Board of Fire Commissioners

Founder

Kate was elected to the OIFR Board in November 2023 to complete an unexpired 2-year term.

A third-generation islander on both sides of her family, Kate has been serving on local boards for over 15 years. As a certified PMP (Project Management Professional) she has worked with businesses both on and off the island. And brings first-hand knowledge of Fire and EMS operations and governance, having served as a fire department administrator in King County.

Kate brings a lifelong dedication to, and understanding of, our rural island community. As a member of the OIFR Board, she hopes to foster responsible governance and sustainable fire and EMS services that meet the unique needs of our island, now and into the future.

Email: khansen@orcasfire.org
Phone: 360.376.2396

Elected November 2023

Brian Ehrmantraut was elected to a four-year term in November 2023.  Brian moved full-time to Orcas in 1999 after a career in science and engineering in Silicon Valley to raise his daughter here in a more engaged and connected community. He has volunteered with OIFR since 2013, contributing as a structural firefighter, technical rescue and marine rescue/transport team member, and officer of the Orcas Island Volunteer Firefighter/EMT Association.

Over the past ~25 years, Brian has held other public service positions in the community, including San Juan County Planning Commissioner, Port of Orcas Commissioner, and member of the Eastsound Planning and Review Commission. He has also served as Trustee/Treasurer of the OPAL Community Land Trust,  founding member of the Salmonberry School, Board member and Treasurer of Childrens’ House, and President of the Eastsound Water Users Association. Additionally, he has served on the boards of the Orcas Family Health Center, the Orcas Highlands Association, and Lopez Island Vineyards.

Brian is dedicated to ensuring Orcas Island Fire & Rescue has stable funding, transparent governance, and a strong team of volunteers and professionals working to keep our community safe and healthy.

Email: behrmantraut@orcasfire.org
Phone: (360) 298-2476

Elected November 2023

Randall Gaylord was elected to a six-year term in November 2023.   Mr. Gaylord served as the elected prosecuting attorney and coroner in San Juan County from January 1994 to December 2022.  As the “last of the first responders,”  Mr. Gaylord worked closely with first responders from Orcas Island Fire and Rescue as well as the other fire and emergency medical personnel throughout the county.

Mr. Gaylord raised two children at the public schools on Orcas Island, where his wife Marny was one of the elementary school teachers.

Mr. Gaylord hopes to build on the leadership of those who have previously served as commissioners and to bring to the commission his depth of knowledge of municipal governance to assure a stable future for Orcas Fire and Rescue.

Email: rgaylord@orcasfire.org
Phone: 360-376-3076 (voice, no text)

Elisabeth Britt, also known by her middle name Darby, was appointed to the Orcas Island Fire and Rescue (OIFR) Board in July 2024 to complete an unexpired two-year term.

Elisabeth moved full-time to Orcas Island in 2021, a place she fell in love with during her youth. She is the fifth generation of her family to live, work and raise her family in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

With over 25 years of experience in the finance and the public sector, Elisabeth brings a wealth of community outreach expertise to her role at OIFR. Starting with service as a legislative aide/assistant in the Washington State Legislature, her career has been marked by significant contributions to various non-profit boards, government commissions, and committees, highlighting her dedication to open government, public safety, and community development. Her dedication to these roles underscores her commitment to fostering a thriving, engaged, and well-served community on Orcas Island.

Email: ebritt@orcasfire.org

Phone: 360.305.8875

Karen Guice, M.D., M.P.P. was appointed to complete the current term of Fire Commissioner Seat #5. Karen first came to the San Juan Islands in the 1970s while a general surgery resident at the University of Washington. Karen and her family purchased land on Orcas in 2012 and subsequently became a full-time Orcas resident in 2020.

Karen is a retired general surgeon and currently serves as the President of the Defense Health Board, an advisory committee to the Secretary of Defense. During her career, she worked for Ernst and Young’s Government and Public Sector (GPS) Advisory practice, where she provided consultative services and served as the Chief Medical Officer. Prior to joining EY, she served as the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense (AASD) for Health Affairs and was responsible for the Military Health System’s policies and budgets. She has been a member of the surgical faculties at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, the University of Michigan, and served as Professor of Surgery at Duke University and the Medical College of Wisconsin. She also holds a Master of Public Policy degree from Duke University.

Karen wants to ensure that Orcas Island has the critical fire and emergency medical services that are needed to support our community.

Email: kguice@orcasfire.org