OCF Welcomes to Board Leaders in Rural Advocacy, Iconic Businesses, Conservation, Law

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Community Foundation’s Board of Directors has five new members who bring extensive experience in conservation, law, rural community development and leadership of iconic Oregon companies. The five new members were approved by unanimous vote by the OCF Board of Directors.  

“This an all-star group of civic and community leaders will bring a diversity of viewpoints and insight to advance our work,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. "The foundation’s next stage of growth will depend upon our ability to bring Oregonians together to deliver bold solutions.” 

Deana Freres

Deana Freres advocates for rural communities as founding board member of the Santiam Hospital and Clinics Foundation and co-founder the Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund. She served 18 years advocating for children through the relief nursery Family Building Blocks. 

“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.” 

Chris Nemlowill

Chris Nemlowill is co-founder of fast growing and community focused Fort George Brewery in his hometown of Astoria, where he and his wife are “raising 3 kids playing 6 sports.” In 2024, the company installed the largest private single-building solar array in Oregon, providing more than 70% of the brewery’s electricity. 

“I’ve been a promoter of community my whole life, so of course I’m drawn to an organization like Oregon Community Foundation,” he says. “I’ll do anything I can to help our communities remain great places to build a business and raise a family.” 

Joth Ricci

Joth Ricci is former CEO of Dutch Bros., Stumptown Coffee and Adelsheim Vineyards. He co-founded TASTE for Equity, serves as Executive Chair at Burgerville, and teaches at Oregon State University’s College of Business. 

Serving on this board feels like a natural progression for me, after my work in communities all over this state and with organizations like the Oregon Business Council,” Ricci says. “This is an exciting time at OCF. What attracted me was the conversation around innovation, growth and change management that I hope can help drive community development across Oregon.” 

Chuck Sams, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, served under President Biden as the first Native American Director of the National Park Service. He currently serves on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council and was on the board of the Gray Family Foundation, an OCF supporting organization. 

Chuck Sams

“OCF represents a value and ethic that resonate with me. In Indian Country, you are measured not by your wealth but by how much you give,” Sams says. “OCF is committed to taking Oregon where it needs to go by spreading the wealth to improve the health of our state in multiple ways.” 

Penny Serrurier is an attorney with a focus on nonprofit organizations. She has served on the Oregon Business Council and the boards of OMSI, Oregon Zoo Foundation, Oregon Symphony Foundation and Downtown Portland Clean & Safe. She spent 9 years on OCF’s Development and Marketing Committee. 

Penny Serrurier

“I am so excited to be joining the board of an organization that has contributed so much to Oregon communities through the years. I believe in the power of philanthropy, and I know that OCF has a critical role to play in the future of our great state. I am honored to be chosen for this leadership role.” 

 Read their full bios here.