The SBSCA sails into 2026

New board elected with an eye toward the future

On Sunday, Feb. 1, members of the Seattle-Bergen Sister City Association (SBSCA) gathered at the National Nordic Museum for the 2026 Annual Meeting. On the agenda was a review of the previous year's activities, presentation of the 2026 work plan and the election of a new board of officers.

The year 2025 was filled with highlights, and members spoke enthusiastically about the Oct. 9 Crossings Commemoration Dinner & Program held at Sons of Norway Leif Erikson Lodge in collaboration with the Lodge and the Norwegian Commercial Club. Overall, it was very busy year, with One Ocean Week in Bergen and Seattle as well as the celebration of 50 Years of Bergen Place. The 17th of May was also very memorable with the visit of Ambassador Anniken Huitfeldt—and lots of rain.

But for President Lori Ann Reinhall, there was one event that stood out: the unveiling of the Seattle sign on the Mount Fløyen city signpost in Bergen.

"I always thought Seattle should be there," she said, "and as a journalist, I am very proud that my op-ed in Bergens Tidende finally made it happen."

Toward the end of the meeting, it was a bittersweet moment when Lori Ann announced that she will be stepping down as president in 2026.

"I've had a wonderful time, with so many incredible experiences, but now with my retirement and relocation plans, it's time to pass the torch," she said.

She announced that SBSCA Vice President Morten Blømso will be taking over, while Lori Ann stays on as immediate past president during the transition year.

She also thanked Treasurer Christine Anderson and Secretary Julie Pheasant-Albright for their many years of service, as they are also stepping down in 2026.

Joining Morten and Lori Ann are Steffen Torgersen as vice president, Wendy Jensen as secretary, and Maren Blomsø as treasurer.

"We are welcoming a new generation," Lori Ann said, "with an eye toward the future. It's very exciting."

Meet the 2026 SBSCA board of officers:

Morten Blomsø, president

Morten was born and raised in Bergen, Norway, where he spent the first 20 years of his life. After completing his Norwegian military service, He moved to the Pacific Northwest, completing his undergraduate studies at Seattle University and graduate studies at the University of Oregon. Morten has worked in the seafood/maritime industry in both Seattle and Norway since the mid 1980s. He enjoys traveling to new places in Norway, most recently visiting the Lofoten Islands in 2024. He currently resides in Shoreline, Wash., with his wife and three children.

Lori Ann Reinhall, immediate past president

A Seattle native, Lori Ann served as president of the SBSCA for the past 12 years. she earned a B.A. and M.A. in Scandinavian Languages & Literature from the University of Washington. After more graduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, she spent a decade studying and working abroad. Her translation skills led her to a career as a software localizer and global program manager. After her first retirement, she served as editor-in-chief of The Norwegian American newspaper for many years. Lori Ann loves music and spends much of her free time singing and attending and organizing concerts with friends.

Steffen Torgersen, vice president

Steffen Torgersen was born and raised in Seattle, with family roots in Bergen through his father, and has spent substantial time in both cities. That dual connection has been a consistent part of his personal life and identity. He graduated from Dartmouth College and currently works in corporate finance at Impinj, a Seattle-based technology company. In addition to his professional work, he has had the honor to play on the Norwegian National Baseball Team for the past 10 years.

Wendy Jensen

Wendy Jangaard Jensen is a bestselling children’s book author and the creator behind Scandinavian Hearts, a brand dedicated to celebrating the beauty of Scandinavian traditions through storytelling, design, and meaningful keepsakes. Inspired by her own family’s roots in Norway and Sweden, Wendy is passionate about preserving traditions while making them accessible for today’s generation. She lives in Ballard with her husband and two children.

Maren Blomsø

Maren Blomsø is an Accounting Specialistic for Jitasa, an accounting firm specialized in nonprofit accounting, tax, and advisory services. She is currently a graduate student at Seattle University, earning a Master of Science in Accounting and Analytics. Born and raised in Seattle, the Norwegian community has always been a core piece of her life and cultural identity given her family ties to Bergen through her father, Morten.