A Message from Oak and The Board
A Message from Oak
Dear Friends of Glacier Peak Institute,
As I sit in the 1890 cabin converted to an office where both my grandfather and father based their logging company that now houses Glacier Peak Institute, I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to continue the legacy of serving the rural communities of Washington State. However, as the generations, seasons, and landscape all shift, so does my life. As spring turns to summer, effective June 30th, I will be transitioning from my role as Executive Director of Glacier Peak Institute to pursue new opportunities, while continuing to support the organization’s growth, both as a volunteer and as an advocate.
For over a decade, we have built a powerful force together—a grassroots, place-based organization rooted in community, grounded in generational history and friendships in the North Cascades. We have welcomed new friends to build a vibrant future between community, youth and ecosystems. We have been guided by the belief that rural youth deserve access to opportunity, mentorship, and the outdoors. There is no one like us—actively building an inclusive future, while bridging diverse populations and partnering with both urban and rural communities.
While the decision to resign has been difficult, it is the enduring spirit of our community—many of you friends, family, and longtime supporters—that has always bolstered GPI. GPI is more than one person. The youth we serve, the dedicated educators, interns, volunteers, AmeriCorps and partners who show up year after year, in the stunning place we call home—these are the constants that will carry GPI forward.
I remain committed to the work and the mission of GPI. I will continue to advise and support the organization, and be available to assist with onboarding and leadership transitions for this next chapter.
Thank you for being a part of this journey, for your participation in our work and for your belief in me. One of the greatest honors in my life has been watching kids push through self doubt and begin to realize their potential outdoors with GPI. This has been made possible by you, and for the youth, this critical work must continue.
This summer, I will be spending time with my friends and family, especially my children during these precious early and formative years; we will be swimming glacier teal rivers, exploring dark conifer forests, scaling steep cascade mountains and building the same wonder and grit GPI gives to youth. More to come on the next chapter of my life later.
With the utmost gratitude, respect and humility.
Oak Rankin, Executive Director, Glacier Peak Institute
A Message from the Board
It is with heartfelt gratitude that the Board of Directors announces the upcoming departure of our Executive Director, Oak Rankin, from Glacier Peak Institute (GPI), effective June 30.
Since stepping into this role in the wake of the 2014 Oso slide, Oak has built and shaped GPI into the mission-driven, community-centered organization it is today. His passion for youth empowerment, outdoor education, and equity for rural communities has left an indelible mark on our programs, our partnerships, and the lives of the young people we serve throughout the region.
Under his leadership, GPI has:
Grown its outdoor STEM programming to reach every grade level in the Darrington School District and thousands of young people through our partnership programs throughout Western Washington.
Benefitted from over 20,000 volunteer hours, including community members, AmeriCorps members and student interns.
Brought in 3.5 million dollars in revenue to serve underinvested communities.
Cultivated key partnerships with schools, local organizations, tribes, and funders.
Elevated the voices of rural youth and communities.
Built the organization from a volunteer-powered pilot project to a wide-reaching non-profit with 12 year-round employees and a robust workforce development program that has employed over 50 young people in our community.
Strengthened internal capacity and expanded the organization’s visibility across the region.
While we will deeply miss his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment, the Board fully supports this next step in his journey. We are especially grateful for his sincere desire to do all he can to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition. His continued presence and support during this process reflect the same integrity and dedication that have defined his tenure at GPI.
Over the coming months, we will initiate a search for GPI’s next Executive Director. In the meantime, our focus remains on maintaining strong programming, supporting our team, and engaging our community and partners in shaping GPI’s next chapter. We look forward to keeping you updated and invite you to help us identify thoughtful, mission-aligned candidates when the position is formally posted.
On behalf of the Board, we thank Oak for the heart, courage, and vision he brought to Glacier Peak Institute. His legacy will remain embedded in the organization’s mission, the programs he helped grow, and the lives of the youth he worked so tirelessly to uplift.
With appreciation,
Garret Gladsjo
President, Board of Directors
Glacier Peak Institute
