About Us
Independent. Committed. Accomplished.
Fred A. Schoen founded Schoen Trust Company in 1978 with the sole intent of providing his expertise and compassion to those who needed it.
Today, that legacy remains intact. Schoen Trust Company is a family-owned, independent trust company certified by the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions.
Our team has more than 55 years of combined experience in the legal and financial industries. We pride ourselves on offering greater flexibility and a more personal experience than larger corporate fiduciaries, building relationships that allow each client to make the best decisions for their specific situation.
As a company that helps clients plan for the future, we recognize the importance of looking ahead. Schoen Trust Company has a board of directors and a team of experienced professionals that provide additional stability and protection to reflect our commitment to clients, and enhance our ability to serve them for generations to come.
Darel Gillespie CTFA, CFP®
President, Senior Trust Officer
Darel Gillespie CTFA, CFP®Darel Gillespie serves as the President and Senior Trust Officer of Schoen Trust Company. Darel oversees the management of the trust company, and along with his executive team, has led the development of the company's infrastructure, management processes and procedures, and overall business growth. Through his leadership, Schoen Trust has developed and executed on its strategic plan and is building a reputation in the community for quality trust and estate administration.
Darel engages with estate planning attorneys seeking a corporate fiduciary to serve in various roles within their client's estate plans. In his role, Darel enjoys meeting and talking with individuals and families about their needs. He spends significant time to explain terms and help them understand the details of their estate plan, while exploring if Schoen Trust may provide assistance by serving as Agent, Personal Representative or Trustee.
Prior to Schoen Trust Darel was a Trust Officer and Vice President with Key Private Bank in Seattle. Over the course of his career, Darel has held various positions with institutional investment managers and private bank investment and trust departments.
In his free time, he prefers to spend his time with his growing family and enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting and camping in the beautiful Northwest.
Darel has earned his CFP® designation through the American College of Financial Services and holds the Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designation obtained through Cannon Financial Institute. Darel holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Central Washington University with concentrations in Finance and Management.
Laura Gillespie
Vice President, Trust Officer
Laura GillespieLaura Gillespie serves as Vice President and Trust Officer of Schoen Trust. Handling all aspects of trust and estate administration, Laura brings a relatable and compassionate nature in helping families with all the critical stages of their lives.
Laura provides attentive and professional services to her clients. She focuses on helping clients needing extra support through the coordination of distinctive care services. Laura specializes in estate administration, trust real estate, property sales, and retained property administration such as taxes, insurance and valuations.
As an officer and director, Laura provides leadership and direction in strategic initiatives aimed at supporting company growth and commitment to client service, oversees the company's long-term planning goals and advises on corporate governance matters.
With over 25 years of experience as a successful business manager and entrepreneur, Laura brings a spirit and confidence to Schoen Trust that is valued by the team and Schoen Trust's business partners.
When not at work, Laura enjoys spending quality time with her family. Planning family get togethers and celebrating life's special moments. Sharing a cabin at the beach on the Washington or Oregon coast, with family, is one of her favorite activities.
Heidi Gordon
Trust Administrator
Heidi GordonHeidi Gordon joined Schoen Trust in 2019 and is a Trust Administrator. Her primary responsibility is supporting the team in all aspects of trust administration and operations. Heidi has broad experience with private foundations, charitable trusts, and complex family relationships.
In her role, Heidi enjoys interpreting trust documents to ensure that accounts are administered in accordance with trust terms and will meet the needs of beneficiaries. She monitors investments and cashflows, as well as coordinates the preparation of trust tax returns among other critical aspects of trust administration.
Prior to Schoen Trust Heidi was Vice President and Trust Officer for U.S. Bank, Private Client Reserve Wealth Management in Seattle. Heidi has been working in trust administration for over 20 years.
When not at work, Heidi enjoys spending time watching her two kids participate in various sporting activities as well as spending time with her entire family relaxing at their property in Eastern Washington.
Katie French
Operations Manager
Katie FrenchKatie French has been with Schoen Trust since 2017 and is the Trust Operations Manager. In addition to overseeing daily trust operations Katie facilitates fiduciary audits and examinations with trust regulators. Katie has implemented and managed numerous successful projects that have aided in the success of Schoen Trust.
As an officer and director, Katie is a valued member of management and the board and is a vital contributor in setting policies related to operations and management of the trust company.
Prior to Schoen Trust Katie was an Operations Manager and Training Delivery Manager with Everett Community Colleges Corporate & Continuing Education Center where she provided local industry leaders with in-depth training in Project Management, Lean Six Sigma, Human Resources, and Information Technology.
When not at work, Katie enjoys spending time with her family and is involved with outdoor organizations such as Washington Outdoor Women and Snohomish County Volunteer Search & Rescue.
