Leslie (Elvebak) Symonds grew up in Skagit Valley, fifth generation of Skagit County, a BEHS graduate whose father’s family homesteaded on Guemes Island and Lake Campbell in the early 1900’s.  She attended Skagit Valley College, got her Bachelors in Recreation Administration & Leisure Studies at Washington State University, and her Masters in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University. 

Leslie has spent her career bringing people together to enjoy the best of life, and to make the best out of the end-of-life journey. As an assistant cruise director and fun boss, she’s enjoyed the honor of creating and sharing moments of joy with endless audiences. As an executive committee member of the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce, she’s found service to the community that lets her support local and engage with incredible people while learning immeasurable lessons.

Successes in her work and volunteer roles came from the determination to sustain and foster relationships, build up organizations by constantly working towards excellence, and most rewarding: turning junior team members into business leaders through mentorship.

Leslie spent 14 years working in long term care, specializing in dementia support and education.  She is honored to be a part of the Island Health Foundation as Relationship Manager working to ensure access to 5-star health care close to home. 

She lives in Anacortes with her husband, Scott, Nana and Papa to four amazing grandsons: Rielynn, Beau, Braxton and Maddox who all seem to make life complete.  They both love to fish and golf and find more reasons to hang out with their grandsons.