Mazama Election

Executive Council Candidate Bios

Below you will find full bios of each of our 2018 Executive Council (Board of Directors) Candidates. Each candidate was asked to answer the same list of questions, including: work/professional experience, board and/or committee experience in other organizations, relevant life and leadership experience, Mazama activity, and a personal statement. Other than minor formatting to provide a consistent reading experience, no alterations were made to candidate submissions.

Judith Baker

Judith Baker

Mazama Member Since: 1997

Work/Professional Experience 

I am the Executive Director of the Oregon Law Foundation (OLF) located at the Oregon State Bar. I spend my time working to increase funding for civil legal services to low income Oregonians. We fund only organizations that provide legal services to those most in need and whose legal needs are of the highest priority. Right now housing and immigration are at the top. I was a legal aid lawyer at one point in my career working for migrant farmworkers so being part of a foundation that funds low income legal services is near and dear to my heart. 

Board and/or Committee Experience with Other Organizations

I am currently the board President of a national professional nonprofit called the National Association of IOLTA programs (NAIP). I’ve served on this board for ten years. I was on the board of the Rieke Grade School PTA serving as President for the 2009-2010 school year.

Relevant Life and Leadership Experience

I currently serve in leadership roles that have both a statewide and nationwide impact. As previously stated I am currently serving as the President of a national professional nonprofit that is member based. I am in my second and last year as President. Over the course of the past year I have lead this organization through a major strategic planning process obtaining buy in from programs across the United States and Canada. As the Executive Director of the Oregon Law Foundation I work with the both the Oregon State Bar and the judiciary to promote access to justice throughout Oregon. 

Mazamas Activity

I served on the Mazamas Executive Committee starting in 2012 for a three year term. I’ve been a frequent volunteer for BCEP and to a lesser extend ICS.

Personal Statement

I have been a member of the Mazamas since 1997. I am still climbing mountains and thoroughly enjoying being part of the Mazamas and believe highly in its mission. I was on the Executive Council from 2012 through 2015 and gained a fundamental understanding of the issues facing the Mazamas moving forward. I am currently the President of a national member organization and have lead them through a major strategic planning process with the goal of achieving value of membership. The value of membership is different between the two organizations but the concept is the same. I believe an effective board member basis their decision making on the mission of the organization and not on their own agenda. They are thoughtful and open to hearing the opinion of others and making changes if it makes sense for the organization. I am also an executive director of a nonprofit and have a keen understanding of how nonprofits operate both programmatically and financially. I am well versed in nonprofits and board governance and would be honored to serve a three year term on Executive Council.

Joe Eberhardt

Joe Eberhardt

Mazama Member Since 2009

Work/Professional Experience

Small business owner of Ravensview Capital, an independent investment adviser service, that educates clients on investments, financial plans, and performs money management. Former commodities trader. Former instructor for OSU and Linfield College in economics and finance. I have led development on renewable energy projects for solar, geothermal and hydro power. Former U.S. Army Combat Engineer with 7 years of service.

My philosophy of life and work is: 1) do it right the first time, 2) do it efficiently, and 3) teach others how to do it so that collectively you can leverage the power of a team. My experience in teaching can help the Mazamas in shaping their educational programs to serve the needs of the many stakeholders including: students, assistants, and the instructors/coordinators. My finance and investment experience can help the Mazamas make prudent strategic money decisions whether that be MMC/Lodge repairs or seeding new program development.

Board and/or Committee Experience in other Organizations

• 2012–2014, Encore Condominium HOA, Board Chairman & Director.
• 2011–2012, Social Venture Partners, Finance Committee Member.
• 2008–2009, Parent Teachers Organization (PTO), leading fundraising.
• 1995–1997, SIU Aikido Club, Vice President.
• 1991–1994, SIU Equestrian Team, Treasurer and Executive Board adviser.
• 1990–1993 Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society, head of publicity.
• 1990–1991, Arnold’s Air Society (ROTC), Deputy Commander.

I have served on many boards and committees over the years in roles from supporting director to Chairman. I both get and give the most on boards that engage subjects dear to my heart. I believe that shepherding the Mazamas organization through the 2020 plan and keeping its culture intact while allowing it to evolve is a critical mission, and one that I am devoted to seeing succeed.

Relevant Life and Leadership Experience

• Entrepreneur. Father of three. Public speaking and presentations on various topics. Successful grant writing. 
• The U.S. Army culture helped pull me out of my adolescent introverted self, showing me how an individual can make a difference and why it was important for every single one of us to stand up and take on the challenge and responsibility of leadership to the best of our ability. I have continued to develop in my leadership capability over the decades, and have come to understand leadership as a service to those we lead.

Mazamas Activity

Training:

• 2011 BCEP Graduate
• 2012 MFA
• 2012-2013 ICS Graduate
• 2014 became a Climb Leader
• 2016 AR Graduate

Volunteering:

• Assisted 2 BCEP cycles.
• Assisted 3 ICS cycles.
• Coordinator/Committee Chair for 2 AR cycles.
• Led 12 Mazamas climbs thus far.
• Summitted 32 times on 19 different peaks.
• I have led 11 of the 16 peaks thus far, and am working on improving my comfort level with high angle snow. I look forward to leading my first BCEP class soon in 2019.

Personal Statement

Our strategic future focus needs to be equally turned outward as well as inward.
Inward: We are expanding our educational programs in an effort to serve current Mazamas better, and also to serve more of the community, to thereby increasing our voice in the region…and through teaming with AAC in the nation. I have as a coordinator for the Advanced Rock School helped ensure those high standards in High Angle Rock Rescue training, and understand the need for high standards in all of our training and Schools. Climb Leader education and development continues to ensure the highest level of training in line with national standards, and is helping to bring new leaders forward to lead more climbs. I have evaluated many future Climb Leaders, and continue to recommend aspiring and capable future leaders.

Outward: Advocacy for mountain wilderness will help shape access to the wilderness areas where our many beloved peaks and crags are located. The Mazamas can have a positive impact on future policy toward wilderness , and will be a necessity to ensure we continue to have regular access to climb as the population in the region swells.
I believe that I can bring value to the table of the Executive Council as it makes important decisions on these many aspects that both affect our organization and that we can affect outside of our organization. 

Walter Keutel

Walter Keutel

Member since 2009

Work/Professional Experience 

I have been an independent translator for over 25 years and work for translation/localization companies in the US and around the globe. As a language specialist, I have been involved in market introductions of highly visible products by some of the largest companies in the world. Working as a translator requires flexibility, diligence, attention to detail and a cooperative attitude—I believe these are characteristics that are also necessary for a successful Executive Council member. 

Board and/or Committee Experience in other Organizations

None

Relevant Life and Leadership Experience

I have worked independently my whole life (as a translator and, earlier, as a college teacher). I am used to completing projects on time and under pressure. Although I may, at times, have strong opinions, which I am ready to explain and, if appropriate, defend, I am not set in my ways and am always open to new ideas.

Mazamas Activity

• Mazama Conservation Committee member, 2009 to 2014—wrote articles for the Mazama Bulletin/organized tree plantings. 
• Mazama Climbing Committee, 2014 to present—managed awards, climb leader recognition and worked on taskforces. 
• Governing Doc Committee, 2016 to present. Participated in various Mazama taskforces. 
• Climb leader since 2014.

Personal Statement

After joining the Mazamas, I almost immediately realized that my membership and my involvement in the Mazamas would transform my life. Nearly ten years later, I can confidently state that my early impressions have been confirmed. I have learned many skills by participating in a broad range of the educational activities the Mazamas offers, have been actively passing on these skills as a climb leader and BCEP leader, and have been involved in a number of committees. These insights into the “inner workings” of the Mazamas have also allowed me to see that there are still many areas where changes and improvements could make the Mazamas an even stronger organization. Besides struggling to fill their ranks, many committees operate separate from each other which sometimes leads to a dissatisfying lack of cooperation. On the other hand, the administrative tasks for individual committees can be overwhelming and can be a cause for frustration—and “burn-out” for those who are most active. The Mazamas offers exceptional opportunities for gaining outdoor adventure skills (as I myself have experienced), but the burden to provide these services rests on too few of our members. I believe the Mazamas can improve on internal coordination, broaden the range of available activities and provide even more recognition to those who are most active. The result could not only be a bigger organization with a larger membership, but also a more successful club that is even more respected as a regional and national advocate for outdoor activities and the environment and is fully supported by a diverse membership.

Josh Townsley

Josh Townsley

Member since 2014

Work/Professional Experience 

Executive Director, Evergreen Habitat for Humanity since 2011. Formerly in fundraising for other local nonprofits. Managed Sauvie Island flood control and drainage district 2005-2009 with focus on work with FEMA, Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies. 

Board and/or Committee Experience in other Organizations

• Habitat for Humanity of Washington State, Board Chair, 2013-–Present (Board Chair 2017–present)
• City of Hillsboro Budget Committee–2016
• Multnomah County Urban and Rural Zoning Taskforce–2010
• West Multnomah Soil and Water Conversation District Budget Committee —2007–2009
• Sauvie Island Fire Department Board of Directors—2008–2009
• Relevant Life and Leadership Experience
• MBA with focus in Nonprofit Management from University of Portland. 

Mazamas Activity

None

Personal Statement

My beginning with Mazamas unfortunately started with a personal tragedy. My brother, Jared Townsley, a former Mazama, passed away on Mt Hood in February of 2012. While my brother and I had hiked and climbed together for many years, it wasn’t until after he died that I learned of the amazing community within the Mazamas. The outpouring of support both during and after his memorial service showed me how special of a community the Mazamas are. 
While I haven’t been as active with the Mazamas as I would like, I look forward to joining more activities as my two little boys grow up. 
If I am elected to the Mazamas Executive Council, I will be honored to utilize my years of experience in the nonprofit field to further the impact of the organization. 
Protecting and advocating for our outdoor spaces is vital to being good stewards of our land. I have spent the last several years advocating in Washington’s DC for affordable housing - and look forward to continuing to build those relationships with our lawmakers. 
With two little ones, and a brother who passed too young, I also recognize the Mazamas critical role in educating the community in climbing and safety. 
The more we can do to encourage and inspire others to reach for the mountain top and experience the outdoors, the stronger we will be as an organization. 
Thank you for considering my candidacy for the Executive Council. Regardless if I am elected to the position, I look forward to continuing my brothers legacy and volunteering with the Mazamas for years to come. 

Robin Wilcox

Robin Wilcox

Member since 2003

Work/Professional Experience 

Professionally I am a landscape architect/recreation planner/project manager. For nearly 15 years, I worked as a consultant on public projects focused on recreation and active transportation across the country, and I now work for a state agency planning parks and trails projects to benefit all Oregonians (and our visitors) and protecting natural areas and cultural resources that make our state special. As a project manager, I lead the public involvement processes and coordinate with our internal management and natural resources teams to ensure that we’re balancing recreation needs with local concerns, natural resources, and cultural resources. I am accustomed to maximizing the benefits of small budget projects by matching publicly available funds with private donations, corporate partnerships, and in-kind volunteer time.

Board and/or Committee Experience in other Organizations

• Oregon chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects (OR ASLA): Vice President of Member Services (2 years, 2013-2015) and Communications Chair (2 years, 2005-2007)—Prepared Fellows applications on behalf of the state chapter along with past Fellows; co-coordinated the annual ASLA Symposium and Chapter Awards event; prepared monthly member newsletter and authored a section of the Landscape Architects Guide to Portland
• National Park Service, Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance program: Community Design Charette Organizer two years (Yamheles Westsider Trail, Yamhill County 2015 and Lewis and Clark Trail, Vancouver, WA 2017)—coordinated volunteers to assist community participants with developing plans for a trail in their community; coordinated event space and refreshments
• Trail Skills College Committee (3 years, 2008, 2009, 2010)— Arranged crew leaders and instructors, class schedule, scouted sites, and secured necessary tools and safety equipment

Relevant Life and Leadership Experience

For almost 15 years now I’ve played the standup bass. If I’m doing my job as a bass player, the other musicians are staying together and everyone listening is having a good time whether or not anyone knows I’m there. Most of the difficult work—learning new tunes or lugging around a giant instrument—takes place without anyone else even noticing. As the bass player, I’m not the one selecting tunes or standing front and center.
My approach to playing the bass matches my leadership style in the Mazamas, other organizations, and professionally. I’m a listener first, and I don’t mind doing the difficult work that ensures others have a great time. Whether that’s managing the logistics for a difficult multi-year project, mentoring, planning a climb, or running a climb school, I’m steady and often paying attention to the pulse of the group, and adjusting as we go to keep it fun.

Mazamas Activity

• BCEP Assistant (2008-2018)
• ICS Assistant (2009-2018)
• ICS Committee (2014-2018): Volunteer Coordinator (2015-16), Class Coordinator (2016-17), Committee Chair (2017-18)
• AR Assistant (2013-2018)
• MFA Assistant (2010-2018)
• Climb Leader (2015-2018)
• Assisted with various youth and partner organizations climb evenings and events (2008-2018)

Personal Statement

Though climbing and volunteering with the Mazamas has been a tremendously rewarding experience, I considered canceling my membership earlier this year. Instead, I spoke with friends, climb leaders, committee chairs, executive council reps, and staff members. Through these conversations, I realized my concerns were shared by other Mazamas; rather than walk away, I would like to try to make a difference by becoming more involved at a higher level. Within our organization, there is no higher level than joining Executive Council.

Balancing the climbing club mentality with the non-profit and advocacy direction of the current strategic plan has been challenging. There are more organizations and programs than ever teaching climbing skills or leading trips to Smith Rock and Mt Hood. Should we change the model of our programs to meet the increasing demand? How can we ensure outdoor areas we depend on are available to us in the future?Why are these issues the Mazamas should even be worried about?

Climbing and outdoor recreation are more popular than ever, but our membership base remains relatively stagnant. How do we remain relevant to a changing outdoor demographic?

My interest in serving as a member of Executive Council stems from my desire to improve communication between the leadership of our organization and members to answer the questions above. I hope to see Mazamas play a significant stewardship role for the outdoor spaces and mountains we all love, and strengthen our commitment to diversifying our organization so new climbers feel encouraged to join our community.