Committees

Want to get more involved with ORTWS? Consider joining one of our committees! Scroll down for short descriptions and current members.

Annual Conference Planning Committee

The Annual Conference is the largest event our board plans each year, and takes dedicated time and energy. We are always looking for members willing to pitch-in and bring new ideas to the table!  Have a suggestion for something you'd like to see change from a previous conference?  Get involved to help make that change happen!

Current Members: Jenniffer Bakke (chair), Mikal Cline, Nancy Doran, Jeremy Thompson, all other board members
Contact: ortws@ortws.org

Audit Committee

We conduct an internal audit of our financial records each year, to ensure the chapter is being financially responsible and hold our Treasurer accountable.  We are always looking for members with financial expertise to join this committee.

Current Members: Betsy Glenn (chair), Nancy Doran, Mikal Cline, Jenniffer Bakke
Contact: ortws@ortws.org

Awards Committee

Solicits nominations for and administers the awards program, which includes all chapter professional, civic, and presentation awards.

Current Members: AJ Kroll (chair), Mikal Cline, Alina Blankenship, Katie Moriarty, Nancy Doran
Contact: ortws@ortws.org

Communications and Membership Committees

To reflect the shifting nature of information exchange, the Communications committee develops outreach strategies to get information to our members and the public. Current projects include our Facebook page and this website!

Current Communication Members: Vanessa Schroeder(chair), Alina Blankenship, Kim McCune, Griffin Fosback, Eliana Pool
Current Membership Members: Alina Blankenship (chair), Kim McCune
Contact: ortws@ortws.org

Conservation Affairs Committee

The Conservation Affairs Committee reviews administrative regulations, environmental assessments, impact statements, management plans, and other plans / proposals from the state and federal government that are relevant to Oregon’s wildlife or wildlife habitat. This committee then makes recommendations to the executive board for any action that should be taken by the chapter, typically in the form of a written and/or oral comment. In combination with the Legislative Affairs Committee, the work completed through Conservation Affairs is one of the primary ways ORTWS can positively influence the management and conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat in our state. The Conservation Affairs Committee and other ORTWS members with relevant biological expertise are actively working on a variety of issues relevant to wildlife and wildlife conservation in the state.

Current Members : TBD (chair), Mikel Cline, Jeremy Thompson, Trent Gianella
Contact: ortws@ortws.org

Diversity & Inclusion Committee

The Diversity Committee was established to provide a venue for conversations about integrating diversity, equity and inclusion principles into the inner workings of ORTWS.  We aim to provide informational resources and opportunities for growth among our membership, as well as making ORTWS more inclusive for all members of the wildlife profession.

Current Members: TBD (chair), Mikal Cline, Vanessa Schroeder, Emily Weidner, Shalynn Pack, Griffin Fosback, Jamie Bowles
Contact: ortws@ortws.org

Grants Committee

This solicits and reviews grant proposals each year.

Current Members: Betsy Glenn (chair), Mikal Cline, Jenniffer Bakke, Trent Gianella, Vanessa Schroeder, Ryan Baumbusch, Nancy Doran
Contact: ortws@ortws.org

Legislative Affairs Committee

This committee identifies priority issues in upcoming legislative sessions, develops an agenda / strategies for development and passage of Chapter proposals, and develops appropriate responses to proposed bills. This committee is critical in providing unbiased information to the Legislators representing the State of Oregon.  ORTWS provides information on wildlife issues to aid in public discussion of natural resource management in our state and promotes the application of sound science in resource management decisions.

Current Members: Derek Broman (chair), Mikal Cline
Contact: ortws@ortws.org

Nominations & Elections Committee

This committee is responsible for identifying interested parties to run for open board positions.

Current Members: AJ Kroll (chair), Mikal Cline, all other board members
Contact: ortws@ortws.org

Student Affairs Committee

The Student Affairs Committee supports wildlife students and early career professionals by engaging students and faculty in Chapter activities and emphasizes career-long benefits and opportunities of active membership in The Wildlife Society. Activities and outreach efforts extend to colleges and universities within the Oregon Chapter, regardless of student chapter affiliation or accreditation status, to encourage and foster student and recent graduate involvement in the natural resources field.

Current Members: Eliana Pack (chair), Mikal Cline, Shalynn Pack, Vanessa Schroeder, Ryan Baumbusch, Griffin Fosback, Trent Gianella
Contact: ortws@ortws.org

Workshops & Field Trips Committee

ORTWS provides seminars, workshops, field trips, and other training events to serve the continuing education needs of our members. This committee develops and organizes events that further the skills of wildlife professionals in the state of Oregon. If you wish that ORTWS would put on a workshop about a topic, this is the committee for you!

Current Members: Katie Moriarty (chair), Betsy Glenn, Mikal Cline, Ryan Baumbusch, Jenniffer Bakke, Trent Gianella
Contact: ortws@ortws.org