than 35 years experience as a Non Profit Executive and extensive experience in management, administration and fundraising. Now retired, she continues to serve SAR through membership with Mason County Search and Rescue, and as a Board member with Washington State SAR Planning Unit, Cascadia Search Dogs and Cairn Canine Detection.

Mansfield was elected Treasurer of SARVAC in November of 2025 for a two-year term. She can be reached at [email protected].

Heather Durkee was elected as Secretary of SARVAC in November of 2024 for a two-year term. She can be reached at [email protected]

Jeff Adams has been a member of Klickitat County Search and Rescue (KCSAR) since 2015, contributing a decade of leadership as the unit’s Training Officer, and Rope Rescue Team Coordinator. His operational experience spans the spectrum of SAR response from "ground pounder" and rope rescue technician to managing incidents as an Operations and Planning Section Chief.

“I’m passionate about getting teams in the Columbia River Gorge to work and train together,” Adams said. “My goal with SARVAC is to share the best practices and techniques that help units—especially those just starting out—become more effective and resilient.”

Jeff’s approach to SAR leadership is informed by a career as a Program Manager in the Aerospace and Defense industry after fun times in the Expeditionary Warfare community of the World's Finest Navy. In recent years, he has transitioned his professional focus toward teaching, bringing a sharp eye for organizational management and educational standards to the SAR community.

Jeff Adams was elected as Member at Large of SARVAC in November of 2024 for a two-year term. He can be reached at [email protected]

Kate has been with the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office SAR team for three years and currently serves as Chair.  Prior to SAR, Kate spent many years doing field work in marine sciences.  Her personal interests include hiking, soccer, and travel.
Kate can be reached at [email protected]