Board Members
Chair - Rex Burkholder, The Oxalis Group
Rex Burkholder is a biologist and former science teacher who has worked in the Northwest forests. He helped start the biking movement in Portland as a founder of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. Rex also co-founded the Coalition for a Livable Future, uniting over 100 organizations in the Portland area. From 2000 to 2012, he served on the Metro Council, leading efforts to improve transportation and include climate change in government decisions. He has served on many boards, including Rail~volution and the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Rex’s book, The Activist’s Toolkit (2017), has helped many become better community leaders.
Rex lives in Portland, rides his bike everywhere, and grows native plants in his garden. He also works with nonprofits and candidates on strategy and messaging through The Oxalis Group.
Webly Bowles, New Buildings Institute
Webly Bowles is an Oregon architect with over 20 years of experience. She focuses on reducing carbon emissions in buildings and has worked on projects like energy policy and carbon research. Webly also helps cities meet greenhouse gas reduction goals and advises on sustainable building strategies.
Taneea Browning, Councilor, City of Central Point
Taneea Browning, a lifetime Oregonian, co-founded CraterWorks MakerSpace and leads the nonprofit Direct Involvement Recreation Teaching (DIRT). She has served as an elected official for nearly 10 years and held leadership roles in the League of Oregon Cities and Western Municipal Association. Taneea focuses on using creativity and problem-solving to improve communities in Southern Oregon.
Serena Dietrich, Oregon Outdoor Alliance
Serena Dietrich has 15 years of experience in sustainability and project management. She works as the Operations Director for the Oregon Outdoor Alliance, supporting Oregon’s outdoor industry through events, advocacy, and community building.
Tom Kelly, Neil Kelly Company, retired
Tom Kelly retired as President of Neil Kelly Company in 2022. Under his leadership, the company became known for sustainability, earning LEED certifications and B-Corp status. Tom has served on many boards and led initiatives for climate action, affordable housing, and community support.
Joshua Proudfoot, Parametrix
Josh Proudfoot co-founded Good Company, a firm focused on climate and sustainability consulting. Now part of Parametrix, Josh helps governments and businesses address climate challenges worldwide. He has worked on sustainable solutions for over 20 years and is a proud father of two.
Elin Shepard, CLEAResult
Elin Shepard has over 10 years of experience helping customers save energy through utility programs. She provides outreach and education for CLEAResult to design and development professionals. She works on projects that guide building owners and designers toward high performance buildings and guides them through the path to net-zero.
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