Officers
PRESIDENT KEITH WATSON
Schooled in Seattle at Queen Anne High School and Seattle Pacific Collage, Keith served in the United States Submarine Service during the Cold War and had three business careers: retail management, import sales, and kitchen and bath design & implementation. He lived in Black Diamond from 1939 to 41, where his father, Warren N. Watson, was high school principal. Keith has had a summer residence on Lake Twelve since 1952 and is retired, living with his wife, Judy, in the Morganville section of Black Diamond. Keith is an officer with the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc., Seattle Base and is a commissioner on the Black Diamond Planning Commission. He served as vice president of the Black Diamond Historical Society in 2006-2007. Keith is excited about Black Diamond’s future vision that has been developed in the comprehensive plan for the city as well as looking at the rich heritage of the past.
VICE PRESIDENT KEN JENSEN
A relative newcomer to Black Diamond and a self-proclaimed history buff, Ken grew up in another former Pacific Coast Coal Co. company town, Newcastle, on the east side of Lake Washington. Ken makes his home on Lawson Hill with his wife Gwen, son Brandon, and three pugs. He works by day as a company communications writer and by night as the editor of the society’s newsletter, the Black Diamond Bulletin, and as the administrator of the society’s Facebook page, Black Diamond History. He was also on the board of directors in 2010.
SECRETARY KAREN MEADOR
Having lived in several states before arriving in the Pacific Northwest, Karen has lived in the Black Diamond area for more than 20 years. A historian and writer, with a particular interest in the expansionist period, her work has appeared in Columbia: The Magazine of Northwest History, as well as other publications, both in print and on line. She also serves on the board of the Association of King County Historical Organizations (AKCHO). Active in the South King County heritage community for many years, she is on a self-proclaimed mission to create awareness and appreciation of our area’s unique blend of varied architecture, great scenic beauty, wildlife habitat, and heritage.
TREASURER DON MALGARINI
Born and raised in Black Diamond and now lives in nearby Enumclaw. He worked in and around the mines just prior to the closing of the underground operations. He spent 10 years as a volunteer for the Black Diamond Fire Department and served on several Labor Day committees. His knowledge of the coal mines and their workings and of the town history has been beneficial to the historical society. He became a member of the board of directors in November 2003 and served as president of the Black Diamond Historical Society from 2005 to 2007.