About the Election:
The Oregon Chapter Executive Committee (ExCom) manages the organizational and operational activities of the Oregon Chapter. It is composed of nine elected at-large representatives and one appointed representative from each of the local groups and networks across the state. At-large members serve two-year terms. The members elected in 2023 will begin their term in January 2024.
This year, there are five spots open for election; all candidates listed on the ballot have been interviewed and recommended by the Chapter’s Nominations Committee. Our candidates are:
- Selena Blick
- Evan Reynolds
- Kelly Smith
- Virginia Tarango
- Evelyn Whitlock
Read their candidate statements at the bottom of this webpage.
How to Vote:
Your membership number is required to vote so your ballot can be verified by the Elections Committee. Your member number can be found in the email you received on October 10 about the election, on your membership card, on the mailing label of your Sierra Magazine, or by accessing Sierra Club MyAccount. If you need assistance, you can contact Member Care at member.care@sierraclub.org or (415) 557-1100.
If you hold a joint membership, each individual under the joint membership should submit their own ballot using the same membership number. Visit the ballot and vote, then instruct the other member to click on the link again to cast the second vote.
If you're a member of a local Group, please keep an eye out for a separate ballot for your Group-only elections.
Voting closes November 10th, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.
We are stronger because of your participation in electing our leadership.
Thank you!
Chapter Nominations/Elections Committee: Julie Arrington, Walter Englert, Noelle Smith
Candidate Statements:
Selena Blick
I have lived in Oregon most of my life and have long been passionate about exploring and caring for wild places, as well as fighting the social injustices caused by environmental and climate destruction. During my time as a student at the University of Oregon, I led a student climate activism group, spearheaded the initiative to update the University’s Climate Action Plan, chaired the Student Sustainability Network, and was awarded the Student Leadership in Sustainability Award. In 2020, I started working for 350 Eugene as their Communications Coordinator and later helped coordinate our Fossil Free Eugene coalition as well.
Most recently, I have been teaching Outdoor School at Camp Tamarack while serving on the Executive Committee for the Oregon Chapter and leading our Volunteer Communications Team. I am excited to keep doing this work and helping the chapter be the best it can be.
Evan Reynolds
For many years, I was mainly a passive Sierra Club member until 2020's pivotal events inspired me to take on a leadership role with the Oregon Sierra Club’s Clean Energy Task Force, including 2021’s successful Oregon Clean Energy Opportunity campaign. Last year, I joined the Chapter Executive Committee and helped recruit six new ExCom members. In January, the ExCom appointed me Co-Chair with Virginia Tarango, and our work has only just begun! We need to continue to build a volunteer leadership pipeline and work with our new Chapter Director to map out a long-term Oregon strategy. The 2024 election cycle means we need to revitalize our Political Committee, tap into the grassroots energy of our Groups, and leverage the strengths of our Conservation and Legislative Committees. As an elected ExCom member, I look forward to continuing to rebuild a lasting foundation for the Oregon Sierra Club.
Kelly O. Smith
For a while now, I have specialized in getting people outside into wild areas. I seek a role with the Chapter to promote fun and competency within the organization. A strong outings program will complement the important conservation work we do.
My involvement with the Oregon Chapter began back when Reagan assaulted our wild lands. I served for a couple years as the Bureau of Land Management issues coordinator when we made decisions about how to protect old growth trees on the west side of Oregon while assessing the river canyon, desert landscape, lava flow, and mountainous terrain of central and eastern Oregon as wilderness.
Born in Oregon, I have spent time in the Northwest and Alaska. I raft, sea kayak, hike, ski, bike, and paddle wild rivers. I want to help save the Owyhee Canyonlands. I am a first aid and outdoor leadership instructor who enjoys organizing adventures to get our members out there!
Virginia Tarango
Hi, I’m Virginia Tarango. I moved to Oregon after college. Like many before me, I fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. As I’ve climbed, hiked and backpacked, I’ve been moved by the spectacular places and views. But our planet is more than a playground. A healthy planet is essential to the survival of all living things.
During the past 8 years, I’ve enjoyed working alongside amazing volunteers. Our efforts have accomplished some big wins. Currently, I co-chair the Oregon Chapter Executive Committee. Previous roles I’ve held include Hiring Manager, Clean Energy Task Force Chair, Chapter Political Committee Chair and Chapter Executive Committee member.
Sierra Club’s work is aligned with my values and working towards our vision gives me hope. I’m committed to furthering the Chapter’s ability to ensure environmental justice is centered in our efforts and to build a supportive environment for volunteers. Thank you for your consideration.
Evelyn Whitlock
I’m a recently retired public health and preventive medicine physician, and have been a Sierra Club member since 1996. After a career in health research, I’m devoting time in retirement to causes of concern, including climate change, environmental and social justice, and sustainability. I completed a Climate Responder Certificate Course for Health Professionals through Columbia University in 2022 and work with various local climate change and equity advocacy organizations, including Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility. I’ve served on the Oregon Chapter ExCom since October 2022 as Treasurer and am standing for election to a two-year ExCom term to continue efforts to address racial/environmental justice and preserve our environment for future generations. If elected, I will continue working broadly on these issues and on ensuring our Chapter's financial accountability and fiscal stewardship practices help us achieve impact on the critical environmental and justice challenges we face in Oregon.