James McNeal

Founding member James McNeal stepped away from the Board of Directors after being elected to the Bothell City Council in November 2014. Although the organization’s directors were saddened by the resignation of their president, they understood James’ need to fulfill his campaign pledge of transparency. James served as a passionate and outspoken advocate for OneBothell’s original mission of preserving Wayne Golf Course as open space. His disassociation from the possibility of political overtones allows him to conduct city business without bias.

Growing up in Bothell, James’s abiding affection for the region has never wavered. He and his wife care so deeply for the city, they have intentionally chosen it to be home for them and their twin sons. In addition to serving the City of Bothell as a council member and his work as a project manager for a construction company, James volunteers as a Little League coach and at i9 Sports.

Jonty Barnes

Jonty was a co-founder of OneBothell and now serves as a publicist and digital media manager. In this capacity, he oversees communication about the organization’s purpose and activities, assuring public awareness and current, accessible information through media coverage and our website here at OneBothell.org.

Jonty has been involved with the games industry since 1989, most notably as Al Programmer for Bullfrog’s Dungeon Keeper, and leading game teams and serving on the board at Bungie, the company responsible for inventing two popular video game franchises, “Halo” and “Destiny.” His degree in Computer Systems Engineering is from the University of East Anglia, Norwich, England. He has lived in Bothell since 2006. Jonty greatly enjoys the outdoors, his hobbies include skiing and hiking and he is a self-described obsessed soccer fan.

Jesse Sears

Jesse, Immediate Past President (2014-18) and founding member of OneBothell, has made numerous appearances in public forums informing and educating citizens about the need for, and benefits of, open space and restoration of fish and wildlife habitat. Jesse was instrumental in the development of OneBothell’s mission and subsequent success.

A local firefighter, Jesse holds an Associate Degree in Fire Technology from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation and a Master’s degree in Adult Education and Organizational Learning from the University of Idaho. He has lived in Bothell since 2010. Jesse has been a Whitewater rafting guide for 15 years, participates in other water adventure activities, and is known for his expertise in water rescue.