Mason County, WA – November 9, 2026 – What makes a community thrive? For Julie Knott, Executive Director of Mason Matters, it starts with people, meaningful relationships, and a shared commitment to building a healthier, more resilient community. We recently had the pleasure of joining Julie for a walking interview to learn more about Mason Matters, her passion for community well-being, and what makes Mason County such a special place to live and work.
When asked what originally drew her to the world of community health and well-being, Julie shared that helping people has always been a passion of hers. She described her work as bringing people together to take collective action toward shared community goals. It's the kind of feel-good work that makes a real difference in people's lives, and if you've ever had the pleasure of meeting Julie, you know her kind and welcoming personality is a natural fit for it. She genuinely enjoys connecting people, bringing different perspectives to the table, and finding opportunities for everyone to work toward something bigger than themselves.
For those unfamiliar with Mason Matters, it's a nonprofit organization focused on improving community health and well-being throughout Mason County. During our conversation, Julie shared a little about the organization's history and the incredibly dedicated board of directors who helped keep its mission alive. Although Mason Matters went through a period of inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic, its board continued meeting and working toward shared community health priorities. Eventually, they brought Julie on as Executive Director and the organization's sole paid employee to help move that work forward. Julie was quick to give credit to her board, mentioning several times throughout our conversation how much their dedication and continued support meant to her. In fact, their commitment was one of the biggest reasons she felt confident stepping into the role. She saw the work they had already put in and knew there was an opportunity to build upon that foundation.
What makes Mason Matters particularly special is how much of its work begins with simply listening to the community. Through the community health assessment and conversations with residents, nonprofits, and local leaders, priorities have been identified based on what our community actually needs. Those conversations have helped bring attention to gaps in services, including the need for domestic violence resources and efforts that contributed to the development of Turning Pointe's shelter. Another great example is the Community Heart & Soul initiative, which brings residents, organizations, and local governments together to listen to one another, identify shared values, and take action on what matters most. It's a simple but powerful concept, and one that really speaks to the mission of Mason Matters.
Before taking on her role with Mason Matters, Julie was the Executive Director of Blue Zones Activate Mason County which focused on improving health and well-being through community-driven solutions. Fun fact, the same dedicated board members working to advance Mason Matters were also serving as the steering committee for Blue Zones Activate Mason County! When that contract came to an end, Mason Matters was able to carry forward the relationships, momentum, and community priorities that had already been established. Today, the organization continues working toward an ambitious goal of improving Mason County's community health index by 20%. That's no small task, but it's being approached through a variety of initiatives that address the things that influence our everyday lives. From partnering with Mason EDC on the Mason County Childcare Coalition to participating in long-term housing planning and advancing local food policy, Mason Matters is helping bring people together to tackle challenges that impact all of us.
When asked what inspired Mason Matters to become a member of Mason EDC, Julie's answer reflected a partnership that has been growing for years. Julie is no stranger to economic development, having previously served as Interim Director of the Clallam County Economic Development Council. When she first arrived in Mason County to lead the Blue Zones initiative, she knew that building trust and establishing relationships would be essential to the success of her work. One of the first organizations she connected with was Mason EDC, and we've been great partners ever since. As someone who was new to Mason County but certainly not new to this type of work, Julie understood the value of having an organization that could help make introductions, connect her with community leaders, and open doors for collaboration.
Over the years, that relationship has grown into a partnership that truly goes both ways. There are initiatives Mason EDC has been able to advance because of Julie's support and expertise, just as there are projects Mason Matters has been able to move forward through our connections and resources. We recognize that neither organization can accomplish these big community goals alone, and that's exactly why partnerships like this matter. Whether we're talking about access to affordable childcare, housing, workforce development, or healthy food, the connection between economic development and community well-being is undeniable.
Toward the end of our conversation, Julie was asked what she hoped to see for the future of Mason Matters and Mason County. She was quick to answer with one word: resilience. As she continued explaining, it became clear just how much thought and heart she puts into this work. Julie spoke about Mason County's rich history, unique culture, and the close-knit community that makes this place so special. Her hope isn't to change what we already have, but to build upon it and ensure that the things we love about Mason County continue to thrive for generations to come. As our community grows, she hopes we continue welcoming newcomers, bringing them into our traditions, and showing them what makes living here so special. One sentiment that really stood out was her reminder that our unique community is the win. We don't have to become something entirely different to be successful. We can embrace who we are while continuing to create opportunities for everyone who calls Mason County home.
It's also an important reminder of what economic development is really about. Sometimes people hear the words "economic development" and immediately think about businesses, money, and growth, but there's so much more to it than that. At its core, economic development is about creating opportunities that improve quality of life for the people who live here, both today and for future generations. We want our children to grow up with access to good schools, recreational opportunities, and career pathways that allow them to build a life here if they choose. We want our small businesses to succeed, our workforce to be able to support their families, and our neighbors to live long, healthy, fulfilling lives. Growth is certainly part of that conversation, but so is protecting the character and values that make our community worth investing in.
That's what makes our partnership with Mason Matters such a natural fit. While our organizations may approach this work from different perspectives, we're ultimately working toward the same goal: a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Mason County. We're incredibly fortunate to have someone as passionate and dedicated as Julie Knott helping lead that effort, along with a board of directors who have worked tirelessly to keep the mission of Mason Matters moving forward.
Please join us in welcoming Mason Matters to the Mason EDC membership! We're grateful for their partnership, their commitment to our community, and all the important work still to come.
To learn more about Mason Matters or stay connected with their work, visit their website, follow them on Facebook, or reach out to Julie directly.
