John Purbaugh

President

John Purbaugh has been involved with the Foundation since 2003, serving as a board member, secretary and since 2009 as president. Married to former special ed teacher and current Gig Harbor High School psychologist, Julie Barnett, John is also the brother, son and grandson of teachers. Somehow, he ended up in law school and has worked as a legal aid attorney for 34 years!  In addition to his public interest practice in housing, land use, consumer, education, disability and civil rights law John works as a substitute judge and served as Chair of the Pierce County Planning Commission. John & Julie are the proud parents of Peninsula School District graduates Tom and Emily, now pursuing careers in nursing and veterinary medicine.