How We Started
Our Story
The BluPeak Foundation was founded on the belief that access to clean water should be a universal right, not a privilege. With over 2 billion people lacking access to safe drinking water globally, including millions of people here in the United States, we knew that the need for clean water was dire, and that investment was needed for sustainable solutions that protect public health and uplift underserved communities.
Working hand-in-hand with local communities, governments and partners, we hope to directly address the deep-rooted socioeconomic inequalities that prevent people from reaching their full potential.
As we look to the future, we are committed to ensuring that our work leaves a lasting legacy, empowering communities and creating opportunities for generations to come.
Meet The Board
Joseph Mckone
Executive Director and President
Charles Williams
Board Chair
Shelley Duckart
Director
Joe is a founding member of the BluPeak Foundation, where he serves as Executive Director and President. He also holds the role of Vice President of Real Estate, Lending Operations, and Capital Markets at BluPeak Credit Union.
With more than 40 years of experience in residential mortgage lending, Joe is known for his approachable leadership style and commitment to balancing performance, profitability, and people. His passion for helping others – both within the organization and beyond drives everything he does.
Outside of work, Joe finds joy in giving back through volunteer efforts with Team in Training, the Challenged Athletes Foundation, and Rady Children’s Hospital Ronald McDonald House. He and his husband, David, love traveling, spending time with family and friends, and taking their dog, Apollo, for runs on the beach!
For Joe, the BluPeak Foundation’s mission to expand access to clean, safe water is about building healthier, more equitable communities. He believes that water has the power to transform lives by improving health, education, and opportunity for people everywhere.
Charles is a founding member of the BluPeak Foundation, serving as its Incorporator in 2024 and currently as Board Chair. He also holds the position of Chief Risk Officer at BluPeak Credit Union.
With more than 40 years of experience in financial services including four years in branch operations and over three decades in internal audit and risk management, Charles is a seasoned leader dedicated to helping organizations achieve meaningful, lasting success.
Beyond his professional work, Charles is deeply committed to giving back. Over the years, he has volunteered and fundraised for organizations such as the March of Dimes, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, United Way, and numerous Catholic schools and charities, serving on several boards along the way. Charles and his wife, Angie, love traveling, spending time at the beach, and cherishing moments with their three children and five grandchildren.
For Charles, serving on the BluPeak Foundation board is about investing in sustainable solutions that both expand access to clean water and protect this precious resource for generations to come. He believes that safeguarding freshwater is one of the most critical challenges and responsibilities of our time.
Shelley is a founding member of the BluPeak Foundation, where she serves as Director. She also serves as the Senior Mortgage Specialist at BluPeak Credit Union.
A California native, she grew up in the Bay Area, obtained a bachelor’s degree from UC Davis, and started working at BluPeak Credit Union in 1988.
While her passion for helping borrowers keeps her busy, she finds time for the other loves of her life as well: family, friends, and the great outdoors, where the value of water shows itself in every green leaf, every young tree, and every trickling stream.
Serving on the board allows Shelley to help ensure that clean, accessible water is not a privilege, but a right – for everyone, everywhere. The foundation’s mission holds deep personal meaning for her, shaped by growing up in a drought-prone region and watching firsthand how water scarcity impacts communities, agriculture, and the environment. For Shelley, this work is not just about conservation – it’s about protecting the future for the people and places she loves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who operates the Foundation?
The BluPeak Foundation is a separate, independent, legal entity from BluPeak Credit Union. The Foundation is registered as a non-profit 501(c)3, incorporated in the state of California and operated by its Board of Directors.
Who are the decision makers of the BluPeak Foundation?
The BluPeak Foundation Board of Directors is responsible for all operational planning and execution, including the decision to award grants and other donations.
How is the foundation funded?
The BluPeak Foundation is funded entirely from charitable donations from organizations and individuals. Funds raised by the BluPeak Foundation are used to make a positive impact and advance its purpose.
Does the Foundation operate independently from BluPeak Credit Union?
Yes: The BluPeak Foundation’s operations and all expenditures are 100% independent from BluPeak Credit Union.