Our Leadership

Trustees

  • Barrett Brown

    Barrett Brown

    For 30 years, Barrett’s family has owned a small timber farm in Washington County, where they manage the property for wood production, recreation trails, diverse habitats, and carbon solutions. His family has enjoyed riding dirt bikes on state forests for five generations. Barrett supports the Trust because he has experienced firsthand what shared outdoor experience can do for families and believes this binding, unifying effect can be equally positive across all of our communities.

  • Michael Langley

    Michael Langley

    Michael grew up enjoying all the activities that the Tillamook and the other state forests had to offer: exploring, hunting, fishing, and gathering in the state forest. His family explored ungated roads and discovered hidden gems. As a member of the Grand Ronde Tribe he has advocated for sustainable forest management, balancing tradition with conservation. He believes excursions into state forests not only promote physical health but also preserve ancestral and modern narratives, enriching mental well-being.

  • Dave Lorenz

    Dave Lorenz

    Following a 35-year career with the Oregon Department of Forestry, Dave is excited for his role as a trustee. He enjoys helping others connect with Oregon's state forests, which he believes are the best-managed public forests anywhere. Forests were a big part of his childhood and have always been a place of solace. Daily, Dave can still be found hiking, fishing, camping, biking or disc golfing amongst the trees.

  • Woman sitting on a large rock outdoors with autumn trees and cloudy sky

    Erin Skaar

    Erin Skaar is a Tillamook County Commissioner with a passion for the outdoors. Growing up in central Oregon, hiking and camping were always a part of her family’s life and are activities she continues to do today. As a commissioner, Erin has many areas of focus and is delighted to work with the State Forest Trust!

  • A woman with long gray hair standing outdoors, with a large pine tree and blue sky with some clouds in the background.

    Lori Wigle

    Lorie is a native Oregonian who grew up in Bandon as part of a logging family. After graduating from the University of Oregon, she spent 36 years at Intel working in a variety of business roles, including managing the company’s Eco-Technology efforts and leading the Climate Savers Computing industry consortium. Since retiring in 2020, she’s dedicated her time to non-profits, including the Community Horse Sanctuary, Portland Literacy Council, and the State Forests Trust of Oregon.

  • Maura Olivos

    Maura Olivos is an Urban Conservation Technician with the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District, and the author of Forestry for the Birds of Western Oregon. She is passionate about promoting access for everyone to the magic and wonder of Oregon Forests. We are delighted to welcome her to the State Forests Trust Board of Trustees.

  • Rick Zenn

    Rick Zenn is an internationally respected environmental educator with more than 30 years professional experience in the field as a naturalist, teacher, program manager, non-profit executive, trainer, and consultant. He is the first Senior Fellow at the World Forestry Center having served as the center’s popular education director for nearly 20 years. Zenn directed the Hagenstein Lectures “Emerging Voices in Forestry” series and the World Forestry Center International Educators Institute (IEI), a residential leadership program for accomplished scientists, land managers, and teachers which he founded in 1996. Zenn received the prestigious Rudolf Schafer Award from the American Forest Foundation, the Master Front Line Interpreter National Award from NAI, and the Gold Leaf Award from the International Society of Arboriculture. He is a frequent host for educators, foresters, scientists, and government leaders from around the world.

Staff

Virginia Ohler, Executive Director
Virginia comes to the Trust with a passion for non-profit development with more than 20 years’ experience working with a wide variety of organizations including churches, social services, non-profit housing, and arts and culture organizations.  Virginia specializes in organizational development and operational excellence. She thrives on collaboration and is thrilled about the Trust’s work to connect people with the heritage and wonders of our state forests. On weekends, you'll often find her hiking in the woods, on the beaches, or gardening.

Our Guiding Values

  • We value the natural assets of Oregon’s state forests for the many benefits they bring to diverse communities.

  • We value our donors and honor their intent to make a positive, lasting impact.

  • We value Oregon’s indigenous people’s historical connection to these lands and are committed to respecting and learning from their culture, history, and land management.

  • We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and seek to promote these principles with staff, Board, and partners.

  • We value robust and mutually beneficial multi-sector health, recreation, sustainability, and education partnerships.

  • We value collaborating with the Oregon Department of Forestry to deepen connections with its many stakeholders.

  • We value conducting our operations with complete transparency.