Board of Directors
As of February 1, 2010
CASA of Central Oregon's Board of Directors is comprised of leadership volunteers and volunteer liasons. Browse the bios of the great members that constitute our Board of Directors. If you are interested in joining please contact our office.
Board President
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Tim Koester, Retired Director of Operations/Asia-Pacific for Sun Microsystems, Bend, OR
Tim managed large, diverse teams of employees spread over a wide geographic territory. He brings his extensive management experience in customer service, business development, team building, and coaching to CASA of Central Oregon. Tim became intrigued with the work of CASA after his wife became a volunteer advocate. He believes that his professional experience can help the organization attain their long-term mission of community service and sustainability so that we will be better able to help our children reach their highest potential. |
Leadership Volunteers
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John Boylen, Vice President, Commercial Lending Group, Community First Bank, Bend, OR
John has worked 28 years in the financial services profession, including banking and risk management. He also chairs the boards for three other non-profit organizations. Regarding CASA John says, "I became aware of the needs of foster children when my wife began working with them. What solidified my commitment to CASA was my visit to the court to watch a CASA advocate in action. CASA provides these kids with a consistent contact in the community that looks out for their interests. They may change foster homes and schools, but their CASA advocate continues to work with them. This provides a source of stability in their lives." |
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Susan Stearns, Trademark Attorney and previous CASA Volunteer, Bend, OR
Susan volunteered as a CASA from 2005 to 2009. "I was brought up with a background of community service and when possible I have tried to give back to the community through community service. For the past ten years I have not had the time to volunteer. Now that I have the time, as an attorney, I would like to be involved in the CASA program. I feel this program will help children in a way that is very important and I feel that my legal background will assist me understand the system and help children through it." Susan joined the CASA board in July 2009. |
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Jeanne Berry, Retired Public School Administrator, Educator and former Mayor, Bend OR
As a public school administrator and educator for twenty five years, then as a Mayor for eight years, Jeanne has dedicated her life to family systems and the community. Her work with the local community and with schools led her to various committees and board positions at the regional, state and federal level. After retiring in Central Oregon, Jeanne has served on neighborhood boards, and worked with Volunteers in Medicine. Jeanne has been a foster parent, and worked with school districts to structure programs for children with needs for special services. |
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Sarah Harlos, Litigation Associate at local law office,
Bend, OR
Sarah has a long history of community service. While attending Oregon State University she volunteered with the Victim Assistance Program at Benton County District Attorney's office. She continued her volunteer work while at Lewis and Clark's Law School in the Small Business Legal Clinic. In this role she provided business transactional legal advice to low-income and minority business owners. She graduated from law school in 2008 and now resides in Bend. She learned of CASA's work from her sister and mother who are both social workers. She is very excited to serve on CASA's board. |
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Bob Newhart, CEO of Innovation Center,
Bend, OR
Bob provides energy and strong leadership at the Innovation Center. The Center is a nonprofit organization commited to guiding individuals and organizations to "discover and launch their future through creativity and innovation." Bob has over thirty years of management experience working in the public, private and the non-profit sectors. He has worked with three NW state goveners, testified on small business issues before the U.S. Senate and served on numerous boards through out the N.W. Bob is thrilled to share is experience and expertise with CASA as a board member. |
CASA Volunteer Liasons
CASA volunteer liasons act as the link between the board and our CASA volunteers. If volunteers have a question or concern for the board they contact a volunteer liason who then approaches the board.
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Meryl Koester, Retired Investment Advisor, Bend, OR
Meryl joined CASA in 2008 and brings strong communication, organizational and business development skills to the Non-Profit world. I strongly believe that children are our future and that they deserve the best childhood possible. I currently volunteer as a CASA child advocate in Deschutes County and feel that acting as a Board Liason gives me an additional voice for the children that we serve. I also volunteer as an English language tutor for adult learners through the Hispanic Community Association, because I believe that mastery of language is vital for family literacy and learning. |
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Ev Tackla, Retired, Crooked River Ranch, OR
Ev joined CASA in 2006. "There is a great need to mentor young parents and help them appreciate their children. I love children and am always saddened when I read or see such bewildering behavior to children."
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CASA of Central Oregon Board of Directors are residents of either Crook, Deschutes, or Jefferson County communities. Each member donates many hours per year to the CASA mission. Members are selected based on their interests and community involvements. Please contact us if you are interested in joining our Board of Directors.
1130 NW Harriman St, Ste. 122 ‹› Bend, OR 97701 ‹› 541.389.1618 ‹› 541.383.2826 fax
Madras 541.475.9426 ‹› Prineville 541.447.7220
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