Leadership
Executive Board – Voting Members
President – Chris Rusch (Douglas County)
Chris is retired from the Forest Service where she worked for 35 years as a Silviculturist and Botanist on the Umpqua National Forest. She been a Master Gardener for ten years, has served in many capacities, and is currently the Past President for the Douglas County Chapter. An active volunteer, she serves her community with the South Umpqua Rural Community Partnership, “Tiller Trails” guiding educational hikes in the upper South Umpqua, and is a board member of the Glide Wildflower Council.
Vice President – Leslie Ray (Washington County)
President-Elect – Shelby Schuppe, Benton County
Treasurer – Patrice Sipos
Secretary – Lindsey McNab, Jackson County
Executive Board – Ex Officio Members
Past President – Eric Bosler (Central Gorge)
MG since 2009, joined the Central Gorge group during construction of their home in White Salmon. Past experience in agri-business and interaction with Extension created an appreciation of the effectiveness of the mission that the MG Program facilitates – combining a love of gardening and strong commitment to community outreach and education. He has served as Chapter President, State Rep., and chairs the OMGA Extension Educator Grant Committee. His goal is to further OMGA’s commitment to assisting the local chapters in their horticultural outreach.
Historian – Linda Coakley, (Yamhill County)
Gardener’s Pen Newsletter Editor – Ann Kinkley (Linn County)
Database Manager – Missy Bright (Clatsop County)
Advisor – Dr. Leslie Madsen (Statewide OSU Master Gardener Program)
Committee Chairs
Send-A-Friend – Eric Bosler (Central Gorge) – Job Description
Karl Carlson Memorial Fund – Open
Extension Educator Grant – Chris Rusch (Douglas County) – Job Description
Marje Luce Search for Excellence – Marcia Sherry (Yamhill County)
Silent Auction – Shelby Shuppe (Benton County)
Longevity Recognitions – Marcia Sherry (Yamhill County)
Advocacy Committee Chair – Open
Webmaster – Jim Parks
While Jim himself isn’t a master gardener, both his wife and father-in-law have been active members from Marion County for many years. If he isn’t working or building websites he can be found on a golf course nearby.