NANCY HENDRICKSON, Co-Vice Chair
CITY OF PORTLAND
Nancy Hendrickson is a Program Manager for the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services. In addition to serving on the UFSWQD Board, she has served on the MCDD board representing the City since 2018. Nancy manages the Columbia Watersheds Team, which encompasses the Columbia Slough watershed and Portland-area portions of the Columbia River including Hayden Island. For more than 20 years Nancy has engaged the community, neighboring jurisdictions, three drainage districts, and state and federal agencies to improve the Columbia Slough and its watershed. Nancy also serves as the Bureau liaison to the three Drainage Districts in the City of Portland. Nancy has a BA in chemistry and an MS in environmental science. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys hiking, biking and kayaking in Oregon, and she teaches self-defense for children and adults.
Board Membership
Seat (a) One director representing the City of Portland appointed by the Portland city council.
STEVE FANCHER, PE, Board Chair
CITY OF GRESHAM
Steve Fancher is an Assistant City Manager and Public Works Director for the City of Gresham, where he has worked since 2006. Gresham has made several strides toward sustainable infrastructure in this time, including achievement of net-zero energy use at its wastewater treatment plant, 100% LED street and park lighting, a fully automated water meter system, and widespread green stormwater systems.
Prior to Public Works Director, Steve managed the City’s Watershed Division, which as Gresham’s stormwater utility provides flood protection, water quality monitoring and enhancement, and natural resources management. His prior work experience includes over 10 years with the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, where he helped develop Portland’s Green Streets Program and Stormwater Management Manual.
Steve is a lifelong Oregonian, registered Professional Civil Engineer, and University of Portland alum. He enjoys traveling with his wife and daughter and coaching his daughter’s basketball teams.
Board Membership
Seat (b) One director representing the City of Gresham appointed by the Gresham city council.
ERICH MUELLER
CITY OF FAIRVIEW
Erich Mueller has resided in MCDD eastern zone since 2011, along with his 300 fellow residents of the Fairview Terrace Homeowners Association (HOA). Erich serves on the HOA Board and as HOA Treasurer since 2012. Erich currently serves on the City of Fairview Budget Committee and Urban Renewal Agency Budget Committee, and previously served on the Urban Renewal Planning Committee. He is currently a member of the Finance Committee for the BOEC 911 IGA Cities/Agencies, and previously served a 3 year term on the Multnomah County Mid-County Lighting District Budget Committee.
After obtaining a BS in Economic Theory from Utah State University, Erich worked as a Federal Reserve Examiner for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. He also worked as an Operations of Officer for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. For 12 years Erich was the CFO of a multi-state health care software and services holding company based in the Portland Lloyd District. Erich currently, and since 2009, works as the Finance Director of the City of Troutdale.”
Board Membership
Seat (c) One director representing the City of Fairview appointed by the Fairview city council.
COUNCILOR DAVE RIPMA
CITY OF TROUTDALE
Dave Ripma works as the in-house Patent Counsel for Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc., a high-tech research company located in Vancouver, Washington. He has worked as a patent lawyer for most of his career, 27-plus years. He is very involved in encouraging the historic elements of Troutdale. His goal as a city councilor is to help keep Troutdale the greatest place to live and work.
Board Membership
Seat (d) One director representing the City of Troutdale appointed by the Troutdale city council.
SETH REESER
CITY OF WOODVILLAGE
Seth Reeser is the Finance Director for the City of Wood Village where he has worked since 2018. He currently serves as chair of the Portland 911 User Board and on the League of Oregon Cities’ Finance and Taxation committee. Seth lives in Southeast Portland with his wife, Rachel, and their four children. They enjoy traveling, kid’s sporting activities and volunteering at Imago Dei Community.
Prior to working for the City of Wood Village he worked for Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District and the cities of Portland, Gresham and Grants Pass. Seth obtained Master’s in Economics from Purdue University after attending Linfield College for his BS in Economics, Mathematics and Computer Science. The last eighteen years he held various local government roles focused on budgeting, operational analysis, utility rate modeling, performance measurement and long term financial planning, helping to improve organizational efficiency and financial transparency.
Board Membership
Seat (e) One director representing the City of Wood Village appointed by the Wood Village city council.
COUNCILOR ASHTON SIMPSON
METRO
Metro Councilor Ashton Simpson (he, him, his) is a proud East County resident, nonprofit executive, community activist and advocate, veteran, father, Portland State University alum, and a committed public servant. Sworn in in January 2023, Councilor Simpson represents Metro District 1, which includes Fairview, Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village, portions of East Portland and the unincorporated communities of Damascus and Boring.
Prior to joining the Metro Council, Councilor Simpson was the executive director of Oregon Walks, where he led a dynamic organization in removing barriers and enhancing neighborhood livability and safety. As an Air Force Civil Engineering Technician, E-4, Councilor Simpson learned the value of service, teamwork and never leaving anyone behind. Raised in Houston, he saw the consequences of underinvestment and poorly planned growth, most recently with the devastation of Hurricane Harvey wiping out whole communities.
Councilor Simpson understands that Greater Portland faces challenges that include growth, housing affordability and houselessness, economic development, infrastructure, and a need to address the impact of climate change while preparing for a Cascadian Subduction Zone earthquake – all things that must be tackled together.
Councilor Simpson is proud to be a board member of the Urban Flood Safety and Water Quality District.
Board Membership
Seat (f) One director representing Metro appointed by the Metro Council.
COMMISSIONER LORI STEGMANN
MULTNOMAH COUNTY
Commissioner Lori Stegmann was elected to her first term as a Multnomah County Commissioner representing District 4 in 2016 and re-elected for a second term in 2020. Prior to serving on the Multnomah County Board, Commissioner Stegmann served six years on the Gresham City Council and as City Council President in 2014.
In her time on the board, she has been a champion for underserved communities in East County addressing areas of housing stability, economic development, and public safety. As board vice chair in 2018, Commissioner Stegmann introduced resolutions to create the Construction Diversity Equity Fund and to dedicate funding to supportive housing in Multnomah County. She led regional efforts for a complete and accurate Census 2020 count and represents Multnomah County in a national cohort through the National Association of Counties and the Gates Foundation to develop local strategies for economic mobility and recovery. One of her first budget amendments supported the creation of a new School Based Health Clinic at Reynolds School District, a multi-year project that just opened in 2021. Commissioner Stegmann is pleased to lead efforts for a new flagship Multnomah County Library and the Vance Properties master plan which will transform 90 acres of underutilized brownfield into a regional asset.
Board Membership
Seat (g) One director representing Multnomah County appointed by the Multnomah County board of county commissioners.
Emerald Bogue
PORT OF PORTLAND
Bio coming soon.
Board Membership
Seat (h) One director representing the Port of Portland appointed by the board of commissioners of the Port of Portland.
CORKY COLLIER
MULTNOMAH COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT #1
In January 1997, Corky Collier’s home in northern California was swept away in a major flood. While he had felt safe because his home was at the 100-year flood elevation, the result was a loss of everything except what he had in a small duffel bag. That experience informs his work on the MCDD levee system, serving on the board since 2017.
As Executive Director of the Columbia Corridor Association since 2004, Corky’s job also covers the four drainage districts. He works on a wide variety of issues affecting the economic prosperity of the largest economic corridor in Oregon, including transportation, land use, and natural resources. He helped establish and manages two business education programs: ResourceFull Use and the Groundwater Protection Program.
Corky has also co-owned a whitewater rafting outfitter, directed a major ballot measure campaign, managed media and outreach for environmental issues and developed content for a dot-com startup. He has chaired the Portland Freight Committee and served on the Columbia Slough Watershed Council Board. He holds degrees in Biology and Geography from the University of Texas. Old awards include Eagle Scout; new awards include the Columbia Slough Watershed Council Leadership Award. Corky lives in North Portland within view of the St. Johns Bridge and Forest Park with his wife Sara and son Henry.
Board Membership
Seat (i) One director representing Multnomah County Drainage District No. 1 appointed by the district board of supervisors.
RACHELE ALTMAN
PENINSULA DRAINAGE DISTRICT #1
Rachele has served as the City of Portland’s project manager for City work related to the Columbia Corridor Drainage Districts since early 2021. She has devoted her career to public service, serving as a strategic advisor, communicator and project manager who has helped diverse stakeholders understand each other’s interests and collaboratively identify and pursue solutions in service to the community.
After graduating from the George Washington University Law School with a focus on environmental law, she completed a post-graduate legislative fellowship working for D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh and former U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio. Rachele then returned to her native Oregon and served as a Policy Advisor and then Legislative Director for former Secretary of State Kate Brown, and then Legislative Director for Secretary of State Jeanne Atkins.
From 2015 until early 2023, Rachele worked at Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services in various policy analysis, strategic advising, and project management roles. She is currently a Senior Project Manager at CMTS LLC, where she is focused on managing the City of Portland’s levee-related efforts. Outside of work, Rachele stays busy with her husband and two daughters and enjoys practicing karate and hiking.
Board Membership
Seat (j) One director representing Peninsula Drainage District No. 1 appointed by the district board of supervisors.
MARYHELEN KINCAID
PENINSULA DRAINAGE DISTRICT #2
Maryhelen has served on the PEN2 Board since 2017 and is also a member of the UFSWQD Board. She retired in 2012 after 22 years with AAA Oregon/Idaho working in a variety of roles in travel services, accounting, and project management. She previously worked as a Customer Service Agent for Pacific Southwest Airlines, Aging Services in California and Portland, and as an electric meter reader, a paralegal, and a lifeguard.
Maryhelen serves on several committees, including the Port of Portland’s Citizen Advisory Committee, Friends of the Columbia Children’s Arboretum, North Portland Parks Group, and Levee Ready Columbia. She is currently working on the Vanport Placemarking Project, whose goals are to install historic markers historic markers honoring the cultural and significant heritage of the people who lived on the former site of Vanport, develop an augmented reality app, and obtain historic site recognition on the National Register.
She is the former chair and land use chair of the East Columbia Neighborhood and is currently involved with restoration and enhancement projects for the Columbia Children’s Arboretum and the Blue Heron Wetlands. When not in a meeting, Maryhelen spends time in her garden, visits lighthouses and baseball parks, and enjoys traveling to new and unique places.
Board Membership
Seat (k) One director representing Peninsula Drainage District No. 2 appointed by the district board of supervisors.
TANNEY STAFFENSON, Co-Vice Chair
SANDY DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT COMPANY
Tanney started in the grocery business at Lamb’s Markets in 1975 sorting bottles. While majoring in business management at Portland State University, he worked his way up to Store Director in 1983. He opened five new stores and became a partner in the company in 1990. Throughout his professional career, he has volunteered and served on several boards and committees, including eight years as chairman of the Thriftway Advertising committee and ten years on the Thriftway/Sentry Board of Directors, representing 39 stores in Oregon, Northern California, and Southwest Washington.
After 32 years with Lamb’s Markets, he retired. He presently serves as an adviser and a member of Progressive Grocers Advisory Board and the National Share Group, and as an Elder at Mountainview Christian Church. Additionally, Tanney serves on the City of Troutdale’s Planning Commission and Budget Committee and chairs the Town Center Redevelopment Committee. In 2017, Tanney was honored to be named Troutdale Citizen of the year. Tanney has served on the SDIC Board since 2015.
Board Membership
Seat (l) One director representing Sandy Drainage Improvement Company appointed by the company board of directors.
ERIK MOLANDER
RESIDENT OF THE MANAGED FLOODPLAIN
Erik Molander was appointed to the Urban Flood Safety and Water Quality District representing the residents of the flood plain by Governor Brown. He is a landowner in PEN 2 and serves as Chair of the Land Use Committee of the Bridgeton Neighborhood Association. He has been heavily involved in the USACE Feasibility Study.
He has held executive roles in finance at CSX Corporation, the east-coast based railroad and at the spice manufacturer, McCormick & Co. Prior to retiring, he worked a business professor in the Strategy & Innovation department at Boston University.
He takes pride in acting as a responsible conduit of neighborhood concerns to decision makers. Through his role as Corporate Secretary of Columbia Edgewater Country Club, one of the largest landowners in Pen2 and in his role on the Columbia Lombard Mobility Plan CAC, he understands the needs of the wider community. He was recently appointed to the Citizen Advisory Committee on Portland’s Freight Plan.
Erik and his wife Peg live in the Bridgeton Neighborhood having moved here from Boston. They are both avid bird watchers, golfers, and love Oregon wines.
Board Membership
Seat (m) One director who resides in a neighborhood within the boundaries of Multnomah County Drainage District No. 1, Peninsula Drainage District No. 1, Peninsula Drainage District No. 2 or Sandy Drainage Improvement Company appointed by the Governor.
JASON DUMONT
MOSAIC ECOLOGY
Jason Dumont is the owner and managing member of Mosaic Ecology LLC, a small business based in the Little Four Corners area of the Columbia Slough. Jason oversees a team of 45 staff who provide land management consulting and contracting services to public agencies and non-profit organizations.
Jason grew up in NE Portland before earning BAs from the University of Colorado. After college, Jason worked for the USDA Forest Service, then lived and worked in Chengdu, China, before returning to the Pacific Northwest. Jason worked for nearly a decade doing natural resources management for The Nature Conservancy in Oregon before starting his own business.
Jason spends his free time with his family exploring rivers and trails, playing with native plants, rock climbing, and watching soccer.
Board Membership
(n) One director who represents a private sector business located within the boundaries of Multnomah County Drainage District No. 1, Peninsula Drainage District No. 1, Peninsula Drainage District No. 2 or Sandy Drainage Improvement Company appointed by the Governor.
ED WASHINGTON
VANPORT MOSAIC
Ed Washington is a life-long community and civil rights leader. In 1991, he became the first African American councilor for the Portland Metro council. He continues to serve as the Community Liaison for Diversity Initiatives & Inclusion for Portland State University, and as an adjunct professor for Portland Community College. He serves on the Board of Directors for Vanport Mosaic, a memory-activism platform focused on capturing, honoring, and preserving the memories of those who lived in Vanport, Oregon’s second largest city and WWII largest federal housing project, wiped out by a flood in 1948.
As a child, Ed like so many others lost their homes and almost all their possessions when Vanport was destroyed in a flood on May 30, 1948. Ed joined the NAACP in 1956, “straight out of high school,” after experiencing job hiring discrimination. He worked as a phlebotomist and at other jobs at Oregon Health & Science University while simultaneously attending night school and becoming extremely active in the NAACP. The committee that Ed was on ended discriminatory hiring practices amongst grocery stores by threatening boycotts, first on smaller chains, such as the now-defunct Kienow’s and then working up to Albertsons, Safeway, and Fred Meyer. Once that had been accomplished, the next target was longshoremen in Portland, which also began to hire African Americans after facing pressure from Ed’s committee.
In 1959, Ed married Jean Nova, a music teacher at Alameda Elementary School who was the first black chairwoman of Portland Music Educators. Ed and Jean remained together until she passed away in 1998.
Board Membership
Seat (o) One of three directors who represent public interest nonprofit corporations with expertise or interest related to the territory within the boundaries of Multnomah County Drainage District No. 1, Peninsula Drainage District No. 1, Peninsula Drainage District No. 2 or Sandy Drainage Improvement Company appointed by the Governor.
BOB SALLINGER
WILLAMETTE RIVERKEEPER
Bob is the Urban Conservation Director for Willamette Riverkeeper. His responsibilities include working on the Portland Harbor Superfund site, protection of urban floodplains, protection of West Hayden Island and advancing green infrastructure programs. Prior to 2023, he worked as Director of Conservation for Portland Audubon for over 30 years.
Bob’s passion for conservation was developed early exploring the woods of Massachusetts and later on solo hikes from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail and from Canada to Southern Colorado on the Continental Divide. He currently also serves on the Portland Utility Board, the Elliott State Research Forest Board, The Intertwine Alliance Board and as Board President for Humane Voters Oregon.
Bob has a B.A. from Reed College and a J.D. from Lewis and Clark Law School. He previously worked as an adjunct professor of law at Lewis and Clark Law School and as an elected director at East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District. He lives in Northeast Portland with his wife Elisabeth Neely, three children and an assortment of dogs, goats, chickens, cats, and other critters.
Board Membership
Seat (o)(A) One of three directors who represent public interest nonprofit corporations with expertise or interest related to the territory within the boundaries of Multnomah County Drainage District No. 1, Peninsula Drainage District No. 1, Peninsula Drainage District No. 2 or Sandy Drainage Improvement Company appointed by the Governor, of which: (A) One director must represent an environmental conservation organization.
HEATHER KING
COLUMBIA SLOUGH WATERSHED COUNCIL
Heather King joined the Columbia Slough Watershed Council as the Executive Director in March 2022. She has more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, most recently as the Deputy Director at Willamette Riverkeeper, where she was responsible for fundraising, staff development, and supervision, and with 350PDX, where she helped rebuild the organization’s fundraising program. In addition, Heather founded two nonprofits: Pride Zone, a center for LGBTQA+ young people in Northampton, MA, and Brandywine Roller Dery in Downingtown, PA. A lifelong social justice educator and leader, heather has a strong commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI).
Heather holds a Masters’s in Social Justice education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an MBA in Nonprofit Management and Social Policy from the Heller School at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA. An east coast native with a lifelong interest in the outdoors and exploring the world, Heather quickly deleted a love of the Pacific Northwest. She is passionate about connecting volunteers, partners, and donors to the outdoors and the importance, vitality, and joy of Oregon’s resources, especially her waterways.
Board Membership
Seat (o)(B) One of three directors who represent public interest nonprofit corporations with expertise or interest related to the territory within the boundaries of Multnomah County Drainage District No. 1, Peninsula Drainage District No. 1, Peninsula Drainage District No. 2 or Sandy Drainage Improvement Company appointed by the Governor, of which: (B) One director must represent an environmental justice organization.
CONTACT
Contact the board by emailing the Board Coordinator