Deana Freres
Northern Willamette Valley
Deana Freres’ volunteer work centers around her passion for rural communities and the economies that lift them. Her advocacy promotes economic development initiatives, leverages the responsible management of natural resources, and ensures families have access to jobs, housing, education and quality healthcare in the communities where they live.
As a founding board member of the Santiam Hospital and Clinics Foundation, Deana plays a pivotal role in advancing rural healthcare initiatives and capital campaign strategies. She also serves on the board of the Stayton Public Library Foundation and is beginning her first term of service as a member of Oregon Episcopal School Board of Trustees. She recently concluded 18 years of service on the board of Family Building Blocks, a relief nursery where she supported child abuse prevention and family support services through legislative advocacy, capital campaigns and program governance.
Deana stepped into an unexpectedly significant role in disaster relief and recovery efforts following the devastating Lionshead and Beachie Creek wildfires in 2020. She co-founded the Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund (SCWRF), a nonprofit initiative in partnership with Santiam Hospital & Clinics. As a member of the SCWRF Advisory Committee and president of the Santiam Canyon Long Term Recovery Group, she coordinated survivor recovery grants, supports disaster case management, and organizes ongoing community rebuilding efforts, assisting over 1000 households impacted by the disaster.
Deana studied Management Science Engineering at Southern Methodist University and worked 10 years in project management and process design engineering before dedicating her time in support of nonprofits.
“I value the determination OCF shows to connect with communities from all over the state, especially in rural areas,” Deana says. “We share a goal to ensure these communities are vibrant, healthy, and have the resources they need to keep their economies thriving.”
Deana Freres’ volunteer work centers around her passion for rural communities and the economies that lift them. Her advocacy promotes economic development initiatives, leverages the responsible management of natural resources, and ensures families have access to jobs, housing, education and quality healthcare in the communities where they live.
As a founding board member of the Santiam Hospital and Clinics Foundation, Deana plays a pivotal role in advancing rural healthcare initiatives and capital campaign strategies. She also serves on the board of the Stayton Public Library Foundation and is beginning her first term of service as a member of Oregon Episcopal School Board of Trustees. She recently concluded 18 years of service on the board of Family Building Blocks, a relief nursery where she supported child abuse prevention and family support services through legislative advocacy, capital campaigns and program governance.
Deana stepped into an unexpectedly significant role in disaster relief and recovery efforts following the devastating Lionshead and Beachie Creek wildfires in 2020. She co-founded the Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund (SCWRF), a nonprofit initiative in partnership with Santiam Hospital & Clinics. As a member of the SCWRF Advisory Committee and president of the Santiam Canyon Long Term Recovery Group, she coordinated survivor recovery grants, supports disaster case management, and organizes ongoing community rebuilding efforts, assisting over 1000 households impacted by the disaster.
Deana studied Management Science Engineering at Southern Methodist University and worked 10 years in project management and process design engineering before dedicating her time in support of nonprofits.
“I value the determination OCF shows to connect with communities from all over the state, especially in rural areas,” Deana says. “We share a goal to ensure these communities are vibrant, healthy, and have the resources they need to keep their economies thriving.”