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a group of children sitting around a table together

Who we are

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Our board of directors is a dedicated group of individuals who serve two-year terms, and are passionate about improving the public education system in Central Oregon. With their diverse backgrounds and expertise, they bring valuable insights and guidance to our organization.

Meet our team

The general board meets monthly to direct the fundraising and giving programs for the Foundation according to our mission, vision, and funding priorities. The Board operates under the guidance of the Cabinet comprised of annually elected officers.

a group of people standing around a wooden table

2024-2025 Cabinet Members

Michele Emery
Michele Emery
President
Robi Cole
Robi Cole
President Elect and Board Development Chair
Bend-La Pine School District
Amber Billeter
Amber Billeter
Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair
Mainspring Wealth Advisors LLC
Jess Cherry
Jess Cherry
Secretary
Horner Law
Lisa May
Lisa May
Classroom Enrichments Committee Chair
Cheri Helt
Cheri Helt
Perseverance Committee Chair
Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails
Mary Paulson
Mary Paulson
Marketing Committee Chair

2023-2024 Board Members

Andy Frank
Andy Frank
Ryder Communications Group
Bonnie Pearce
Bonnie Pearce
OnPoint Community Credit Union
Brian Barringer
Brian Barringer
Bend La Pine Schools
Jenn Lynch
Jenn Lynch
Portland Seed Fund and School Board Representative
Jose Luis Navarro
Jose Luis Navarro
Los Angeles Education Partership
Matt Nelson
Matt Nelson
Deschutes County District Attorney's Office
Natalie Hummel
Natalie Hummel
Pat Kesgard
Pat Kesgard
Compass Commercial
Richard Nkansah
Richard Nkansah
Lonza Pharma & Biotech
Sara Odendahl
Sara Odendahl
Bend Chamber / The Work Collective
Shirley Olson
Shirley Olson
School Board Representative
Todd Billeter
Todd Billeter
First Interstate Bank
Vanessa Tobolski
Vanessa Tobolski

Advisory Committee

Brian Newton, CPA
Brian Newton, CPA
Jones & Roth CPAs & Business Advisors
Robert Jones
Robert Jones
Retired BLSD Principal
Rod Ketner
Rod Ketner
Seran Bio

Staff

Anne Westerhoff
Anne Westerhoff
Executive Director-Development & Fundraising
Jamie Goldman
Jamie Goldman
Executive Director-Operations

Grant Writer

Britta Pells
Grant Writer

Committee opportunities 

General board members are asked to participate in a variety of ways by serving on a diverse array of committees. 

Classroom Enrichment Committee

Classroom enrichments oversight

Finance Committee

Annual budget planning and administration

Fundraising Committee

Developing & implements a fundraising plan to meet the Foundation’s revenue goals

Board development and recruitment

Nomination of candidates and onboarding of new members

Marketing

Marketing and public relations for the foundation

Interested in becoming a board member?

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For more information and to inquire about serving on the board please email info@blpedfoundation.org