Item 3C: Appointment to Citizen Planning Committee for Whilamut Natural Area

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3.. Describe your top three interest areas or issues regarding the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park. 1. Increase visibility of the Whilamut Natural Area and awareness of the park issues In the broader SpringfieldlEugene area and in my neighborhood, such as promoting volunteer opportunities. I live in the neighborhood adjacent to Eastgate and am an officer in the neighborhood association. 2. Strengthen alUances with citizen and governmental bodies and agencies to ensure that the Park Plan is understood and honored, including efforts to strengthen native plants and natural areas. 3. Continue the promotion of the Kalapuya presence in the park. Since the Talking Stones have been installed, I regularly clean them and trim the areas around them, and plan to continue that contribution. 4.. The epc works with the City of Eugene, Witlamalane Park and Recreation District, and other organizations. What specific strengths and attributes can you contribute to the CPG. I have demonstrated a history of leadership and vision in park issues, ability to work hard, as well as to be organized and dependable. I have experience in bringing together a diverse group of people. Some examples of other experience: I received nearly $1 million in federal grants to research the perspectives that females, American Indians, African Americans, and Latina/os bring to math, science, engineering, and technology. More than fifty people nationwide worked on the seven~year project; most were females and/or people of color. As a mechanical engineer, I have managed multi-million dollar research or construction projects, I have a masterts degree in Rehabilitation Engineering and have designed accommodations for people with disabilities. I have served on the Boards of several non-profits and other citizen organizations. 5.. Please cite an example in which a wide range of opinions surfaced within a group to which you belonged, and your role in bringing divergent sides toward resolution. Last month, I attended the annual planning retreat of the Board of a prominent, active non~profit or~anization in Springfield/Eugene. Due to her mother dying, the chair had been essentially absent for five months and conflict and burnout had surfaced. The chair, who had led the organization for several years, announced that she wanted to step down and there was no one to take her place. The meeting was dragging and I was taking minutes. t stepped up my participation by asking for clarification and resolution on issues. i received feedback from members that I was instrumental in helping the Board make the healthy decision to focus only on projects already In motion and to have essentially a non-building year.