Staff
The NWEI Team
Mike Mercer: Executive Director
email: mike@nwei.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@nwei.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@nwei.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@nwei.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
email: rob@nwei.org
What I do at NWEI:
I expand the mission of NWEI to multiple sectors of the community by finding individuals and organizations interested in fostering leadership towards sustainability among members of their communities through NWEI discussion courses and annual EcoChallenge. I also assist NWEI in the sustainable use and integration of online technology to enhance the reach of our national network.
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@nwei.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@nwei.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!
Liz Zavodsky, Development Associate
What I do at NWEI:
I am the Development Associate. I work with Kerry and Mike on our fundraising, memberships, and events and programs.
My favorite thing about not driving to work:
I’m still working on that one…..I think I have found a bus route that will allow me to walk across our incredible bridges and enjoy being in this lovely city.
When not at my desk, I can be found:
Enjoying the Oregon outdoors, spending time with friends and family, hiking, reading, cooking, eating the yummy food in Portland, and hopefully riding my bike soon.
Why sustainability matters to me:
Sustainability matters to me because we need to care for all of the things we love in this world (our trees, our oceans, animals, and beautiful outdoors) so others will be able to enjoy them, learn from them, and appreciate them as well. It’s our respect of all of these things connected that create vibrant, healthy humans and planet.
My favorite non-human species:
Elephants and Whales.
