Mazama Election

Executive Council (Board of Directors)

The Mazamas Executive Council (Board of Directors) is comprised of nine members, each serving three year terms. Each year members vote for three new members, and three members finish their terms. 

2022 Election Dates:

• Opens: September 3, 2022 at 9 a.m.
• Ends: October 3, 2022 at 3 p.m.

In the Mazama election cycle, members vote on three new Executive Council (Board of Directors) members and three new Nominating Committee members. Current Mazama members are eligible to vote in the election. Your membership must be current as of September 1 of the voting year in order to be eligible to vote.

Nominating Committee

The role of the Nominating Committee is to seek out and vet candidates for the Executive Council. The Committee is comprised of nine members who serve three year terms.

Scroll to the bottom of this page to meet the 2022 Nominating Committee Candidates.

Voting Procedures

• E–Voting: All Mazama members  who have an email address on file with the Mazamas AND who did not Opt-Out of E-voting for the Mazama Annual Election, will receive an email to vote in the election on September 3. This email will include directions on how to vote, including a username and password. You will click on this link to make your election choices. Once you have confirmed your selections you cannot change your vote. You must utilize this voting link by Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. No votes can be accepted after that time in our online system.
• Vote by Mail: All Mazama members who Opt-Out of E-voting or who do not have an email address on file with the Mazamas will receive a paper ballot by standard USPS mail. This ballot will arrive around September 3, and will include a voter pamphlet, ballot, and return envelope. Make your election choices, put your ballot in the return envelope, place a stamp on the envelope, and drop it in the mail. Paper ballots must be received by Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. to be counted.  We recommend mailing your ballot by September 22, 2022 to ensure on time delivery. You may also drop your ballot through the mail slot at the MMC. Ballots received after that time cannot be accepted.

​The following candidates are listed in alphabetical order by surname.

Review all candidate information below. Information is published exactly as submitted, except for some formatting changes. No text is changed. 

Chris Brox

Mazama Since (Join Year): 2016

Mazama Volunteer, Committee, or Related Activities

• Basic Climbing Education Program 2016
• Intermediate Climbing School
• BCEP Team volunteer 2017
• Mazama First Aid volunteer 2019
• Used Equipment volunteer 2020
• Participated in climbs with the Mazamas since joining in 2016

Board and/or Committee Experience with other Organizations

Human Soliuntions Inc ( Non-profit focused on affordable housing access for all.)

• 2016–2022, Board of Directors
• 2014–2022, Finance Committee

Sisters of the Community (Non-profit that connected organizations and individuals to donate and receive goods)

• 2011–2016 Board Treasurer & Bookkeeper

Work/Professional Experience

CPA with 13 years of experience in accounting, finance, operations, internal audit, compliance, and decision support—all with non-profit organizations in the Portland metro area. Chris gives back to the community by volunteering with organizations such as the Mazamas, Human Solutions, Inc, El Programa Hispano, and Sisters of the Community.

Relevant Life & Leadership Experience

Chris is a servant leader who enjoys helping develop individuals and leaving a positive impact on organizations. Chris has supported the successful rollout of strategic plans that ensured the mission stayed front and center while ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the organization.

Personal Statement

This organization has meant a lot to Chris since he first took BCEP in 2016. Chris is passionate about the outdoors and spends a lot of free time exploring new areas in the PNW. Chris would feel honored to serve in a leadership position with the Mazamas to help ensure the long-term viability of the organization that means so much to current members and has the opportunity to touch so many more community members. Chris believes his skill set and professional experience would be of value to the organization as it seeks to develop a healthy financial state now and into the future.

Terry Donahe

Mazama Since (Join Year): 2004

Mazama Volunteer, Committee, or Related Activities

Mazama Education

• Mazamas BCEP 2005
• Mountaineering First Aid 2006
• Mazamas ICS 2005-2006
• Mazamas ICS 2006-2007
• Mazamas ASI 2008
• Mazamas Ski Mountaineering 2014

Mazama Volunteer Activity

• 2004-2007  Mazama Financial Affairs Committee
• 2007-2011 Mazama Expedition Committee
• 2011-2014 Mazama Executive Council
• 2015-2016, 2018-2020 Mazamas Foundation
• 2017-2022 Mazama Backcountry Ski Touring
• 2007, 2008 BCEP Assistant Instructor
• 2009, 2010 ASI Assistant
• 2011, 2012 Crevasse Rescue Skill Builder Lead Instructor
• 2011 Avy I Instructor
• 2017-2022 Backcountry Ski Program

Board and/or Committee Experience with other Organizations

Stanford University (1987-present)

• Stanford Foundation
• Stanford Alumni Association chapters (New York/New Jersey, Orange County, CA, Oregon/SW Washington)
• Stanford OVAL (Outreach Volunteer Alumni Link)

Oregon State Bar Disciplinary Board (2014-2016)

Albertina Kerr

• Investment, Gift Acceptance and Planned Giving Committee (2014-2017)
• Foundation Board (2017-2022)

National Ski Patrol/Mt. Hood Ski Patrol (MHSP) (2004- present)

• MHSP Executive Council (past member)
• Senior Hill Patroller

Trailkeepers of Oregon (2019-2021)

• Executive Council

Lake Oswego Townhome Homeowners Association (HOA)

• Board (2019-2021)

CFP Board (2015-2022)

• Council on Education
• Disciplinary and Ethics Commission

Unitus Credit Union

• Audit Committee (2020 - Present)

Work/Professional Experience

I am a partner in Springwater Wealth Management. We offer comprehensive financial planning and investment management services.  We have offices in Beaverton, Oregon and Santa Cruz, California. I have been in the financial services industry my entire career.  I have an undergraduate degree in economics (Stanford University), two masters (The American College) and numerous professional credentials.

Relevant Life & Leadership Experience

• I have served in leadership roles for many volunteer organizations including:
• President for two chapters of the Stanford Alumni Association
• President of the Albertina Kerr Foundation
• Treasurer for the Mt. Hood Ski Patrol
• Treasurer for Trailkeepers of Oregon
• President of the Lake Oswego Townhome HOA Board
• Treasurer for the Mazamas
• Albertina Kerr Foundation Board Chair

Personal Statement

Over the past several months we have learned that the Mazamas has become imperiled. Membership has shrunk.  Long standing volunteers have left.  Numerous staff members have departed. Programming has been scaled down.  The organization has been running a budget deficit for years and its reserves are significantly depleted.  Even our beloved lodge needs significant restoration.

This storied organization, which was founded on the flanks of Mt. Hood in 1894, survived two world wars, the Great Depression, and two global pandemics.  But will it be here for the next generation?

There are many challenges facing the organization. Climate change is melting glaciers and causing unprecedented fires in the places where we recreate.  Social and environmental changes are spurring us to consider our membership criteria and the structure of our organization.  Competing organizations offer similar educational and recreational opportunities.

The Mazamas has been an important part of my life for almost two decades.  It taught me how to climb safely.  It brought me some of my closest friendships.  It showed me how to lead others in the mountains.

I believe in community service.  I have been an active volunteer with the Mazamas since I joined in 2004.  I make annual donations.  The Mazamas is named in my estate plan.

The mission of the Mazamas is “To inspire everyone to love and protect the mountains.”  To do that, we must love and protect the Mazamas and ensure that is here to carry out that mission.

I am running for Board of Directors to help reinvigorate this incredible organization.

Marty Hanson

Mazama Since (Join Year): 1994

Mazama Volunteer, Committee, or Related Activities

I’ve been on many committees in my 28 years of membership but I’ve lost track of dates: Trail Trips, Web, Strategic Planning, Finance, Publications, Nomination, Bylaws, Classics, Lodge, Trail Tending, and MMC property search. I’ve been chair of Trail Trips (2), Bylaws (3). Strategic Plan, and Web. I’ve volunteered for the Used Equipment Sale, BCEP training, and ICS training. I assisted on climbs and outings. I led rambles, hikes, and snowshoes for a total of 900 leads. I served on Executive Council and was a liaison to multiple committees. I was EC Treasurer for a year and Vice President for another year. I was the Mazama office accountant using QuickBooks during a transition period. My current committee memberships are Lodge, Finance, and Classics. Until the pandemic, I was at the MMC front desk most every Friday and edited the glaciated peak list.

Board and/or Committee Experience with other Organizations

I have not served on the Boards of other organizations. My only committee experience has been with the Mazamas.

Work/Professional Experience

I’ve worked for General Electric, Tektronix, Planar Systems, and FEI. Some of my job titles were Quality Control Engineer, Production Foreman, Quality Control Department Manager, Manufacturing Engineer Manager, Design Engineering Manager, and Division Engineering Manager. Technologies that I worked with were high-intensity discharge lighting, cathode ray tubes, flat panel displays (both EL and LCD), and electron beam devices. I’ve had training and experience in finance and budgeting, product design and manufacture, and customer liaison. I have a degree in Ceramic Engineering from the University of Washington.

Relevant Life & Leadership Experience

In my work life, I have managed groups of six to twenty people, mostly engineers. The work I managed included process control engineers, chemical lab technicians, draftsmen, documentation specialists, manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, and design engineers. I managed department budget planning, control, and implementation. I performed yearly performance reviews for the people I managed. I hired and terminated people due to business and personnel conditions.

I’ve been a Boy Scout Den Leader.

Personal Statement

I’d like to be part of the Mazamas getting back to a solid financial footing. I want us to regain our stature as the source for mountain training and activities for the community. Let’s get back the 1,000 members we lost during the pandemic and grow our membership to better serve the public. Let’s revisit the glaciated peak membership requirement and find a way to reduce that barrier while keeping the feeling that comes with the achievement.

As we’ve grown our membership, we’ve been struggling with how to staff the MMC office with the talent we need to run the Mazamas as an organization. What I don’t see is a plan that addresses the balance between volunteers and the help that volunteers need. I remember a time when the staff was the Executive Director and two or three part-time positions. Most work was done by the support furnished by volunteers. I think that many of us realized that this system burned out volunteers. I believe we need to better define what part the staff is responsible for while still letting committee volunteers “do their thing.”

I’d also like to review how our IT system is working for the membership. I think the system frustrates some members. I’m not sure it is user-friendly to some of our classic members who may not be as computer savvy as younger members. A survey or dialog could help answer this.

Please vote for me in the election.

Marty Hanson

Chris Jaworski

Mazama Since (Join Year): 2015

Mazama Volunteer, Committee, or Related Activities

• Mazamas, Member 2015. Strategic Plan Participation and Support to Executive Director
• Board and/or Committee Experience with other Organizations
• Friends of Doernbecher, Board Member 2012-current. Fundraising, Community Engagement, Grant Fund Distribution
• Travel Portland, Subcommittee Board 2010-2020. Strategy, Industry Advocacy, Community Engagement
• Mt. Hood Ski Patrol, Member 2000-2005. Patrol, Fundraise, Sponsor Partnerships
• Cycle Oregon/Oregon Bicycle Tourism Partnership, Ad Hoc Member 2005-2007. Strategic Planning, Marketing
• Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association, Member 2010-2020. Portland Alliance, Pandemic Response Advisory Group
• Marylhurst University, Hospitality Management Advisory Committee, Curriculum Development, Advocacy
• Ronald McDonald House Charities, Board Member 2015-2017. Organizational Structure, Fundraise

Work/Professional Experience

I have helped grow and lead organizations in hospitality and leisure through insightful business strategy, operations management, marketing strategy, training and development, facilities construction, and sustainability. My leadership responsibilities have positioned me to direct as many as sixty locations and several thousand employees. I’ve also earned a Masters in Tourism Administration, contributing to sustainable community development, programming, and outdoor recreation and tourism planning. My strength is in my range of career and professional pursuits which has provided me the experiences to think more broadly and embrace diverse perspectives. I believe the weight of my contributions stems from a range of experiences and a deep commitment to collaboration, enlisting teams on a clear purpose, empowering others, supporting, inspiring, and celebrating efforts to make meaningful contributions as people and professionals.

Relevant Life & Leadership Experience

Throughout my civic and professional experiences, I have built a broad network of partners to form impactful public/private coalitions that have advanced organizational missions. Specifically, I’ve contributed to the ongoing success of the Mt. Hood Ski Patrol, Outdoor Adventure leadership of Portland area BSA, Tualatin Parks & Recreation, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, state, national, and international tourism organizations, and even the Mazamas having worked with members, program leaders, and the Executive Director in 2015 to create and lead the inaugural oneClimb event benefitting the Knight Cancer Institute. My current work involves consulting with organizations to help strategize and launch sustainability initiatives (www.fivestakes.com). In a nutshell, I’m a servant leader. It’s what I do, and it would be a privilege to put that experience to work on the Executive Council.

Personal Statement

I joined the Mazamas in 2015. While I have only been a member since 2015, I understand the challenges our organization currently faces and the landscape of immense opportunity. I believe the relatively short duration of my membership is an advantage to the Executive Council role. My professional and volunteer roles have provided me with a wealth of experience working across organizations and with communities bringing elements of objectivity to advancing the shared benefits of numerous stakeholders.

I’m certain the Executive Council role requires a strategic mindset, a great set of listening ears, and a willingness and ability to work elbow to elbow with program directors and members so collectively we can all thrive. For me it means staying open to new ideas, keeping a light heart, committing to the cause, living with passion and purpose, and sharing a good dose of humor.

Perhaps as important as anything, I believe in the mission, respect Mazama values, and simply love the mountains and outdoor communities. As outdoor recreation continues to grow exponentially, it is imperative that the organization continues to serve its members, grows in a sustainable way, and influences the outdoor community in accordance with its mission. During this critical time in Mazamas history, I am confident I can help our incredibly fantastic organization regain its strength while clarifying its path toward another 128 wonderful years!

Claire Tenscher

Mazama Since (Join Year): 2019

Mazama Volunteer, Committee, or Related Activities

• Nominating Committee Member, 2020-Present
• Publications Committee Member, 2019-Present
• Backcountry Ski Class Assistant, 2020

Board and/or Committee Experience with other Organizations

• Vice President, People’s Co-Op Board 2020-present
• Board Member, Minneapolis Rowing Club 2016
• Alternative Transportation Committee, City of Mt. Shasta, 2012-2015
• President and Board Member, Friends of the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center 2013-2015
• Secretary, Mountain Wheelers 2013-2014
• Volunteer Designer/Editor, various ongoing

Work/Professional Experience

• Sr. Project Manager, Nike: implemented transformational finance initiatives, managed consultants
• Operations Manager, Nike: built governance platform and rules by uniting cross functional stakeholders, created processes to ensure data quality
• Transition Manager, Nike: planned events in multiple countries and developed training and comms for a program which impacted thousands of end users
• Member Relations Manager, INFRA: onboarded and grew membership for a co-op comprised of grocery stores
• Multiple roles, including interim store manager, Berryvale Grocery: managed people, process, and product for a natural foods retailer

Relevant Life & Leadership Experience

I am a backpacker, hiker, swimmer, and skier. I spend most of my time engaging with the Mazamas through volunteer work but I also participate in Rambles when I get the chance and the occasional hike. I’ve been in the Publications Committee since I joined (maybe you’ve read one of my articles!) and was on the Nominating Committee up until I decided to run for this position. It has always been important to me that I give organizations as much as they give me: a sort of non-profit leave no trace. I’ve served on committees for corporations, non-profits, and city groups. My work requires me to interact with a variety of leaders and get them aligned to one goal, often navigating complex conflicting priorities. I also have experience with financial statements and budgets, running events, and managing staff.

Personal Statement

Hello fellow Mazamas, many of our committees are running below capacity, we’ve had significant staff turnover, and the continued pressure of Covid means our programs can’t operate as they once did. Last year’s bylaws vote illustrated we were not aligned in our vision for the future. We are at a critical time in this organization’s history. If we don’t make the right decisions now we will not survive. How do we grow membership? How are we funded? How can we unite people with different perspectives? What is our purpose? I don’t have the answers today but I promise to listen, to speak up, and to bring an operational lens to our answers.

I’d like you to vote for me because I believe this organization should survive another 100 years, because I’ve worked behind the scenes on the bulletin and on the elections committee, and because I care about doing the job well. But even if you don’t, please listen to this request: remember there are real people behind all the programs, elections, and publications who work hard with very little thanks. If you can: join them, help with a committee, if you don’t have the time, say thanks, be kind. I truly believe Mazamas have more uniting us than working to pull us apart.