Growing up in Oregon, Jeremy earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology from Colorado State University. Jeremy’s passion for biology led him to work on a range of research projects from the evolutionary adaptation mechanisms of Trinidadian guppy, to species interactions and influence on willow in Yellowstone National Park. As a field biologist, Jeremy worked for universities, federal agencies, private consultants, and NGOs, learning about wildlife and plant communities across the West.

Since 2013, Jeremy has applied his ecological knowledge to advocating for science-based management and policies on public lands in Oregon, leading on initiatives to protect wildlife corridors in southeastern Oregon, watchdog federal resource management planning processes, and representing conservation interests in a variety of multistakeholder natural resource management forums. While not in the office, Jeremy enjoys playing music with friends and family and being outside.

Prior to joining LandWatch, Ben worked throughout Oregon’s environmental non-profit ecosystem. He taught forest ecology for the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, served as a community organizer for the Oregon League of Conservation Voters and 1000 Friends of Oregon, then as Program Director for the Oregon Natural Desert Association.

To help figure out what he wanted to be when he grew up, Ben conducted frog research for New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in anthropology from the University of Colorado-Boulder.

When not working to ensure Central Oregonian’s continue to experience the unparalleled quality of life that they know today, he can be found foraging, running, cycling or skiing through Oregon’s wondrous and varied landscapes.

Kelsie hails from the foothills of the Sierras, where she spent her time soaking up the sun on the granite boulders of the Yuba River. Her path has taken many twists and turns over the years—two degrees in Art History, a stint in bicycle advocacy, volunteer wrangling, landscaping, and operations management within the building industry. She follows her interests to the next opportunity, though a dedication to community is the common thread through it all.

Outside of work hours, she reads, rafts, not so effortlessly glides along the cross-country ski trails, and meanders around Central Oregon with her partner and two dogs.

Born and raised on an island in the Salish Sea, Alex now calls the beautiful expanse of Central Oregon home. His prior experience includes working with the Tulalip Tribes to address declining salmon populations in Puget Sound, helping individuals recovering from homelessness and trauma find stability through creative engagement and the arts, and serving on the Oregon League of Conservation Voters Deschutes Leadership Committee. He graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in international environmental studies.

Alex’s guiding pursuit is the reconciliation of anthropogenic changes to our global ecological systems with the realization of a just and sustainable human existence.

In addition to watching land, he lives to record music, run free, ski fast, climb high, throw dry flies at trout, and lavish his young pup June Bug with all things good.

A lifelong Oregonian, Corie is a collaborative, creative, strategic leader and change-maker committed to and passionate about helping create a healthy and just world where people and nature thrive.

She has over seventeen years of experience in conservation-focused grassroots organizing and engagement, partnership and community building, political advocacy, policy, communications, and multi-faceted campaign management. Her work as Cities & Towns Program Director is focused on building a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant home for Central Oregon's communities, fish and wildlife. She also loves to hike, run, read and hang out with her husband and twin daughters.

Robin joined the LandWatch team as our Rural Lands Advocate in 2023. His focus will be on legal research, writing, and advocating for Oregon's land use system within agricultural lands and forests.

Robin grew up in the Old Willamette neighborhood of West Linn, Oregon. At the University of Puget Sound, Robin studied environmental policy and cultivated a love for public lands and outdoor recreation.

Following graduation from UPS, Robin worked a series of seasonal jobs that had him picking apples in eastern Washington and fueling helicopters in southeast Alaska. In 2021, he was accepted to Willamette University College of Law in Salem. Throughout grad school, he has maintained a commitment to serving the public interest, by working for Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization and the Oregon Department of Justice and externing with LandWatch in spring 2023. He will graduate with a juris doctorate in summer 2024, and become our Associate Staff Attorney then.

As the son of land use planners, Robin has always been fascinated with how urban and regional planning shape the lived environment. He believes deeply that Oregon’s comprehensive land use system is part of what makes it such a special place to live. In his free time, he plays ultimate frisbee, rafts, tries to catch trout, and roots for the Portland Trailblazers.

Rory was born in Coos Bay, Oregon and grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona. After graduating from the University of Arizona in 2009 with a degree in Geography, Rory returned to Oregon where he worked in geospatial sciences. In 2016, Rory graduated with degrees in Law (JD) and Master of Community and Regional Planning (MCRP) from the University of Oregon. While in law school, Rory clerked for Cascadia Wildlands in Eugene, an environmental law firm in Seattle, and the City of Eugene City Attorney Office where he worked on land use appeals and Eugene’s comprehensive plan update. Rory’s Master’s thesis analyzed the effectiveness of transportation planning and funding mechanisms to meet state greenhouse gas reduction goals. Rory has worked for LandWatch since 2017.

Carol is an ecologist and attorney with degrees from Wellesley College, Duke University and Lewis and Clark Law School.

In law school she was a law clerk for the Center for Biological Diversity and for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department endangered species enforcement program through the Portland U.S. Attorney’s office.

Prior to law school Carol was employed as an ecosystem risk analyst and worked on projects throughout North America and in Europe, notably in Paris where she lived for two years assessing terrestrial ecological risks for a French multinational.

Lorraine was born and raised in Western Colorado, where she developed her love for the high desert while scrambling around the red rock canyons of the Southwest.

After a year at Colorado State University studying natural resources, she spent several months trekking in Patagonia, a couple years chasing snow in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, then moved to the island of Kauai where she studied and practiced sustainable farming (when not in the water kiteboarding.)

Lorraine made Oregon her home in 2012 and has spent the last decade in Bend. She graduated from the Oregon Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Operations Management, and, prior to joining LandWatch, was the VP of Customer Experience for a promotional marketing agency.

She is the Board Secretary for Ember’s Wildflower Bunny Rescue in Redmond, OR, and spends her time advocating for rescue rabbits. She has two house bunnies of her own, Pippin and Vesper, and a rotating parade of fosters. She plays outdoors as often as possible whether it’s in her garden, on her mountain bike, or in the forest foraging for wild mushrooms.

Fiona is a landscape ecologist with a commitment to local conservation and climate adaptation. These interests have taken her all over the West, including stints in Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Leadville, Colorado. After growing up on the wet side of Oregon, Fiona chose a home and career in the high desert. She has worked on land protection, climate planning, and natural resource management with Deschutes Land Trust, the Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts, and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

She earned a B.S. in Earth Systems from Stanford University and a M.S. in Geosciences from Boise State University, where her research focused on human-environment interactions, spatial analysis, and wildfire in sagebrush ecosystems.

When she’s not at work, you’ll typically find Fiona running, backcountry skiing, biking, reading, or teaching herself how to sew.

Prior to joining LandWatch, Lace brought people closer to wild landscapes and wildlife through communications roles at Mountain Lion Foundation, Oregon Natural Desert Association, Braided River, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, and Washington Trails Association, among others.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in writing from Concordia College in Minnesota and a master’s degree in museology from the University of Washington, where her research focused on community-based museums.

Outside of work, Lace enjoys moving through nature — hiking, biking, skiing, or climbing. Lace volunteers as a coexistence ambassador and she is a real plant geek, partial to ponderosa pines, mountain mahogany, rabbitbrush, larkspur, gentian, any delicate flower in the Saxifragaceae family, and, well, the plant love list goes on a bit.

Paul received his law degree from the University of Virginia, and has practiced law for more than 35 years specializing in land use, environmental, and Native American law. He is admitted to practice in Oregon, the Federal District Court of Oregon, the Ninth Circuit, the Federal Court of Claims and the Federal Circuit, and has experience with cases involving the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, NFMA and NEPA, and Oregon land use laws. He has worked for two Oregon governors reviewing roadless areas in the state and was on Governor Kitzhaber’s Eastside Forest Advisory Council.

Paul has received a number of land use and environmental protection awards and in 2006, was recognized as Central Oregon’s Man of the Year by the Source Weekly. Mr. Dewey has represented LandWatch in numerous land use cases before local governments, the Land Use Board of Appeals, State Circuit Court, and the Oregon Court of Appeals.

Chris Parta is the founder and Principal of Parta Oregon, Inc., a government relations firm based in Beaverton, Oregon. As a government relations consultant, Chris represents a variety of clients including, multiple environmental/natural resource organizations, and higher education faculty associations by advocating for them in the state legislature and administrative agencies.

Chris began his government relations career working with the Oregon Conservation Network as a law school extern in 2007 and then professionally with C and E Systems and Kristen Leonard beginning in 2008, before opening his own firm in 2014. During his tenure at C and E Systems Chris worked with a wide array of clients, including legal associations, environmental groups, human service providers, and land use advocates, building lasting relationships with legislators and key policymakers in Oregon.

Chris attended the University of San Diego, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ocean Studies, emphasis in political science with a Pacific Rim focus. He has worked as a Sea Grant State Fellow in the California Senate, an IT administrator, and as a government contractor for the U.S. Navy.

In 2008 Chris graduated from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon earning his Juris Doctorate with a certificate in environmental law. He is a current member of the Oregon State Bar Association.

Amy received her B.S. from Cornell University and her M.S. in Wildlife Sciences and Management from Colorado State University.  She recently retired from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife after 30 years of public service.  Most of her work was as a fish biologist. Her experiences range from ocean salmon manager on the coast, to fish habitat biologist in the John Day and Crooked River basins, to hydro project biologist east of the Cascades, and most recently as the Deschutes Basin manager. Amy loves the outdoors and cares about protecting and conserving our incredible resources in central Oregon. She also enjoys a variety of recreation such as fishing, hunting, hiking, kayaking, and well... almost everything outside.

Jesse and his family fell in love with Central Oregon over 20 years ago upon relocating from Colorado. He grew up immersed in outdoor activities like whitewater kayaking and mountain biking in Steamboat Springs, but now proudly calls Central Oregon home and was drawn to LandWatch for its impactful role in the region. Jesse is passionate about safeguarding Central Oregon’s forests, rivers, and wildlife, and guiding the sustainable growth that is crucial for preserving our region’s remarkable livability. Through his leadership role on LandWatch’s Board, he is committed to defending the area's enduring charm and ensuring it is preserved for future generations.

Quinn Keever is the 4th generation of her family to live in Bend. Growing up in Bend is what inspired her to pursue a career in land use planning. She holds a B.A. in Planning, Public Policy and Management, and a Master’s of Urban and Regional Planning. Quinn has been a planner in both the private and public sectors. Most recently she worked for Bend Park and Recreation District, in which her favorite projects included helping to create Riley Ranch Nature Reserve, and aiding in the restoration of Shevlin Park. Protecting Central Oregon’s natural resources is of critical importance to Quinn, especially as she and her husband raise their two young daughters in this special place.

Gavin moved to Bend from Manhattan with his family in 2017. An Irish native, Gavin has lived and worked in the UK, Austria and Germany before moving to the US in 2004. He has spent 25 years investing in private capital markets prior to founding his current venture. He joined LandWatch in 2019 after being made aware of the issues the area faces, the great work LandWatch does and his love of the outdoors.

Jeff brings 35 years of environmental consulting and business development experience to help advance the mission of LandWatch. In his career he led teams of scientists, engineers and planners to conduct regulatory and impact analysis, design environmental mitigation and enhancement, and implement agency and public engagement to ensure that ecological and community issues were fully integrated into public projects and programs. Jeff particularly appreciates how LandWatch’s mission promotes the complementary goals of natural resource protection and resilient, engaged communities.

Skiing first drew Jeff to visit central Oregon over 40 years ago. Since moving to Bend in 2019, skate skiing and ski touring continue to draw him to the mountains. He also cherishes experiencing Central Oregon’s natural beauty through cycling, hiking and paddling. Moving here was the realization of a long-time dream for Jeff and his wife. Their daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren also call Bend home. He is grateful to live in central Oregon and to help realize LandWatch’s mission of creating vibrant communities and protecting wild, open spaces now and for generations to come.

Rachel has been active as Vice President of the Foundation she started in 1991 with her husband Adam.

Environmental issues have been one of their main concerns. Exploring the great outdoors as well as visiting other countries and cultures have been a big and important part of her life.

John has lived in Bend for more than 25 years and has served on the board of the Deschutes Land Trust as a member and chair, and has served on the Central Oregon Leadership Council of the Oregon Community Foundation. Despite having just joined our board, John has been a longtime advisor to LandWatch, and has been involved with many environmental causes in Central Oregon.

Chris works to create Complete Communities as Active Transportation Liaison for Oregon’s Department of Transportation. He is passionate about creating transportation infrastructure that brings people together. By embedding balanced, sustainable, and equitable practices into the bureaucracy of transportation planning and engineering, Chris works to create more livable cities across Central Oregon.

Chris and his wife, Elisa, are passionate about Central Oregon’s wild and open spaces, and spend all seasons enjoying the region’s bountiful outdoor recreation opportunities. They have been grateful to call Bend home for the last 14 years and look forward to spending many more years working to create more Complete Communities and protect our amazing wild lands.

Joe has spent his entire career in the outdoor industry representing multiple brands of outdoor apparel, footwear, paddling and camping equipment. As co-owner of the Ohio-based sales agency CW Outdoors, he started representing Columbia Sportswear in 1995 and by 2009 the agency represented the brand in 9 states from Michigan to South Carolina.

In 2009 Joe and his wife, Barbara, moved to Portland where he joined Columbia’s management team. In 2018 he retired from his role of SVP of North American Sales at Columbia. Joe served on the board of The Conservation Alliance from August 2015 through December of 2022. Prior to moving to Oregon, Joe served as a board member on The Ohio Canal Corridor, now known as Canalway Partners in Cleveland.

Joe has had the opportunity to experience many different aspects of the great outdoors and his passions include hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, hunting and cheering for his beloved Cleveland sports teams.

Mark Kelley is a fourth-generation Oregonian, who has been visiting Central Oregon since the early 1960s and living here since 2010. Mark got his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees in Oregon, and spent a 40 year law career in California. His practice focused on advising and representing public entities statewide on construction and environmental issues on large-scale building programs. He also served a total of 12 years as managing shareholder of his law firm, helping it grow into one of the largest women-owned law firms in the western US.

Mark has been active in the community, acting as chair of the Sisters School District’s construction advisory and oversight committee, and formerly as a member of the Deschutes County Facility Project Advisory Committee.

He and his wife enjoy the skiing, hiking, fishing, and cycling opportunities in Central Oregon, and are enthusiastic supporters of LandWatch and other environmental and educational organizations serving the area and the state.

Jeff is a retired USGS hydrologist. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon, and his M.S. in hydrology from the University of Hawaii. Although his work took him throughout the Pacific Basin, he’s called Bend home for over 20 years. Holistic water issues have been his profession and his passion; they are what originally brought him to LandWatch and keep him busy now. He continues to study and educate others about Central Oregon’s unique hydrogeology.