Mazama Since (Join Year): 2015
Debbie Dwelle
Mazama Volunteer, Committee, or Related Activities
- Climb Leader: since August 2022; completed several evaluations for folks in Leadership Development program to provide mentorship and support the growth of Mazama leadership
- Leadership Development: LD Outdoor Leadership Program 2020-21
- Mountain LEAD Certified Educator: since September 2021
- Mountain Education Alliance: Mountain LEAD Certified Mentor since April 2023; Assisted/co-led courses in 2022 and 2023; plan to co-lead several activities/courses in 2024
- Advanced Rock: Assistant 2023; Graduate 2019
- Intermediate Climbing School: Committee member 2018 through 2023 in various roles including Committee Chair and Treasurer; Program Coordinator for the 2021-22 class; Student Coordinator for the 2019-2020 class; Instructor/assistant 2018 through 2023 and plan to assist in 2024; Lecturer in 2023 and planned for 2024; Graduate 2018
- Basic Climbing Education Program: Co-Leader for LBGTQ+ BCEP Team 2022 and 2023 with plans to co-lead this affinity team again in 2024; Assistant 2017 through 2021; Graduate 2016
- Mountaineering First Aid: Assistant 2017 through 2019; Graduate 2016
Select Resume
I have been a licensed psychologist for 10 years, working primarily with adolescents and young adults. I am a member of the executive leadership team at my current employer, helping guide and implement the strategic vision of the organization. I also helped develop and implement a training program that has steadily grown throughout the past 10 years.
My work requires me to consistently be an active listener, to understand others’ perspectives and challenges, and to work with people collaboratively toward identified goals. This professional skill set has served me well in my many volunteer experiences with the Mazamas.
Prior to my work as a psychologist, I worked in accounting and finance for 20 years, including more than 10 years at the management/executive level. I was responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, financial analysis, financial reporting, and managing teams. This professional skill set served me well as Treasurer for the ICS Committee which involved program budgeting, tracking, and reporting.
I’ve been an adjunct professor at Pacific University School of Graduate Psychology in their PsyD/PhD programs. My professional skills as a graduate school professor have helped me be an effective educator for multiple Mazama education programs.
Personal Statement
I joined the Mazamas in 2016 and my involvement has been life-changing. I have learned so much throughout my educational experiences, met amazing people, and have greatly valued the opportunities to volunteer in this vibrant community. I am passionate about climbing, teaching, and growing a safe and inclusive outdoor community. The Mazamas mission fits with my values: to inspire everyone to love and protect the mountains. Drawing from my extensive background in business, including strategic plan development and implementation, financial analysis, and leadership team collaboration, I am confident that my skill set can significantly contribute to the board and the organization as a whole. Particularly given the current initiatives regarding strategic vision and business planning for the lodge. My collaborative approach combined with a thoughtful understanding of challenges and others’ perspectives enables me to successfully work with others to achieve goals/objectives. I would be honored to serve on the board to support the strength, stability, and sustainability of the Mazamas, an organization that has meant so much to me during the past 7+ years. Thank you for your consideration!