NWEI Team

The NWEI Team

Mike Mercer: Executive Director

 email: mike at nwei dot org

What I do at NWEI:
As Executive Director my role is to: learn, ask, help and do for the betterment of NWEI and most importantly, Earth.

My favorite thing about not driving to work:
Sorry, just can’t keep it to one thing.  Riding my bike to and from work each day eliminates the need for coffee in the AM and provides a great transition for leaving the stresses of the workday at work, or at least somewhere on the road.  What traffic jam?  And, what better way to experience this special place we live – sun, rain, post rain smells, spring flowers, sunrises, Mt. Hood alpenglow, etc.

When not at my desk, I can be found…
Engaging others in what is on my desk.  If not that, I am either hanging out with my family and friends enjoying a hike, kayak, micro brew, conversation or catching up on reading and sleep.

Why sustainability matters to me:
Sustainability matters to me because it provides a framework for us to better understand and live up to the reality of our interconnectedness with all things – “what’s good for the goose, is good for the gander.”   Sustainability also helps us see beyond the immediate gratification that I and most of my fellow citizens have become accustomed to.

My favorite non-human species:
So as to not reveal too much about the inner me, I’m moving up a couple classifications to the Class of birds.  Who among us wouldn’t want to fly?

Kerry Lyles, Development Director

 email: kerry at nwei dot org 

What I do at NWEI:
I am the Development Director for NWEI.  I work on all aspects of our fundraising, including foundation research, grant writing, membership programs, donations and events. Mike and I work closely on a number of projects to ensure that we are on track with our financial strategy. I am also in charge of NWEI’s quarterly newsletter publication, which includes gathering stories and photos and formatting the information. 

My favorite thing about not driving to work:
I bike, take the train and run to and from work (or some combination of the 3), all of which provide me with opportunities to interact with the world and the weather. I love having time at the beginning and end of the day to think, read, make lists or just stare out the window.

When not at my desk, I can be found:
…running, biking, cooking, eating, spending time with friends & family, hiking, and reading.

Why sustainability matters to me:
Sustainability matters to me because I want the children in my life to be able to explore and hike through wild places too!

My favorite non-human species:
Dogs! Especially one very mellow black lab, Stella Dog.

Deb McNamara, Director of Organizational and Business Partnerships:

 email: deborah at nwei dot org

What I do at NWEI:
I work with the higher education, faith and business communities in catalyzing NWEI discussions about sustainability both for the benefit of individuals and organizations.  I also support NWEI’s partner organizations and local community organizers.

My favorite thing about not driving to work:
My favorite thing about not driving to work is slowing down enough to notice the details of the changing seasons while biking or on the bus, especially the magnolias in Spring!

When not at my desk, I can be found…
Teaching yoga or spending time with my beautiful son Rowan. 

Why sustainability matters to me:
Sustainability matters to me because I care deeply about the more than human world, and also about the well-being of future generations.

My favorite non-human species:
Red Cedars, Ponderosa Pines, Palmetto Pines, Doug Firs, and Hemlock.
                      

Lacy Cagle, Director of Curriculum and Community Engagement

 email: lacy at nwei dot org

What I do at NWEI:
I love researching, developing and revising our discussion courses. Much of my other attention is focused towards connecting with faith groups and higher education communities and supporting them in inspiring sustainable social and behavioral change. I also get to work with and be inspired by our awesome volunteer community!

My favorite thing about not driving to work:
Biking helps me wake up and feel alive in the mornings, and it's nice to not have to worry about traffic jams or finding a parking space. And sometimes I walk the three miles home from work just because I can.

When not at my desk, I can be found…
Dancing, biking or walking around the city, cooking for and with my friends, listening to live music, reading a good book or blog, and meeting new people.

Why sustainability matters to me:
I feel connected to all that is and am very grateful for my life and experience here on Earth. That gratitude and connection inspires my sense of responsibility and action to make the world a better place. I believe that action toward sustainability is the most creative, intelligent, and ethical response to our current situation.

 Foxes, elephants, sea turtles, and redwoods inspire my awe and respect.                                     

Rob Nathan, Director of Outreach and Technology

What I do at NWEI:
I expand the mission of our organization to multiple sectors of the community by assisting individuals and organizations utilize our discussion guides and take sustainable action in their communities.  I also assist NWEI in the sustainable use and advancement of technology.

My favorite thing about not driving to work:
Biking to work is usually faster for me, I don't have to look for parking, I get exercise, I relieve stress, I have more energy all day, I don't have to care about gas prices, and I reduce my carbon footprint.   

When not at my desk, I can be found…
Coming up with new recipes, exploring all that Portland as a city and community has to offer, and exploring the outdoors with my dog Fuego.

Why sustainability matters to me:
Sustainability matters to me because I believe life is precious and is a gift.  If we are to appreciate this gift and respect it, we must protect it.  Helping myself and others learn how to live healthy, and promote long term living-systems can only help the continuation of life as we know it on Earth.

Cephalopods, cetaceans, elephants, winter greens, and mushrooms. 

Monica Pham, Office Manager and Book Keeper:

 email: monica at nwei dot org

What I do at NWEI:
As the Office Manager and Bookkeeper at NWEI, I prepare the financial statement and manage accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.  I also support the office to purchase and maintain supplies and office equipment.

My favorite thing about not driving to work:
My favorite thing about not driving to work is looking out the windows and enjoying the weather each season.

When not at my desk, I can be found…
Playing with my daughters and hanging out with my family and friends.

Why sustainability matters to me:
Sustainability matters to me because I love my life and I would like my kids to have a happy and healthy world to live in.

My favorite non-human species:
Plants.

Carolyn White, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator

 email: carolyn at nwei dot org

What I do at NWEI:
I connect with high schools, universities, and a diverse group of individuals to assist them in creatively integrating our courses into classrooms and community settings. I also organize the volunteers who contribute to NWEI's success in bringing our communities together for Earth. 

My favorite thing about not driving to work:
Being able to engage with my city and environment as I walk to work. It’s amazing how much more connected you feel to your surroundings when you walk or bike; you’ll notice things you never would in a car! It’s also a great way to get exercise without having to think of it as such.

When not at my desk, I can be found…
Pursuing graduate studies in sustainability at Portland State University, cooking up tasty vegetarian meals, practicing Spanish, researching and writing about local food policy, winning at Scrabble, and traveling the world with my super awesome husband.

Why sustainability matters to me:
Because it is the key to strong communities and a healthy planet.  Sustainability is not only about conservation but innovation and collaboration.  It is about creating vibrant local economies and food systems, gaining more from life by using less, and realizing that we all have a responsibility to tread lightly on a world that has finite resources.  As Paul Hawken says:

“All people and institutions, including commerce, governments, schools, churches, and cities, need to learn from life and re-imagine the world from the bottom up, based on first principles of justice and ecology.”

Favorite non-human species:
Horses!