Current Board of Directors

Join the board!

For board inquiries, please contact Rita Buyco, at ritab@symseattle.org.

Lauren Carr

Senior Programs Assistant at the Athena Center for Leadership at Bernard College, Former SYM Staff Member

SYM is such a special place in the University District and provides life changing support and access for young people who walk through the doors. I loved being on staff at SYM where I found I love building values-based community through fundraising and educational events, and am thrilled to continue to support the organization on the board. 

Krista Cook, Co-President

Event Planner at The Rainier Club

In searching for ways to serve the unhoused I found SYM which is based in my neighborhood and provided my family an accessible way to donate meals, supplies and monetarily.  As my life changed, I was able to make the commitment to join the board and volunteer in drop in, on coffee runs and rock climbing!  It's been a joy to get to learn from the staff and serve the youth in our community. 

Keith Cottrill, Co-president

Director of Communications at University Presbyterian Church

Believing that God brings hope in the midst of relationships, I'm inspired by our mission to provide youth and young adults in Seattle’s University District with life skills, resources, and relationships that bring hope and healing to their lives and the community.

Jan McClintock

President of the Board
Retired Nurse

Tracy Riser, Secretary

Real Estate Broker

I started volunteering after a 30-year career in software. After over five years as a volunteer in Drop-In, I felt that first-hand experience working with the youth would be beneficial to the board. I’m still fresh on the board, and I hope to be able to be a valuable asset in order to partner with the other board members and ensure the healthy continuation of Street Youth Ministries.

Julie Young

Retired, bookkeeper and member Wallingford Presbyterian Church

I have been familiar with SYM since working at UPC for the last 10 years. I reside in Montlake but consider the U-District as part of my neighborhood, and I’m pleased to be supporting SYM in their work with local Young Adults. I am excited to share the good work of SYM with my home church, Wallingford Presbyterian, and my friends and family that reside in the area.