Staff

The NWEI Team

From left to right: Kerry, Meg, Sarah, Monica, Dani, Chris, Mike, Deb, Kate

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?

Kate Rinder, Outreach and Volunteer Program Coordinator
 email: kate at nwei dot org

What I do at NWEI:
I work with the rest of the Outreach team to make and cultivate connections with individuals and organizations to spread NWEI discussion courses.  I also coordinate and work with our wonderful volunteers to help further spread NWEI’s mission of promoting sustainability.

My favorite thing about not driving to work:
There is something very satisfying about using your own power to bike to work, plus it is a great way to wake up.  And you cannot beat reading and people-watching on the bus.

When not at my desk, I can be found…
Reading, rock climbing, cooking, traveling, camping, hiking, canoeing…anything involving spending time outdoors!

Why sustainability matters to me:
I believe humans have forgotten that they are a part of, and not above the ecosystems we interact with.  Sustainability is important, because it is a piece of how we can try to return to a state of balance.  Personally, I am happiest whenever I am out spending time in nature.  As a result, sustainability is important to me because I want to always have the ability to enjoy our natural world, and I want future generations to be able to do the same.

My favorite non-human species: Horses & wombats

Kerry Brown 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:
butterflies and dogs.

Meg O'Brien, Curriculum Coordinator:
 email: meg at nwei dot org

What I do at NWEI:
As the Curriculum Coordinator, I revise existing course books and guide the development of new course books.  I work with the Curriculum Assistant and an amazing group of NWEI volunteers who assist on these projects. I get to read a lot!

My favorite thing about not driving to work:
Cycling across the river-even on the grayest of days, it’s beautiful.

When not at my desk, I can be found…
Playing with my two children, on my bicycle, reading a book, or dancing at a céili.

Why sustainability matters to me:
A deep sense of gratitude and responsibility for this living Earth inspires me to work toward sustainability.   And being a parent stirs some pretty strong instincts around preserving a livable planet for future generations. 

My favorite non-human species:
Birds.

Deb McNamara, Director of Business Partnerships:
 email: deborah at nwei dot org

What I do at NWEI:
As the Director of Business Partnerships, I work with the business community in catalyzing NWEI discussions about sustainability both for the benefit of individual employees and organizational development.  I also support NWEI’s partner organizations and local 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 at Root Whole Body Wellness Center, cooking or taking walks in Oregon’s beautiful forests.

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.
                      

Sarah Menzies, Outreach Coordinator:
 email: sarah at nwei dot org

What I do at NWEI:
Most of my attention is focused towards connecting with food communities, faith groups, and higher education segments to inspire them to start discussing sustainable social change.

My favorite thing about not driving to work:
My favorite thing about not driving is feeling the fresh air on my face as I ride my bike into work.  I also love coming over the bridge early in the morning and getting that first glance of the river, the city, and the tree line... catching the sunrise ain't so bad either! 

When not at my desk, I can be found…
Climbing!  I also love hiking in the trees and mountains, camping, skiing, playing on water, riding my bike, practicing crazy yoga poses, and getting to know the different areas of Portland and what they have to offer.

Why sustainability matters to me:
I want to protect the things that I love on this planet.  I want future generations to be able to play outside, eat fresh local and organic food, and breath clean air like I have been able to do.

My favorite non-human species:
I love madrone trees found on the northwest coastlines.  Their roots grow deeper than what is visible above ground, which makes them a very metaphoric species.  Plus, I think that their peeling red and green bark is beautiful!

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 daughter (Vy) 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.