YOUR 2026 BHNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINEES

Below is information provided by each of the nominees for the 2026 BHNA Board of Directors. 

Nominated for President

Beth Fluto - 228 Inca St

I would like to continue as President of BHNA another year to continue with some of my pet projects such our tree planting initiative and creating a sustainable garden at Baker Blooms that we can all be proud of. Also, it took a few months to really learn all the details of this role (a special thanks to Luchia Brown and Kathleen Morris for all their help) and I'd like to continue to grow this role and the organization. My focus this year will be to get BHNA on sound financial footing with the Home and Garden Tour, increasing patronship and sponsorship. Also to focus more on outreach to increase our membership and be more representative of our diverse neighborhood and update the website. It's been an honor to represent Baker and I'd love to continue for another year.

Nominated for Vice President

Paul Bireta - 520 W 1st Ave

Paul has lived in Baker for two years, purchasing a historic rowhouse and slowly rehabbing it over the past year. Prior to Baker, he lived in a historic neighborhood in Houston where he restored a 1920s bungalow and also owns an 1860s commercial building in a historic district in Kansas. He earned a PhD in Environmental Engineering and has been working in private industry involved in technical, regulatory, and project management work. He believes there's an opportunity to maintain the character of the Baker neighborhood while enhancing relationships between the association and new residents. He also believes that finding new avenues to connect with residents and businesses will encourage more active participation in the neighborhood and will enhance relationships between neighbors.

Nominated for Treasurer 

Patrick Lepak - 165 S Cherokee Ave

I've been a Baker resident since 2020, and I've actually been on the BHNA board for most of that time! I started as an at-large member, then spent three years as vice president. After taking a year off for some personal things, I'd like to come back and try my hand as treasurer. I'm reasonably familiar with financial statements and reporting, and I'd like to work on getting BHNA tax-exempt status to improve fundraising. I love being able to help support and advocate for this special neighborhood!

Nominated for Secretary

Alex Clement - 177 Inca St

I have served as the BHNA Secretary for the past two years. I love the increased sense of connection to the neighborhood that I feel and the opportunity to help neighbors and weigh in on changes that impact us all. I want to help our community grow and to encourage more folks to fully enjoy our vibrant neighborhood.

Nominated for Director At Large

Connor Shea - 357 S Bannock St

I've been involved for the last year as zoning chair - up until last month - and as a board member, helping to run general meetings. I've enjoyed being involved in the community through this role. I've also been heavily involved with the NWSL stadium Community Benefits Agreement negotiations, as a co-chair on that CBA. I'd appreciate the opportunity to serve again this year, and feel that it's important to be a voice for the neighborhood as a renter in the area rather than a homeowner, which is also true for a large portion of our residents.

Nora Bland - 285 Bannock St

I am interested in serving my community on the Board of the Baker Neighborhood Association. I am an urban planner by trade, I understand the development process and how different initiatives can be started in the City, and I'd like to help connect neighbors to each other and help plan events that build community. I'm relatively new to the neighborhood (I bought my house in April), and can bring perspectives of being on the Board of my previous neighborhood, Athmar Park Neighborhood Association.

Olivia Kunevicius - 268 Inca St

I'm a 10 year resident of Baker and currently serving on the BHNA board. I would welcome the opportunity to serve again this year and continue the momentum that we're bringing to keep creating a warm, inclusive neighborhood that we all love.  As a local Realtor and engaged neighbor, I'm invested in making sure we create opportunities for neighbors to get out and get to know each other as that is what strengthens the bonds of our beloved community.