Each year, the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce awards seven individuals in Whatcom County under 40 who have shown and continue to show incredible initiative and stewardship in their communities. Finalist Sy Hashimi is an innovator, making waves in Whatcom real estate as a top tier Realtor and community leader.

“I am a first-generation immigrant who was raised here in Whatcom County, and I’ve been living here for 20-plus years,” says Hashimi. “I graduated from Ferndale High and I have two degrees, one from Bellingham Tech and one from Whatcom Community College.” Hashimi comes from a family of six, growing up with strong examples of tenacity and hard work from his parents. “My parents have struggled most of their lives, but we’ve been given an opportunity in this country,” says Hashimi. “We’re all working hard to make our dreams a reality.”

Hashimi has been a licensed Realtor with RE/MAX for the past five years, selling real estate. “Before RE/MAX, I was a contractor at BP Cherry Point where I worked with the inspection department doing all sorts of industrial inspections and making sure the refinery was running properly,” Hashimi says. “I did that for about six years and while working there I saved quite a bit of money trying to figure out where I wanted to invest all of it. At the age of 21, I put a down payment on a house and that’s where my whole real estate profession began.”

Real estate has become an integral part of Hashimi’s goals and ambitions in his career. “I really believe building wealth is what ultimately helps people achieve their goals when it comes to helping their family members or their loved ones in their time of need,” says Hashimi. “I really believe in what I sell, which could be residential or commercial, so I really want people to pursue their dreams and sometimes the reason they can’t is due to financial obstacles. You want to feel like you’ve earned what you have. I think it’s really important to have a good net worth and I think one of the fastest ways to do that is to purchase real estate.”

Volunteerism and community leadership is also a driving force for Hashimi. “I’ve been volunteering with Habitat for Humanity for a few years, helping build homes for those in need,” Hashimi says. “There’s an annual event held in Seattle called The Big Climb that helps raise funds toward the leukemia and lymphoma society. On the day, we all get together to climb 1600 stairs to reach the top of the Columbia Center and it’s just a part of the fun of the whole event. I am a part of the Bellingham Toastmasters Club, as well.”

Hashimi also takes part in a Phi Beta Kappa program at Whatcom Community College, geared toward upholding students’ best qualities and inspiring their own successes. “I am currently pursuing different positions on several boards and HOA communities to contribute my expertise and knowledge with real estate,” says Hashimi. “Locally, I’ve helped over 50 families move, buy, or sell properties and I’ve closed up to $30 million in total volume. I’ve also acquired three designations with real estate that you need to have various qualifications to achieve.” Hashimi is designated with the Accredited Buyers Representation, the Certified Residential Specialist, and the Master Certified Negotiation Expert, placing him in the top five percent of Realtors nationwide.

As a Top 7 Under 40 finalist, Hashimi appreciates the chance to be recognized for his work in the community and his career. “I wasn’t expecting it at all but when I got the call I was ecstatic,” Hashimi says. “I do what I do not because of recognition but because I guess that’s just who I am. It feels really cool, and I’d say it helps me to realize that what I’m doing actually makes an impact to the community.”

In the future, Hashimi hopes to use his real estate gains to create a nonprofit organization of his own. “I have this plan to open up a nonprofit organization like Skookum Kids, who are doing amazing work with children that don’t have the resources,” says Hashimi. “I feel like the more organizations that are out there, the better our future will be with these new generations that are coming up who don’t have those resources. Since we immigrated to this country, I have always strived to have a smile on my face and be kind to people. One of the best ways to do that is to be an example. Everybody wants to see a certain type of change in this world, but I really feel like the only way to do that is to be an example of that change.”

An excerpt from Sy’s nomination form:“Sy came into the business just five years ago and has been so successful that he was able to purchase two homes. He is always professional!”

Watch as the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce reveals the winner of the Top 7 Under 40 Whatcom Young Professional 2022 Award! Celebrate with them and the final Top 7. Enjoy food, music, beer, wine, and networking while supporting the best and the brightest young professionals in our community. More information available here.

Each year, the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce recognizes seven individuals under 40 from Whatcom County for their incredible initiative and stewardship in their communities. Finalist Josh Burdick owns Veritas Media Productions and has dedicated a large part of his career to supporting local nonprofits and organizations through the tireless efforts of his company.

“I grew up in Bellingham and consider it my home even though I was born in Oklahoma,” says Burdick. “My family moved up here in 1997 when I was nine years old. I went to Trinity Western University across the border in B.C., so I had a little bit of an international education.” Burdick studied communications and political studies with an interest in video production.

“I ran and facilitated our daily announcements and that’s where I got my first taste for video production, which is what I do now,” Burdick says. “Through that experience of leading teams and peers, I developed leadership skills. I eventually graduated and did an internship in Ottawa, Ontario, and got to produce a documentary that aired on Canadian National Television.” Burdick credits this experience as the touchstone for his knowledge and understanding of ground video production.

“When I came home, I wanted to resettle in Bellingham,” says Burdick. “My family is here, and my parents are here so I wanted to continue growing roots in Bellingham. I did a bunch of odd jobs here and there and it culminated with me starting Veritas Media. I started it in 2011 and that was more of backburner, side hustle at the time until about 2015, when I left my full-time job and went full steam ahead with Veritas.”

As the name Veritas would suggest, Burdick is committed to honest expression of information and communication in his video productions. “I was always interested in storytelling and utilizing video as a communication tool,” Burdick says. “I’ve always had this drive to utilize video storytelling and the power of video to ultimately affect change. I started working with some nonprofits and was really able to see the power video had in fundraising and supporting their missions. That continues to be a big part of the work I do today with Veritas, which is supporting local nonprofits and leveraging video as a medium to get someone’s message out there.”

Burdick has found success, navigating Veritas through a pandemic, and continuing to add to his personal accolades through his work. “I was a finalist earlier this year for Businessperson of the Year for Whatcom Business Alliance,” says Burdick. “In previous years, I was also recognized as the Man of the Year finalist at the Bellingham Chamber Awards Dinner and Small Business of the Year for that event, as well. I went through Leadership Whatcom, and I really valued that experience.”

Veritas has supported nearly every nonprofit in the region through video production. “We’ve done ongoing work with Lighthouse Mission, Lydia Place, Skookum Kids, Boys and Girls Club of Whatcom County, Northwest Youth Services, the Humane Society, and many others,” Burdick says. “I think it’s really important, with so many tools out there for communication, to realize consumers have become very good at discerning what is legitimate and authentic, and what is superfluous noise. My goal has always been to create compelling content that is authentic to the people behind the brand and the organization, using the tool to amplify those messages in an authentic and truth telling kind of way.”

As a Top 7 Under 40 finalist, Burdick is flattered to be recognized for his diligent work in the community and beyond. “It’s an honor,” says Burdick. “We’ve supported the chamber for years, have done their annual awards dinner videos, and we’ve also worked on Top 7 in the past. Really, to be nominated is an honor and a privilege to be seen in the community as someone who is hopefully making a positive impact.”

As Burdick moves forward with Veritas, he recognizes the commitment and enthusiasm of his employees as the dynamic force behind the accomplishments of his business. “I hope to continue to grow our influence and I really value my team, as I don’t do all of this alone,” Burdick says. “I have four people that work for me, and we’ve done some incredible things. I am looking forward to taking that to the next level.”

An excerpt from Josh’s nomination form: “Josh has a been a great addition to our business community over the past 10 years or so. He has contributed so much to so many.“

Watch as the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce reveals the winner of the Top 7 Under 40 Whatcom Young Professional 2022 Award! Celebrate with them and the final Top 7. Enjoy food, music, beer, wine, and networking while supporting the best and the brightest young professionals in our community. More information available here.

Each year, the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce awards seven individuals in Whatcom County who have shown and continue to show incredible initiative and stewardship in their communities. Finalist Abby Smith is the director of programs at Skookum Kids and the owner of a mental healthcare private practice for youth.

“I was born and raised in Bellingham, and was on the team that envisioned and built Skookum in the very beginning,” says Smith. “I was our first payroll employee back in 2015, so that’s my main gig — building and creating programs.” While helping develop Skookum Kids, Smith went back to school and received a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology.

“I originally got involved in Skookum because a board member asked if I could help her clean out the basement,” Smith says. “That led to different tasks that eventually ended up with me getting the opportunity to run this program after showing I had experience and knowledge with child development. I never decided this would be the career or the life I would have; I think I just truly started helping where I was asked and where I felt confident I could make a difference.”

Smith’s work snowballed into creating “The Landing” at Skookum, a reference to ensuring children have a “soft landing” when they’re first placed in one of Skookum’s emergency shelter houses. “After the Landing, we kept building the organization up to where it needed to be with foster care, mental health advocacy, and therapy,” says Smith. “It was never a conscious decision, I just truly started saying yes when help was needed and found my talents and my passion through the experience.”

Skookum Kids has done incredible work in the community, giving a voice to youth and quality care for children who need it most. “I’m really proud of the work Skookum Kids has accomplished and the impact they have on the community,” Smith says. “At the same time, our staff feel really supported and enjoy the work they do, feeling like they can be whole people and themselves while accomplishing these huge, heavy tasks. Getting to do heavy work — but doing it joyfully — is a culture I’m really proud of.”

Earning her master’s degree was a challenging turning point for Smith, bringing her goals and core values even more into focus. “Going back to school in the midst of doing a lot of heavy work with foster kids was the biggest challenge,” says Smith. “It really tested me and helped me find out who I am and why I value the things I value. Being on the other side of that and getting to provide affordable, accessible, and quality mental healthcare to kids and teenagers who really need it in the middle of pretty big mental health crisis is something I’m really proud of.”

As a finalist for the Top 7 Under 40, Smith is most grateful for her staff, crediting their support as the vehicle for her success. “It’s such an honor. It’s really easy to be creative and innovative or do your job well when you’re walking on pavement,” Smith says. “The staff and the board behind me at Skookum have laid pavement for me and it has been amazing. It’s an honor and a privilege to have the amount of support and people instilling confidence in me, but I certainly did not do any of this on my own.”

One of Smith’s passions and the intention of her work is to foster restoration. “I think it’s really easy to build brand new things, or replace them, but what I really think is important is restoration,” says Smith. “That’s my passion and what I seek to do in my work. I want to restore families, relationships, safety, and attachment for these families who have been ripped apart due to addiction, mental illness, poverty, abuse, or neglect. It’s the same in my therapy practice; I’m really passionate about restoring people’s sense of self and their confidence, intuition, and their ability to be in healthy relationships. I’ll fit into that process wherever help is needed, just like how I got here in the beginning.”

An excerpt from Abby’s nomination form: “In addition to her expert leadership of the award-winning programs at Skookum Kids, Abby also leads children to healing as a therapist in private practice. And this year she led the launch of Camp Skookum, a two-day retreat to celebrate and build community around reunified families.”

Watch as the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce reveals the winner of the Top 7 Under 40 Whatcom Young Professional 2022 Award! Celebrate with them and the final Top 7. Enjoy food, music, beer, wine, and networking while supporting the best and the brightest young professionals in our community. More information available here.

Each year, the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce awards seven individuals in Whatcom County under 40 who have shown and continue to show incredible initiative and stewardship in their communities. Finalist Sam Beardslee, a marketing representative with Whatcom Land Title Company, builds relationships and creates inspiration with her infectious positivity and steadfast approach to her work and volunteerism.

“I was born in Snohomish and moved to Blaine when I was 12,” says Beardslee. “I have lived in Whatcom County ever since.” Beardslee started her career in phlebotomy, drawing blood and training others for 13 years. As a successful phlebotomist, Beardslee wrote and enacted her own state-certified program to streamline their training schedule at the practice.

“I was in a training role for people who were already certified but it seemed like there was such a lack of opportunity for people to get certified as a phlebotomist; without going through a state certified program, you have to go to school for it. I thought it was much better to just write our own program,” Beardslee says. “That way, they could get paid well and learn, not have to pay for school and not get paid while looking for a job. It seemed more efficient, and we could train them the way we wanted to, in the best way for the practice.”

After 13 years, Beardslee realized she needed to look for a career that would be more fulfilling and meaningful for her individual personality. “The marketing job with Whatcom Land Title kind of fell into my lap,” says Beardslee. “I had a connection with the company, and I had previously bought a house and signed with them. I liked the vibe of the workplace and when this job came up, I learned it would entail talking to people and being involved in the community and networking. I felt like it hit all the points I had been missing in my previous job — not to say phlebotomy isn’t an amazing career on its own.”

With Whatcom Land Title, Beardslee has had the opportunity to grow her particular strengths and serve the community in impactful ways. “I do relationship building and marketing with real estate agents, lenders, and builders to use our services in title and escrow,” Beardslee says. “I also do social media, event planning, and everything that kind of goes along with all of that, so there’s actually a lot of different things I do in my job.”

Being named a Top Seven Under 40 finalist has been an honor for Beardslee, who values and appreciates her community and coworkers. “I feel really flattered; it’s amazing I was even nominated,” says Beardslee. “It feels really great, but I also struggle with attention on me, so it feels a little weird because now when I go places, people recognize me as a nominee. I think I’ve always been a good cheerleader, and I’m good at bringing people together. I’ve always had a penchant for getting people together to do things.”

Just last January, Beardslee facilitated the planting of 350 trees. “We bought a property in January and back in March planted 350 trees in one weekend,” Beardslee says. “We had 16 different people at various times planting trees with us and I feel like it is my strength to get people to come together and do cool things like that.” Beardslee hopes to continue being a positive light in the community, using her skills to brighten the outlook and outcomes for those around her. “I just hope that I can help other professionals make meaningful connections and encourage them to do cool things in the community like volunteering and giving back,” says Beardslee. “I’m an idea person and I’m encouraging; that’s my passion and my role. My goal is to help people and make them happy. I’m the catalyst.”

An excerpt from Sam’s nomination form: “Sam is someone who is so invested in her community and is genuine and authentic with everyone she meets. She consistently makes people feel welcome and heard in every situation and is someone that is an incredible mentor and friend, even if it’s in ways she may not realize.”

Watch as the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce reveals the winner of the Top 7 Under 40 Whatcom Young Professional 2022 Award! Celebrate with them and the final Top 7. Enjoy food, music, beer, wine, and networking while supporting the best and the brightest young professionals in our community. More information available here.

Each year, the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce awards seven individuals in Whatcom County who have shown and continue to show incredible initiative and stewardship for their communities. Finalist Abby Yates is overflowing with love for her land, her family, and the betterment of businesses, institutions, and nonprofits throughout Whatcom County.

“I am Native American, and I am enrolled in the Nooksack Indian Tribe,” says Yates. “I started working in casino marketing in 2001 and I was actually 18 at the time working for my own tribe at the Nooksack River Casino, which has since closed. At that time, I was also attending Whatcom Community College in their Tourism and Hospitality Management program. I had a lot of great mentors between the casino and Greg Hansen, who’s now the Ferndale mayor. He was my teacher at the college, and he has been really amazing and influential in helping my career.”

After working her way up through the casino industry for 11 years, Yates started her own business in 2012 called Bluebird Social Media. “I also got married and had a baby all within four months, it was a pretty hectic but happy time in life,” Yates says. “Since then, I have worked with more than 20 tribes through Bluebird Social Media, and also worked with several nonprofits and other local businesses here in Whatcom County. I have worked with a couple of national level brands, as well.”

Yates may be a successful entrepreneur, but she is also deeply philanthropic. “I am passionate about philanthropy, and I’ve always given my time, efforts, and money to local nonprofits,” says Yates. “I’ve sat on the board for DVSAS (Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services) for three years and I was on the Board of Directors for Whatcom Young Professionals and Big Brothers Big Sisters, before they closed. I am currently on the Board of Directors for the Nooksack Indian Tribe, and was recently appointed to the Mount Baker School District School Board.”

On top of an incredibly busy schedule, Yates also works as an account director for Shank Marketing. “I’ve worked with Justin Shank, owner of Shank Marketing, on projects throughout the years, and was working with him when the pandemic hit. We stopped work for about a year, and then he brought me back on as an account director,” Yates says. “Shank Marketing works with dozens of tribal businesses throughout the United States and that has been pretty amazing.”

Working for her tribe, and countless others, has been a central theme to Yates’ philanthropy and vision. “One of my passions is helping tribal communities protect their sovereignty, have a voice within their own communities and grow their businesses so they can be self-sustaining,” says Yates. “The work that we’re doing through Shank Marketing and the work we’re doing with the Nooksack Indian Tribe is really important and it can help move the needle for generations to come.”

This year, Yates experienced a turning point alongside a reality check she approached with optimism and stalwart grace. “My perspective has shifted a little bit in the last year and a half [as] my family has been dealing with some health struggles and I was diagnosed with a really rare form of cancer in May of this year that is aggressive,” Yates says. “It’s called Leiomyosarcoma and thankfully, when I had a hysterectomy, they were able to remove all the cancer without even knowing it. Having to look at where I spend my time and what I want to do with my life has really opened my eyes to how I want to move forward and give back to the community.”

Family is everything to Yates, evident in her drive to protect the land they’ve protected and owned for over 100 years. “I live right next door to my parents and two of my sisters,” says Yates. “We live on the land that my great-great-great grandfather homesteaded in the 1890s, so we’re right on the Nooksack River and I work with the Nooksack Tribe on their project called Salmon Need Water.”

As a Top 7 Under 40 finalist, Yates is honored to be recognized for her accomplishments and continuing work. “I didn’t know I was being nominated and when I got the email, I was in shock because I know so many amazing people who have been nominated in the past years,” Yates says. “It was hard to believe I was nominated and when I found out I was a finalist, I literally burst into tears because it means a lot to be able to show people they can be a part of impacting change too.”

An excerpt from Abby’s nomination form: “Abby is an entrepreneur, is a Nooksack tribal member, serves on the board at Nooksack, was recently featured at Seattle Art Museum and supports Salmon Need Water organization, is on the Mount Baker School Board, and has served in a number of positions that support Whatcom County (DVSAS, WYPs, etc.). Through all of this, she has been battling serious health issues, and still shows up to support causes and community she is passionate about…while managing her company and working as an account director.”

Watch as the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce reveals the winner of the Top 7 Under 40 Whatcom Young Professional 2022 Award! Celebrate with them and the final Top 7. Enjoy food, music, beer, wine, and networking while supporting the best and the brightest young professionals in our community. More information available here.

Each year, the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce recognizes seven individuals under 40 in Whatcom County for their incredible initiative and stewardship in their communities. Finalist Lorin Lindell has a deep love for Bellingham and works in creative ways to help support the community while simultaneously forging meaningful, lasting connections with Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism.

“I’ve lived in Bellingham for the past seven years and went to school at Western Washington University,” says Lindell. “About a year before graduating, I took a part-time job as the Visitor Service Coordinator with Visit Bellingham. I worked downtown helping to connect visitors and locals with local hotspots and attractions and right before graduating, in 2019, was offered a full-time job with Visit Bellingham’s marketing department as the media and advertising coordinator. Today I am the social media and public relations specialist.”

Lindell has experienced Bellingham from an array of unique perspectives throughout her journey becoming a local. “I’ve gone from being a student at the university, to discovering Bellingham for the first time as a local, to now being an active community member. And over the past seven years, I’ve not only watched the city grow, but I’ve also watched myself grow,” Lindell says. “I’ve realized this is a community that loves and supports local businesses, authentic experiences, and sustainable living. It’s a community that constantly chooses love over fear, so I feel so honored to be able to share the beauty of Bellingham and continue fostering our community and our sense of togetherness.”

Connection is key for Lindell’s approach to her career and her community outreach. “I don’t believe we can have a true community without genuine connection or being authentic with ourselves and others,” says Lindell. “We need to be able to show up and share who we are, to share our hopes, goals, and dreams, and to feel supported, accepted, and loved.”

This theme carries through to Lindell’s accomplishments and volunteerism. “Most of my accomplishments could be summarized in the word ‘connecting’ or ‘connection,’” Lindell says. “The first thing I did when I got involved in the community was to assist launching the inaugural Bellingham SeaFeast in 2016. I did an internship with them and helped launch the event, as it was the first time they had done it. This year I will be managing the volunteers, so it has come full circle.”

Lindell regularly contributes to the Downtown Bellingham Partnership and Fairhaven Association, curating their websites or supplying photography and videos. As an alumnus of Western University, Lindell maintains strong relationships with professors and students alike, helping students achieve beneficial internships and steering them toward opportunities that fit their strengths and interests.

“Earlier this year, I began the Visit Bellingham Whatcom County Social Media Happy Hours to help support local businesses, attractions, fairs, and festivals,” says Lindell. “It helps the community come out from behind their computers and screens and see the people they’ve ben engaging with online. They’ve turned into quarterly meetups, and I cover topics like online engagements to answering social media questions. It’s an opportunity for Whatcom County businesses, entrepreneurs, and creators to come together and connect.”

As a Top 7 Under 40 finalist, Lindell is grateful to be recognized for her dedication to a community she loves so dearly. “I am honestly so overwhelmed, and I feel very, very honored,” Lindell says. “I’ve been fortunate to be able to invest my time and energy into the community, have some incredible experiences, and realize how our community has invested and helped shape me personally and professionally. It’s just a huge honor because it means I’m actually doing my part in representing the community and helping share the stories of our local businesses and people.”

An excerpt from Lorin’s nomination form: “As social media and public relations specialist for Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, Lorin consistently goes above and beyond to promote the work of our marketing team and deepen community connections. (She recently launched a Social Media Happy Hour to help businesses across Whatcom County collaborate on countywide social media campaigns). Most importantly, she excels in sharing the unique beauty and culture of Bellingham and Whatcom County with audiences around the world; in 2021 alone, her efforts generated 3.9 million social media impressions, reaching more than 2.4 million users on Facebook and Instagram.”

Watch as the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce reveals the winner of the Top 7 Under 40 Whatcom Young Professional 2022 Award! Celebrate with them and the final Top 7. Enjoy food, music, beer, wine, and networking while supporting the best and the brightest young professionals in our community. More information available here.

Each year, the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce awards seven individuals under 40 in Whatcom County who have shown and continue to show incredible initiative and stewardship for their communities. Finalist Matt Paxton is an attorney working to manage risks for governmental agencies in Whatcom while dedicating himself to community work and volunteerism.

“I am an attorney at Chmelik Sitkin & Davis and I’ve been practicing law for about nine years,” says Paxton. “I was born and raised in Mount Vernon and went to school at Western. In my professional career, I primarily focus on employment and construction disputes, but I also volunteer.” Paxton is the president of Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center (WDRC).

“As part of the WDRC, we provide a lot of services in the community for people that can’t afford traditional legal services,” Paxton says. “The WDRC provides these services either for free or on a sliding scale of what people can afford. Most recently, we had a pretty large undertaking when it comes to residential evictions. We were directed to provide mediation services for residents who were at risk for being evicted.”

As an accomplished attorney, Paxton has clearly made a difference throughout the community. “Recently, I was promoted to principle at the law firm, which is an indication that I’m becoming a part of the management or senior leaders in the organization,” says Paxton. “Externally, I’ve had a lot of success for my clients. I think the first few years of my career were focused more on litigation. Since moving up to Bellingham four years ago — I used to practice in Seattle — my practice has been focused more on advice and helping clients focus more on regulations or how to avoid disputes altogether. I do that for a lot of governmental agencies, and we represent a lot of port districts and fire districts and I measure my success in how many disputes I’ve avoided. I make sure risks are managed appropriately.”

Paxton has sat on the board for the WDRC for the past two years. As president this year, Paxton has tried to focus on improving employee retention and satisfaction. “We’ve really grown quite a bit in the last two years and it’s not really possible without the employees,” Paxton says. “We are a service-oriented nonprofit and we want the people providing those services to be satisfied in their job and be paid well with benefits that allow them to have a living wage here in Whatcom County.”

Paxton’s passion for law and serving his community originated from watching his parents provide for and support their own communities. “My upbringing has been pretty important to me,” says Paxton. “My mother and my father were the big figures in my life. My father was an attorney in a small town, so he was more of an entrepreneur, and that really inspired me to go into a law career because it’s well-suited for someone who is hardworking and honest, which is something my father taught me. I view my role as a counselor; as someone to bring parties together. People think of the law as dispute-oriented and my approach is a little different.”

Paxton’s mother was a speech and language pathologist for the local school districts. “My mom taught me the importance of public service,” Paxton says. “She worked with kids with all sorts of different speech impediments, and she connected to making those kids lives a bit better. I’ve always tried to carve out time in my life to provide some sort of benefit to the community. When I was in Seattle, I volunteered with the Puget Sound Symphony Orchestra on their board. I’ve volunteered for the Street Youth Legal Advocates of Washington as the President of the Student Organization there and now, most recently, the WDRC.”

As a finalist for Top 7 Under 40, Paxton feels grateful and privileged to be recognized for his efforts. “It’s quite an honor,” says Paxton. “It’s humbling to see who else has been listed, it seems like an amazing slate of candidates and it’s really an honor to be considered among those people. It’s reaffirming that the hard work I put in professionally and in the community is seen and recognized.”

With term limits in place at the WDRC, Paxton is focused on leaving a positive legacy with the organization and he looks forward to furthering his career on a personal level, as well. “As an attorney, I think my goal is to become a part owner of the firm, to help the firm grow, as there is a lot of growth potential in legal services, especially in Whatcom County,” Paxton says. “I want to leave the WDRC better than I found it, and we’re still figuring out what that means. I won’t be on the board forever, but I’ll be involved in the community no matter what.”

An excerpt from Matt’s nomination form:“Matt has helped clients find creative solutions to the ever more complex legal environment in his practice areas including employment and labor, municipal law, and construction. This spring, Matt became a principal at Chmelik Sitkin & Davis. Matt also serves on the board of the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center.”

Watch as the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce reveals the winner of the Top 7 Under 40 Whatcom Young Professional 2022 Award! Celebrate with them and the final Top 7. Enjoy food, music, beer, wine, and networking while supporting the best and the brightest young professionals in our community. More information available here.