President
Former Eugene City Councilor, Labor Union Representative

Claire Syrett serves on the Eugene City Council representing Ward 7 and is employed by the Oregon Nurses Association as the labor relations representative for nurses at Lane County PeaceHealth hospitals. A resident of Whiteaker, Claire and her husband, Davey, along with their dog, Archer, enjoy walking, playing disc golf, and birding in Eugene and Lane County parks.

Treasurer
Retired, CPA

Mark has been a resident of Eugene since 2007. Before his retirement, he worked for a CPA firm in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mark has over 35 years of experience providing accounting and audit services for profit and not for profit organizations. He has assisted numerous organizations set up and monitor financial systems. He enjoys outdoor activities and traveling.

Board Member
Scholar of landscape

Kenneth I. Helphand is Knight Professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Oregon. He is the recipient of distinguished teaching awards from UO and the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture. Helphand has guest lectured at dozens of universities and is the author of award-winning books. Helphand is the recipient of the Bradford Williams Medal.

Board Member
Problem Solver

Kearstin, with 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, civic work, and community engagement, now serves as the Chief of Strategy at SF Parks Alliance. She’s previously held key roles at United Way Bay Area, and SF Beautiful. Kearstin, her wife, and two young kids recently moved to Eugene, her wife’s hometown, and love it.

Board Member
Podiatric Surgeon

Dusty was groomed to be a concert trombonist. In college he was bit by the skiing bug and has never been the same. After working in the ski industry for 10 years he finished his degree in Outdoor Therapeutic Recreation and worked in Utah with at-risk youth. Though he now practices Podiatric Medicine, access to recreation is a strong focus. He lives with his wife and two kids in Eugene. 

Board Member
General Surgeon

Andrew McIvor has lived in Eugene off and on since 1994, and has long been impressed by its parks system. As a long-time naturophile, he has a strong belief that bringing nature into the city enhances everyone’s life. He works as a general surgeon at McKenzie Willamette Medical Center in Springfield, and hikes and bikes and canoes whenever he can. He lives with his wife Maura in southeast Eugene.

Board Member
Retired

Pat and his wife Beth have lived in Eugene for nearly thirty years. They enjoy hiking the numerous trails available in the community. Pat believes accessible and well-maintained parks are one of the hallmark of a vibrant community. He is a retired business owner and communications executive.

Board Member
Park Enthusiast and Supporter

John and his family have been, and continue to be high-level consumers of parks and open spaces. In collaboration with his wife, Pem, they are honored to support the “Rivers to Ridges” vision. The Eugene Parks Foundation is part of Pem and John’s commitment to “pay it forward” for parks.

Board Emeritus
Community Volunteer

Linda retired from the Springfield School District in 2001 where she taught English and ESL. After retiring, she worked for Pacific University as a student teacher supervisor until 2007. She recently co-chaired the Riverloop Connection project with her husband Steve. She spends her free time traveling, walking, hiking, and enjoying music, dance, and theater.

Division Manager
Parks and Open Space, City of Eugene

Craig has been in public service for 18 years working as a landscape planner, urban forester, parks and facilities manager, and now as the Parks and Open Space Division Director for the City of Eugene. He is passionate about working to integrate nature into our city and believes parks and recreation are what help people to be healthy, build community, and protect our local environment.