Proudly Endorsed by
Tahoma's Teachers
​
Vote for Unity
Working for change
About Me
Zach Butala – A Life of Service, Rooted in Tahoma
I’m Zach Butala—a proud dad to three Tahoma students, a Navy Reserve Commander, and a long-time volunteer in our schools.
My journey began with struggle: raised by a single mom, growing up below the poverty line, and enduring years of bullying that left lasting emotional scars. But those challenges taught me resilience, self-reliance, and the importance of standing up for others—especially those who feel invisible.
That’s why I’ve spent the last decade serving our community—not just through titles like Commander or Coach, but through time—showing up, volunteering, and building trust through action.
Leadership Through Service
From top honors in high school and prep school to graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy with leadership awards, I’ve always worked to lead by example. My naval aviation career has been marked by excellence—earning distinctions like Top Stick, Top Hook, and the Navy & Marine Corps Leadership Award. I now serve as a Navy Reserve Commander and Delta Airlines captain, recently nominated to the Chairman’s Club for outstanding service.
But titles don’t define me—impact does.
Local Commitment
For 8+ years, I’ve been deeply involved in Tahoma:
-
Chair of the Cedar River Elementary Book Fair (4+ years)
-
Watch D.O.G.S. leader and volunteer
-
Family Support Partner at Summit Trail Middle School
-
Guest speaker at Tahoma High School programs
-
Youth sports coach (Maple Valley Parks & Rec, I-9 Sports, Tahoma Jr. Bears)
I show up because every student deserves to be seen, supported, and believed in.
Why I’m Running
I’m running for school board because I’ve lived what many families face—and I’ve seen the difference a caring community can make. I bring decades of leadership, a heart for service, and a deep commitment to listening and learning.
Let’s work together to ensure every student thrives, every educator is empowered, and every family has a voice.
