WHAT WE DO
​Rebuilding Together Thurston County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Federal EIN: 77-0613860) that provides free home repairs and handicap modifications for​ low-income homeowners and nonprofit facilities. We serve low-income homeowners who are elderly, disabled, families with children, and veterans in need. Rebuilding Together Thurston County was founded in 2003 by the Olympia Remodelers Council and other volunteers and is part of the Rebuilding Together national organization, with over 113 affiliates across the country. Learn more about the national organization >>
OUR MISSION
Repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives
OUR VISION
Safe homes and communities for everyone
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JENNIFER FERGUSON, BOARD PRESIDENT
Ferguson Insurance Services
Jennifer joined the board in November 2022 and is very excited about giving back to the community that has trusted and supported her for years. Jennifer owns Ferguson Insurance Services, a senior-focused independent insurance agency located in Yelm. In addition to volunteering with RTTC, she is a member of the Tenino and Grand Mound-Rochester Chambers of Commerce and serves on the board of the Yelm Chamber of Commerce. When not working and volunteering, Jennifer is a master weed-puller and so-so gardener who spends her free time with her husband, family, friends and her two dogs, Abby and Lily.
SARAH CALDWELL, VICE PRESIDENT
Olympia Federal Savings
Sarah has worked for Olympia Federal Savings Bank for more than seven years. Since she
started her career at Oly Fed, she has worked as a Universal Banker, a Compliance Specialist
and is now the Branch Manager of the Tumwater Office. She has volunteered on various
Rebuilding Together projects over the years and is a great addition to our Board of Directors.
Along with her commitment to RTTC, she is also involved with other community organizations.
PETE KMET, BOARD SECRETARY & TREASURER
Retired
Pete Kmet retired after 12 years as the mayor of the City of Tumwater. Prior to being elected mayor, Pete served on the Tumwater City Council for 18 years, including 14 years as mayor pro tem. During his 30 years as an elected official, Pete represented Tumwater on numerous committees and task forces providing policy oversight on a wide range of issues including growth management, public works infrastructure, parks and recreation programs, and public safety. He has volunteered for a wide variety of city and nonprofit events and projects. Pete has a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Norwich University and a Master of Science in environmental engineering from the University of Wisconsin. In addition to his elected positions, Pete worked as an environmental engineer for the State of Washington Department of Ecology’s contaminated sites cleanup program. Pete and his wife Nancy live on lower Tumwater Hill.
MARNY BRIGHT, BOARD MEMBER
Retired
Marny joined Rebuilding Together Thurston County’s board in September 2024. She has been a fixture in the Thurston County community and is well-known for the relationships she built while working at the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce.
MEET OUR STAFF
CATHY JOHNSON
Executive Director
Cathy has been with Rebuilding Together since 2013. She started volunteering with the organization in 2013 on Rebuilding Day, joined the Board of Directors in 2014, and has been Executive Director since 2019. She has been instrumental in the growth of the organization, especially the Critical Repairs/Safe and Healthy Homes Program.
Cathy has a degree in Business Administration from Seattle University and a certificate in Horticulture from SPSCC. Her background includes insurance, banking, and founding her own business.
In addition to Rebuilding Together Thurston County, Cathy volunteers with Pope John Paul II High School and serves on the board of South Sound Philanthropy.
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BONNIE JENNINGS
Applications Coordinator
Bonnie joined our team in March 2023 taking on the duties of processing applications and tracking details about our projects. Previously, she served in the U.S. Army for 11 years as a unit supply specialist, worked as a benefit counselor with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and worked as a claims specialist for the Social Security Administration. Bonnie volunteers with the Thurston County Foodbank.
CALEB SCHLOTTMANN
Site Inspections
Caleb joined Rebuilding Together Thurston County as a Project Manager in October 2021. His
primary responsibility is completing site inspections. Caleb has been in project management
and construction since 2005. He has worked for property management companies, cities, and
now operates his own company. A “jack of all trades,” Caleb can do everything from flooring to
decks to painting.
NATE TREAT
Project Manager
Nate joined RTTC as a Project Manager in December 2024. Nate has worked in plumbing and
other construction trades, volunteered on Rebuilding Together projects, and worked as a
department manager for a local sporting goods store. He has strong customer service and
project management skills along with expertise in computers and technology.
