Board of Directors

Elizabeth Whalen – VP of Sustainability & Marketing, CalAg LLC; Portland Parks Foundation Chair

Parks have always been a part of my life and a cherished part of living in Portland, but as my family has grown - first a very large Bernese Mountain dog, then a daughter and son - the importance of parks has grown as well. I know how fortunate we are to be surrounded by the incredible parks system we have and by serving on the Foundation Board, I can help ensure that this system grows and flourishes for generations to come.

Rich Brown - Senior Vice President, Bank of America; former Portland Parks Foundation Chair

I'm a runner and love to run through Portland's parks. I am also passionate about making parks and parks programs accessible to underserved kids. Doing so will build a healthy community that will benefit every Portland resident.

Jonathan Cogan - Director, Inside Sales, Janrain, Inc.

My kids are great consumers of Portland parks (swim lessons, camps, etc.). I would like to help make more parks and park programs accessible to all children.

Nick Ehlen – Broker, Melvin Mark Companies

A city with parks is a happy city. Not only do I live on a park, but I run and walk my dog in the parks daily.  We are incredibly lucky to have a world-class parks system here in Portland. Parks increase our quality of life, provide a space for play and reflection, and enhance the beauty of our city.

Gina Hagedorn - Attorney, Perkins Coie LLP

Long before I moved to Portland I was drawn to the city’s abundance of natural beauty and the prevalent use and enjoyment of the outdoors. I believe that we need to continue to appreciate and grow the park system, including park programs, and to ensure access to, and enjoyment of, the parks by all members of our community.

Charles Hales - Senior Vice President, HDR Engineering, Inc.

I want to find new ways and means to ensure access to parks facilities and programs for kids throughout the city, and see a continued decline in the juvenile obesity rate.

Kimberlynn Heller, DO - Obstetrician /  Gynecologist

I hope to improve utilization of the parks by the underserved community, improve the willingness of African American and Hispanic Americans in our community to learn to swim, hike, and explore the world around them.

Matt Koehler – Strategic Program Manager, Kryptiq

I grew up in the Portland metropolitan area and have a strong connection to the community. My family has a long history of land conservation, and I want to do my part to ensure Portland’s parks are preserved, protected, and improved for future generations.

Doug Macy - Principal, Walker Macy

I believe that open spaces are the backbone of the community. I encourage members of my firm to contribute in various ways as volunteers, because places like the Columbia Gorge and Holly Farm Park wouldn’t exist except for volunteers.

Chet Orloff – Historian

I have a passion for Portland parks and their role in maintaining Portlanders’ sense of community and identity.

Geoff Roach – Oregon State Director, Trust for Public Land

I have been passionate about the creation of parks, trails, and natural areas my entire adult life and believe that a few people working together can accomplish a great deal. Parks do play an important and often transformative role for people, families, and communities. PPF will continue to play a vital role in the delivery of new parks, park and recreation opportunities, and programming opportunities for our community.

Mike Rompa - Managing Shareholder, Geffen Mesher; Portland Parks Foundation Secretary

I have two kids, and we have been users of the parks for years, especially for sports activities. Seeing Holly Farm Park and the children at play there is the reason we are all here [on the Board].

Justin Winn - Audit Manager, Perkins and Co.; Portland Parks Foundation Treasurer

I support Portland Parks Foundation because it facilitates and promotes outdoor experiences. Also, it is an organization that works to enhance opportunities for children growing up in Portland to experience the outdoors and all of the great activities that the city has to offer.

Jeffrey Woodcox - Attorney, Tonkon Torp

The parks in Portland are an integral part of what makes our city so livable and unique. Personally, I appreciate the number of off-leash dog parks we have in Portland because it gives our urban pets access to a little bit of nature.

Justin Yuen - President, fmyi, Inc

Parks are an integral part of our family's life. I'm on the Foundation Board because I believe that parks are an essential part of the fabric that brings the entire Portland community together while improving quality of life.