About the Candidates
The Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Board of Directors approved the following candidates to be on the 2025 board election ballot for Districts 1, 3, 5 and At-Large. Voting is now open and closes on June 16 at 5 p.m. Click here to learn more about the voting process >>
District 1
Chris Toomey
How long have you resided in Issaquah Highlands? Over four years.
Association/educational background:
- President, Arboretum at Vista Park Condominium Association (66 homes); 2023-present
- BA, Seattle University – Strategic Communications; 2015
- 4+ yrs Technical Operations – Accessible Balloting & Election Systems
- 6+ yrs Communications & Community Management
Why would you like to serve as a director?
A lifelong Issaquah local, proud father, and Vista Park homeowner, I care deeply about the future of our community and the decisions shaping it today. My family and I are proud to call the Issaquah Highland’s home, and I would be honored to represent District 1 on the IHCA Board of Directors. Together, we can ensure our neighborhood remains a vibrant, connected, and thriving place to live.
Any potential or perceived conflict with IHCA? No.
Thomas Alvarez
How long have you resided in Issaquah Highlands? Nine years
Educational background: I have a Bachelor of Science and a minor in Japanese from Lehigh University.
Association Experience: I served in leadership positions in my scout troop. I was a patrol leader and later Assistant Senior patrol Leader. I attended HOA meetings for our former residence in Issaquah Highlands District 2, the Brownstones.
Why would you like to serve as a director? I love living in Issaquah Highlands and walk the areas and trails constantly with my dogs. I observe a lot of what’s going right and wrong with our community firsthand, but I’d also love to help my neighbors with their issues and viewpoints. I will make sure our community continues to support future generations of families. I want to work with the IHCA staff and Board to help continue the goal of making our community the best it can be.
Any potential or perceived conflict with IHCA? No.
District 3
Bertan Aygun
How long have you resided in Issaquah Highlands? 11 years
Educational/association background: IHCA Board Member (2021-present), ARC Member (2014-2021), Tanglewood – Klahanie HOA Board Member (2011-2016), Turkish American Cultural Association of WA Board Member and Treasurer (2008-2013, 501c3)
Why would you like to serve as a director? We plan to call this community home for a long time, so I’d like to continue being a part of the community and contribute to long term planning and care for IHCA, taking into account feedback from other owners to ensure we all live in a place we love to call home.
Any potential or perceived conflict with IHCA? No.
District 5
Alison “Ali” Spietz
How long have you resided in Issaquah Highlands? Five years
Educational background: BA in Humanities and BA in Sociology.
Association Experience: IHCA Board Member 2021-2022; IHCA Vice President 2022-2023; Mercer Island City Clerk 2001-2018; Cedar River Montessori Board 2005-2011; Washington Municipal Clerks Association Board 2006-2010; Mercer Island Chief of Administration 2018-present.
Why would you like to serve as a director? I think this is a great community and I have enjoyed giving back by serving on the IHCA Board for the last four years. I want to support the excellent work the IHCA staff do and continue to help this community adapt to the changing needs of its residents.
Any potential or perceived conflict with IHCA? No.
At-Large
Sanjay Mahajan
How long have you resided in Issaquah Highlands? 11 years.
Educational background: I hold an MBA in Finance from DePaul University in Chicago.
Association Experience: Over the past four years, I have served as Treasurer committee chair for the Finance committee on the board of Issaquah Highlands Community Association Board of Directors. In the past, I have also served on the Issaquah Highlands Community Association Architectural Review Committee. I also serve on the board of Highline College and Technical Advisory Board of South Seattle Community College. In the past, I have served on the board of Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority, Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce and Hotel/Motel Advisory board for the City of SeaTac.
Why would you like to serve as a director? I really love living in Issaquah Highlands and would like to volunteer my time in continuing to enhance the living and working experience of the residents of our community. I am also interested in impacting educational and cultural programing, improving the safety in our in our neighborhood and supporting local businesses.
Any potential or perceived conflict with IHCA? No.
Jose Portollo
How long have you resided in Issaquah Highlands? Three years.
Educational/association background: Although I do not have any association experience, I believe that my culture and professional background can and will serve as an asset to the IHCA Board of Directors.
Why would you like to serve as a director? I’m proud to call the Issaquah Highlands home. After three years of renting here in the Highlands, my family and I had the privilege of purchasing our Highlands home. This community has given us a deep sense of belonging, and now I’d like to give back by serving on the HOA board. A little background on me, I am Hispanic, originally from Connecticut and moved to Issaquah with my family in 2020. I am a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), a profession built on empathy, trust, and critical thinking. My profession has trained me to listen deeply, make thoughtful decisions under pressure, and advocate for the well-being of others—qualities that I believe would translate well to the responsibilities of HOA leadership. As someone from a culture that values family, connection, and community, I want to help ensure that the Highlands continues to be a place where every resident, regardless of background, feels heard, respected, and included. Representation matters, and I believe that my background, both personal and professional provides an opportunity to bring a unique perspective to the table—one rooted in healthcare, service, and cultural diversity. Thank you for considering me as a candidate. I’m excited about the future of our neighborhood and would be honored to help shape it.
Any potential or perceived conflict with IHCA? No.
Angelique Renee Petris (Renee)
How long have you resided in Issaquah Highlands? 26 years.
Educational/association background: I recently retired as an aerospace materials engineer, software developer, and small business owner. My work includes evaluating project tradeoff to balance multiple requirements effectively, practically, fiscal responsibility, to ensure effective resource management.
Why would you like to serve as a director? As a 26-year resident, I would like to serve on the IHCA board to promote open communication and accountability. Engaging in person with owner to ensure parks, trails, and landscaping are maintained responsibility. I’ll respect our communities’ diverse backgrounds, trusting homeowners to shape the neighborhoods evolution with the HOA prioritizing minimal fair oversight reflecting their vision.
Any potential or perceived conflict with IHCA? No.
IHCA Board of Directors Election Resources
Questions? Contact the IHCA by email or call 425-427-9257.
