Hester ‘thrilled’ to take leadership role at Washington Gorge Action Programs

Bingen, Wash., May 27, 2026 — Washington Gorge Action Programs has selected Julie K. Hester as its next executive director following a regional search conducted by the nonprofit's staff and board of directors.

Before joining WAGAP, Hester spent more than 15 years with the National Crime Victim Law Institute, a Portland-based nonprofit that advocates for crime victims within the criminal justice system. During her tenure, she worked in communications, outreach, volunteer coordination, fundraising, event planning and data collection.

According to WAGAP, Hester also managed multimillion-dollar public and private funding portfolios, oversaw organizational and project budgets, and led collaborative teams across multiple programs.

"I was immediately drawn to WAGAP's focus on expanding opportunities by delivering essential services that lead to self-sufficiency and well-being," Hester said in a statement. "I am thrilled to join this amazing team and build on WAGAP's strong partnerships to ensure continued stability and impact in Skamania and Klickitat counties."

Hester assumes leadership of the organization as many nonprofit agencies nationwide face increased demand for services while navigating funding uncertainty. WAGAP leaders said the agency's mission and programs remain strong throughout the transition.

Jennifer Pauletto

The organization provides a range of services across the Columbia River Gorge, including food assistance, housing support, energy assistance, family services, youth programs, domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy, prevention programs and community wellness initiatives.

According to WAGAP, the agency serves as many as 39% of residents in Skamania and Klickitat counties through its various programs and services.

The organization said programs and partnerships will continue uninterrupted during the leadership transition and noted that its staff and leadership team bring decades of combined experience serving local communities.

WAGAP also expressed gratitude to former Executive Director Jennifer Pauletto for her leadership and service.

"I'm proud of what we accomplished while at WAGAP, expanded wellness programming, financial wellness events, and community outreach in places like Roosevelt after listening to the community's requests," Pauletto said in a statement. "I have confidence that Julie's leadership will continue to make sure all people are connected with resources and opportunities to thrive."

In a separate statement, Pauletto said WAGAP's staff remains committed to serving local residents.

"WAGAP's team works diligently to meet the needs of individuals, families and communities in Skamania and Klickitat counties," she said. "We are grateful to have Julie join the team and embody the mission and commitment to the community."

Leadership Succession

Kenny La Point at left.

Hester succeeds Jennifer Pauletto, who announced her departure earlier this year after serving as WAGAP's executive director since 2024. The appointment continues a period of leadership transition among two of the Gorge's major community action agencies that began in January 2025 when longtime Mid-Columbia Community Action Council Executive Director Kenny LaPoint announced his resignation after four years leading the organization.

Leslie Naramore

During his tenure, LaPoint helped usher in a new era of housing and social services in Hood River, Wasco and Sherman counties, overseeing the expansion of emergency shelter programs, acquisition of the former Oregon Motor Motel in The Dalles for conversion into The Annex shelter, development of The Gloria Center service hub and growth of MCCAC from eight employees to nearly 40.

Following LaPoint's departure, MCCAC hired former WAGAP Executive Director Leslie Naramore to lead the agency. Pauletto then stepped into Naramore's former role at WAGAP, and Hester now becomes the latest executive director in a succession of leadership changes at two regional human services organizations that continue to provide housing, food, energy assistance and other services across the Gorge.

About WGAP

Founded more than 60 years ago, Washington Gorge Action Programs is a nonprofit community action agency that provides assistance with food, shelter, energy assistance and other basic needs throughout Skamania and Klickitat counties. For more information, visit wagap.org or call 509-493-2662.