Lara Jones
My name is Lara Jones and I am excited to run for a second term serving the Oregon Chapter Executive Committee.
Most of my life has been dedicated to exploring and protecting the natural environment. I can still hear my Mom telling me to “go outside” if I ever complained of being bored. As an adult, when I feel restless, I know getting outdoors will give me the energy and clarity I need. I believe when we have access to natural spaces, we can become happier and healthier people, inside and out.
Unfortunately, not everyone has welcoming access to public parks or open spaces. This unbearable truth carved a professional path where I can address environmental inequities by creating collaborative partnerships that elevate the lived experiences and interests of people living in low income communities, rural communities, and communities of color. Over the years, I have enjoyed coaching and supervising hundreds of AmeriCorps volunteers and environmental groups as they cultivated new relationships that authentically engaged youth and adults in environmental education, habitat restoration, sustainable gardening, and other activities that built stewardship and community resilience. It is breathtaking seeing this work take hold. The momentum is inspiring and something I am committed to moving forward.
If there was ever a time for Oregonian’s to come together to fight for justice and protect the environment, now is that time. My hope is for future generations to be able to explore and enjoy the natural environment for many decades to come. I believe that my love of nature, my professional background, and my dedication to equity, justice and inclusion will continue to be an asset to the Sierra Club and the diverse communities it serves.
Sarah Prince
Hi, my name is Sarah Prince. I am honored to be considered as a candidate for a 2-year term with the executive committee of the Sierra Club Oregon Chapter. As a native Oregonian, my mom and I spent much of my childhood adventuring all over the state, camping, hiking, backpacking, tide pooling, and just appreciating the outdoors. Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to become more familiar with Sierra Club, and have been inspired by the mission, values, and variety of programs. Like many, I am aware of the urgency and momentum needed to fuel environmental advocacy and feel that it’s more important to contribute my personal time to the local initiatives in the state of Oregon. I also have a lot to learn, and I feel this is the perfect opportunity to collaborate with others for the greater good.
For the past 14 years, I have been the Media Director at Grady Britton, a local full-service ad agency (and certified B Corporation) committed to improving, inspiring, challenging, creating for better in our work with brands like Bob’s Red Mill, Travel Portland, Sierra Club, Oregon Health Authority, and many others. In my role, I support clients by crafting impactful media strategies that build meaningful relationships between brands and consumers through modern day media. Of course, I also manage large budgets, report on campaign results, provide insights and learnings that inform future opportunities. I am very passionate about creative ideas that drive meaningful outcomes, while keeping business goals and objectives top of mind along the way.
Through the skills I have developed in my career, I have been able to contribute my time to a variety of organizations. Most recently I served on the Business Partners Steering Committee of Oregon Public Broadcast for 10 years, Mittleman Jewish Community Center and Portland Jewish Academy for 3 years, and this year I had the privilege of supporting The Community Warehouse by creating a custom visibility campaign to grow awareness while generating donations.
I feel that my life and professional experience position me nicely to contribute to Sierra Club in a meaningful way, and hope I get the opportunity to learn and grow with others in this role.
Tom Lum Forest
The Sierra Club's mission is to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet. As an outings leader since 2006, I've led hundreds of people in exploring and enjoying the planet for the Club. Growing our love of nature is key, since we protect what we love.
In 2019 I led two dozen outings, covering over 200 miles with almost 300 attendees — many of whom come back year after year – and left more people on the waiting lists. As an outings chair since 2014 I have coordinated the outings and training for the other outings leaders in Portland and Vancouver. In early March 2020 we had a training session with 11 new people interested in becoming outings leaders. Due to COVID, however, the Club hasn't sponsored outings since then.
My father was born in Hawai'i and has Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, and Native Hawai'ian ancestry. All his grandparents were in the Republic of Hawai'i by 1896. My mother, born in Vancouver WA, has English, German, and French Canadian ancestry. Her grandparents came to Oregon in 1880 with Simon Benson, who was a great-uncle of hers. I went to high school in Hillsboro OR, then to college in Cambridge MA at MIT. There I got a degree in System Dynamics — the computer modeling pioneered by MIT Prof. Jay Forrester and widely known through "Limits to Growth" and its successors. Since returning to Oregon in 1997 I've explored and enjoyed the nature and people of the Northwest.
A leader without followers is just a person taking a walk. I will use my knowledge and experience with Sierra Club outings to complement and enrich the Club's political and conservation work: protecting the planet. I'll foster connecting with nature; strengthening our community; and caring for the staff, board, and volunteers.
Thank you for your consideration.
Hilary Shohoney
Growing up on the banks of the Snake and Salmon Rivers, Hilary developed a deep love for our natural world and the ways that humans interact with it. She is passionate about using her power and privilege to do good in the world. At 10 years old she answered a “what would you do with a million dollars?” writing prompt by saying that she would feed everyone who was hungry and protect everyone in danger. Now Hilary spends her days as the Executive Director of Free Geek working to make digital inclusion a possibility for more Portlanders. Hilary worked at the Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club for 4 years and joined the Oregon Chapter Executive Committee 2 years ago, it has been a joy to support the environmental movement in Oregon in this capacity and to be a part of the Oregon Chapter again. In her spare time, you'll find her paddling, running trails, hiking or spending time with friends or Rosie, her beloved Corgi.
Chad Sorber
My name is Chad Sorber and I’m excited to be running to serve on the Oregon Chapter Executive Committee.
I’m passionate about protecting and enhancing public lands. I’ve spent years as a horticulturalist and arborist working on the front lines of maintaining and protecting parks and other public landscapes in the Portland metro area. I currently work in facilities operations, including energy management, at the state’s largest healthcare organization where I’ve gained a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of implementing renewable energy with large energy consumers.
I have a masters degree in Park and Resource Management along with a bachelors and masters degree in Business Administration. My strengths include finance/accounting, organizing teams, developing strategic plans with a fully collaborative approach, and operationalizing ambitious plans in complex environments.
As a new member of the Sierra Club, I’m inspired by it’s members and the great work you are all doing. I’m excited to learn more and actively contribute to protecting public lands, promoting renewable energy, and fighting climate change.
Please vote for me for the Oregon Chapter Executive Committee – thank you.