Tim Herron, National Director

The Act Six Initiative was developed by Tim Herron, a National Board Certified teacher who spent ten years in Tacoma Public Schools teaching mathematics and advocating for scores of Lincoln High School students as they made the journey to college. In the process, he developed critical relationships with college admissions and financial aid staff around the region as well as with local scholarship providers. Act Six grew out of these relationships and his passion to see students from urban Tacoma thrive in college and use their education and leadership to make a difference in their home communities.

Tim currently serves as Act Six national director at the Northwest Leadership Foundation and provides leadership and support for a growing network of Act Six affiliates in cities and colleges around the country. For the Washington initiative, Tim works primarily with scholars at Whitworth, Gonzaga, and PLU.

Kenneth Young, Associate Director

Kenneth joined the Act Six leadership team after an administrative career in Washington's community college system, most recently serving as Assistant Dean for Student Services at Green River Community College. Prior to his work in the community college system, he worked in a variety of social service organizations in Seattle. A Tacoma native and graduate of Lincoln High School, Kenneth brings both extensive experience and a deep passion for supporting student success in higher education.

In his role as Act Six associate director, Kenneth assists in the development of new national affiliates while helping to develop innovative new applications of the Act Six model. For the Washington initiative, Kenneth works primarily with the scholars in the Urban Service Track to Trinity Lutheran College and at Northwest University.

Kellie Lewis, Assistant Director

Kellie Lewis is a native of Tacoma and a graduate of Wilson High School. Kellie comes to Act Six having served in various capacities at both community colleges and four year universities. Her professional background has focused on areas of recruitment and retention of underserved students, as well as fostering a successful college readiness program. Her passion is helping students find their voices as leaders and agents of change.

Kellie coordinates local and national training for Act Six scholars and staff and coordinates recruitment efforts in the greater Seattle area. She works primarily with scholars at PLU and in the Urban Service Track to Trinity Lutheran College.

Crystal Viken, Assistant Director

A Tacoma native, Crystal graduated from Lincoln High School and headed to Whitworth College along with the first cadre of Act Six scholars. After finishing her B.A. in International Studies with a minor in Peace Studies, Crystal joined the Act Six staff, where she coordinates Tacoma area recruitment and the overall selection process while providing critical administrative support. She works primarily with scholars at Northwest, Whitworth, and Gonzaga Universities.