EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Devin's family has lived along the lower McKenzie since the 1930s, and he grew up fishing and exploring the upper river. Devin worked in local wood products industry management for over 30 years in both wood product certifications and research and development. He also served in the U.S. Coast Guard on both the east and west coast as a coxswain operating a 44-foot motor lifeboat and as a small arms officer.

Devin served on the board of the Northwest Youth Corps for five years, is a committed volunteer for other local nonprofits and enjoys fly fishing, backpacking, cycling and time on the coast with his wife and their dog, Journey.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Though not a resident of the McKenzie Valley, John feels a strong connection with the watershed and a deep respect for those who call it home. Since arriving in Eugene 30 years ago after Peace Corps service in Chile, he has spent much of his career in the nonprofit sector as a volunteer, board member and executive director. John joined MVLTRG in January 2024 after serving as a senior program officer for the Oregon Community Foundation in their Eugene office for several years. It was in that role, helping to lead disaster response efforts at OCF, that he initially observed the LTRG’s work and the power of community in wildfire response and recovery in the early days following the 2020 Labor Day Fires.

John and his wife, Kelley, love hiking and camping throughout Oregon, and can’t wait to share that love with their new granddaughter in the years ahead.

PROGRAM MANAGER

Mary Ellen is a 4th generation proud resident of the McKenzie River Valley, where family members still live on their original property. As the co-founder of “McKenzie Locals Helping Locals,” Mary Ellen has been on the ground helping her community with recovery efforts since the first days after the Holiday Farm Fire.

Engaging with locals, assessing their needs, advocating on their behalf, and working with County and State officials to help her community has been her call to action. She recognizes these efforts have helped her community come back stronger than ever.

In her free time, Mary Ellen spends time with family and friends, organizes community events, and enjoys all the beautiful McKenzie river has to offer.