As many of you know, the conclusion of the Conference on Landscape Architecture marks the point at which newly elected candidates begin their term on the Executive Committee (ExCom). This year's conference was cancelled but was intended to conclude on October 6th. Despite the cancelled conference this year, ASLA Oregon is exceptionally lucky to be welcoming many new individuals into their positions on the ExCom. Here is an introduction to our new leaders, and a little bit more about the Chapter work that they will be doing.
Please join me in welcoming these new ExCom members into their positions!
Melissa Erikson (President) - Melissa brings many years of project management experience to the office of President. Her mission is to support the Executive Committee in all things, grow our treasured corps of volunteers, and nurture our family of sponsors to advance the profession of landscape architecture in Oregon. Melissa believes that every ASLA event should inspire and deepen our connections to work and our community. Suggestions? Want to help? Give Melissa a call!
Charlie Brucker (Past President) - The ExCom is so pleased to have Charlie’s collaborative facilitation skills and creative point of view for another year. In 2020, he led the ExCom through COVID and its associated challenges while facilitating a really meaningful Design Symposium event on the theme of “Home” and initial development of our social justice, equity and diversity initiatives. Thanks, Charlie, for setting the example.
Jason King (President-Elect)- Jason will bring his design and management skills to the role of President Elect this year. To prepare for his role as President next year he’ll be watching and listening in on Chapter activities, including attending the Fall and Spring Chapter Presidents’ Council meetings. Jason is interested in the excellence of Oregon ASLA’s programs. Thinking of joining the ExCom or stepping up to support your Section? Talk with Jason.
Brian Martin (Treasurer/Sponsorship Chair)-Brian is returning to another two-year term as Treasurer. He is a generous and detail-oriented soul who says he stepped up to pay forward the benefits he has received from ASLA Oregon over the years. He will continue to monitor and support the financial health of the Chapter, and continue his stewardship of our Sponsorship program. Thanks for stepping up again to give back, Brian.
Shelby Scharen (Communications Chair) - As Communications Chair, Shelby will keep us all informed with articles like this one on the website and in NewsWire. She will generate content across all our platforms and coordinate closely with our new Social Media Committee to be sure that the word gets out about ASLA Oregon’s activities on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Shelby brings her experience as Chair of the Crater Lake Section to this new role; she has been instrumental in growing the Crater Lake Section into the vibrant community it is today. Welcome, Shelby and thanks!
Piper von Chamier (Crater Lake Section Chair) - Piper is an active member in the Rogue Valley community and serves on the Ashland Historic Commission, the Mount Ashland Racing Association, and participates in Architects in Schools. As Crater Lake Section Chair, Piper will ensure that the landscape architectural community around Crater Lake continues to grow and connect among themselves and with the rest of the state. Welcome, Piper!
Stephen Lorber, University of Oregon Student Chapter President – Stephen is pursuing a Master of Landscape Architecture at the University of Oregon while managing multiple parallel pursuits including an internship with the National Park Service and authoring and co-organizing the Equity Toolkit developed for U of O students for use in delivering equity in landscape architectural education. He and his cohorts at the U of O have big plans for the Student Chapter, including working with faculty to implement the Toolkit and continuing to facilitate student participation in professional development activities. They look forward to meeting most of you at the 29th Annual Shadow Mentor Day in February 2022.
Of course, we are incredibly grateful for the work of ExCom members who are continuing their terms from last year: Jean Seneschal-Biggs (Trustee), Charlie Brucker (Past President), Clement Walsh (Secretary), Kellie Felton (Education Chair), Bronwyn Maestro and Christine Ransom (High Desert Section Co-Chairs), Gini Piercey and Rachel Lingard (Mt. Hood Section Co-Chairs), Hannah Six (Student Liaison), and our intrepid Chapter Administrator, Stephanie Green.
And BIG THANKS to the outgoing ExCom members: Allison Rouse, Anna Chen, Laurie Mooney, Alexis Griffin, and Jake Marshall. We will miss you and are so grateful for the energy and experience you shared with us. Come back and visit soon!
As a reminder, all ASLA members are always welcome to attend monthly ExCom meetings on the 2nd Monday each month, online until further notice. Your input and attendance are always welcome.