Mazama Election

Mazama Since (Join Year): 2015

Debbie Dwelle

Mazama Volunteer, Committee, or Related Activities

• Climb Leader: since August 2022; completed several evaluations for folks in Leadership Development program to provide mentorship and support the growth of Mazama leadership
• Leadership Development: LD Outdoor Leadership Program 2020-21
• Mountain LEAD Certified Educator: since September 2021
• Mountain Education Alliance: Mountain LEAD Certified Mentor since April 2023; Assisted/co-led courses in 2022 and 2023; plan to co-lead several activities/courses in 2024
• Advanced Rock: Assistant 2023; Graduate 2019
• Intermediate Climbing School: Committee member 2018 through 2023 in various roles including Committee Chair and Treasurer; Program Coordinator for the 2021-22 class; Student Coordinator for the 2019-2020 class; Instructor/assistant 2018 through 2023 and plan to assist in 2024; Lecturer in 2023 and planned for 2024; Graduate 2018
• Basic Climbing Education Program: Co-Leader for LBGTQ+ BCEP Team 2022 and 2023 with plans to co-lead this affinity team again in 2024; Assistant 2017 through 2021; Graduate 2016
• Mountaineering First Aid: Assistant 2017 through 2019; Graduate 2016

Select Resume

I have been a licensed psychologist for 10 years, working primarily with adolescents and young adults. I am a member of the executive leadership team at my current employer, helping guide and implement the strategic vision of the organization. I also helped develop and implement a training program that has steadily grown throughout the past 10 years.

My work requires me to consistently be an active listener, to understand others’ perspectives and challenges, and to work with people collaboratively toward identified goals. This professional skill set has served me well in my many volunteer experiences with the Mazamas.

Prior to my work as a psychologist, I worked in accounting and finance for 20 years, including more than 10 years at the management/executive level. I was responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, financial analysis, financial reporting, and managing teams. This professional skill set served me well as Treasurer for the ICS Committee which involved program budgeting, tracking, and reporting.

I’ve been an adjunct professor at Pacific University School of Graduate Psychology in their PsyD/PhD programs. My professional skills as a graduate school professor have helped me be an effective educator for multiple Mazama education programs.

Personal Statement

I joined the Mazamas in 2016 and my involvement has been life-changing. I have learned so much throughout my educational experiences, met amazing people, and have greatly valued the opportunities to volunteer in this vibrant community. I am passionate about climbing, teaching, and growing a safe and inclusive outdoor community. The Mazamas mission fits with my values: to inspire everyone to love and protect the mountains. Drawing from my extensive background in business, including strategic plan development and implementation, financial analysis, and leadership team collaboration, I am confident that my skill set can significantly contribute to the board and the organization as a whole. Particularly given the current initiatives regarding strategic vision and business planning for the lodge. My collaborative approach combined with a thoughtful understanding of challenges and others’ perspectives enables me to successfully work with others to achieve goals/objectives. I would be honored to serve on the board to support the strength, stability, and sustainability of the Mazamas, an organization that has meant so much to me during the past 7+ years. Thank you for your consideration!

Mazama Since (Join Year): 2015

Chris Jaworski

Mazama Volunteer, Committee, or Related Activities

• Board Member, 2023. Liaison to Lodge Committee, Canyoneering, Expeditions. Nominating Committee, MHNF Mt. Hood Climbing Permit Working Group
• Lodge Committee Member, 2023. Conducted facility risk assessments, facilitated lodge strategy sessions, contributed to lodge host training/volunteer operations, membership survey, 2024 lodge budget
• Lodge Host, 2023
• Hike Leader, 2021. CPR trained
• Strategic Plan Participant, 2015-16
• oneClimb Climb Event, 2015-16. Created fundraising event benefiting the Knight Cancer Institute in conjunction with Mazama’s leadership

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• Passionate leader - each person has skills and abilities that contribute to the mission!
• Strategize with organizations in hospitality, leisure, sports, and recreation to design, launch, and execute sustainability initiatives. Build budgets, workforce programs, 360 ROI metrics.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to strengthen organizational capacities.
• Management oversight of hotels/restaurants exceeding $30 million and new openings.
• Savvy community partner engagement strategist - community, economic, environment.
• Tourism specialist. Feasibility studies, community assessments, consumer research.
• Adjunct Faculty, Hospitality and Tourism Management.
• Create and project manage enterprise learning + development programs..
• Board service to OHSU Doernbecher, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Travel Portland.

Personal Statement

Members,

Throughout my 2023 term, I’ve rolled up my sleeves to help shape plans for the Lodge, conduct facility risk assessments, facilitate lodge strategy sessions, contribute to lodge host training and volunteer operations, conduct a lodge member survey, and represent us on the Mt. Hood Climbing Permit Working Group. It’s been a busy and productive year- a good portion of it learning about the best ways to contribute on the board, getting to know leaders, staff, and members.

The challenges that face our organization also present extraordinary opportunities. I am confident the organization benefits from those like me who offer strategic thinking, accountability, listening ears, and a desire to work elbow to elbow with committee leaders and members. I’ll continue being open to new ideas, keeping a light heart, and giving to our cause.

I look forward to continuing to serve our incredibly resilient organization. I was humbled and inspired by our long history while walking through the Mazamas exhibit at the Oregon Historical Society. It brought to light once again why I believe heartily in our mission, values, and most importantly, our community.

Thank you and let it snow!
Chris

Mazama Since (Join Year): 2011

Matthew Sundling

Mazama Volunteer, Committee, or Related Activities

• New Climbing Course Development (2022 - 2023): Created three new climbing programs: Introduction to Alpine Climbing, Introduction to Multipitch Climbing, and Trad Gear and Anchor Rigging courses.
• Parker Cup Award recipient in 2022
• Mountain LEAD Certified Educator since 2019. Mountain LEAD Program Coordinator (2019 - 2023): Mazama representative to Mountain Education Alliance (2019 - 2023).
• Terry Becker 16-peak Leadership Award recipient in 2019.
• Climb Leader (2014 - 2023): Led 60 climbs, including 40 D/E climbs.
• Climbing Committee (2018 - 2021): Committee Chair (2019 - 2020).
• Education Committee (2014 - 2016).
• Mazamas AIARE Program (2019 - 2020): Organized and operated the pilot Mazamas AIARE-1 courses.
• ICS: Program Coordinator (2015 - 2016), Assistant Coordinator (2014 - 2015), Instructor (10 years), Lecturer (4 years).
• BCEP: Assistant multiple teams (10 years), Lecturer (2 years), Safety Officer (6 years). Advanced Rock Instructor (4 years). Advanced Snow and Ice Instructor (2 years). Crevasse Rescue Skill Builder (5 years).

Select Resume

• Entrepreneurial Experience (10 years): Founded and nurtured multiple small businesses, cultivating a mindset of creative problem-solving and adaptability - crucial for navigating challenges, mirroring the resilience needed for the nonprofit’s financial struggles. Showcased an ability to strategize and innovate - attributes vital for the Mazamas’ strategic evolution.
• Professional Consulting Expertise (6 years): Served as a technical strategist for emerging small businesses. Provided valuable insights into early-stage growth and the careful management of resources, and possessed a good understanding of financial statements, acquired through consulting for technology-focused ventures—skill sets directly transferable to the Mazamas’ need for strategic planning and need for financial acumen during its continuing period of change.
• Community Involvement: Volunteered at the Hackett Center (4 years) HIV Care Program, contributing as an instructor for a patient education initiative. Effectively taught medical self-advocacy skills and addressed healthcare stigma, showcasing a commitment to education and empowerment, qualities essential for fostering a diverse and inclusive outdoor education environment. Observed patient rounds with attending physicians, honing observational skills relevant to understanding and preserving the organization’s deep cultural roots.
• Education and Analytical Background (10 years): Holds a Ph.D in Computational Chemistry and MS/BS in Computer Science, specializing in data analysis and model building. This educational foundation equips with a data-driven mindset crucial for informed decision-making, supporting the nonprofit’s need for a strategic and data-informed approach.

Personal Statement

Eager to enhance my Mazamas contributions, I offer a decade of climbing program leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to diversity. With 6,000+ volunteer hours in 11 years, I’m driven to make a profound impact by joining the Board of Directors.

As a Climb Leader and Committee Chair, I boosted sustainability by restructuring program pricing. Engaged in climb leadership, mentorship, and program development, I earned the Terry Becker Leadership Award and the Parker Cup, highlighting my impact.

Leading the Mountain LEAD program and launching the AIARE Pilot Program showcase my commitment to education, mentorship, and innovative thinking. Creating the Introduction to Alpine Climbing, I emphasized inclusivity and cost efficiency, aligning with the evolving outdoor education landscape and my goal of expanding volunteer leadership.

The success of Traditional Gear and Anchor Rigging underscores my financial acumen and commitment to accessibility.

Devoted to education, diversity, and financial sustainability, I envision steering the organization strategically for growth and relevance. Your support is crucial in shaping our institution’s future.