Our Key Volunteers and Staff

Diane Hodiak, Executive Director

In addition to being the co-founder of 350Deschutes, Diane started 3 other nonprofit organizations. She has worked in various management positions for nonprofit organizations, from program director to public relations and executive director. After she completed her MBA, she became a management consultant to nonprofit organizations in management, planning and fundraising. At that time, she was a regular conference/seminar presenter and co-authored two books for nonprofits. She is currently the volunteer host for CarbonFreeda’s Powerup, a radio show about climate change for KPOV 88.9, Central Oregon. 

Nora Harren,  Youth Educator and Electrify Bend

Nora is a student at Oregon State University, where she is studying Environmental Policy and Economics. Driven by a strong desire to protect our natural environment, Nora has involved herself in various initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental justice. Her involvement in sustainability projects across Idaho, Washington, and Oregon underscores her passion for environmental advocacy and activism. With a background in outdoor education and hailing from Idaho, Nora understands the importance of prioritizing environmental conservation firsthand. She continuously seeks opportunities to integrate sustainability into every aspect of her life, making it a central tenet of her values and actions.

Working Board

Noel Nelson – Board Chair

Noel Nelson was born and raised by two loving parents, R. Bryan and Deanna Nelson in John Day, OR. His father was a passionate ecologist, conservationist, forest fire investigator, and avid science fiction fan who inspired his son to care deeply about a cleaner and brighter future for mankind through advanced nuclear energy. In pursuit of that dream he obtained his Baccalaureate degree in nuclear engineering from Oregon State University in 2012, and his Master’s and Ph.D in nuclear engineering from NC State University in 2014 and 2018 respectively. He joined Oak Ridge National Laboratory as a researcher in 2020 focused on developing machine learning and space and advanced nuclear systems. He joined 350 Deschutes as a volunteer in 2022 and as a board member this year.

John Reuland – Treasurer,  Officer
John is an avid volunteer for many birding and environmental organizations. Addressing climate change is also among his many passions and concerns. Retired now, his career experience includes many years in the financial industry working in operations and as a consultant to financial investment operations within the banking industry.  Born with an affinity for detail and numbers, John sees this volunteer opportunity as an ideal fit

Jason Wey – At Large Board Member

Jason Wey is the Wholesale Risk Manager for Beneficial State Bank, a B Corp and CDFI with a vision for an economy that restores our planet and extends prosperity to all. He has 20+ years of experience in the financial services industry and currently serves on the Bend Chapter Board of the Risk Management Association (RMA). Jason also has a passion for the outdoors and physical activity, having volunteered for entities such as National Ski Patrol and on the board for the Montrose Recreation District in Colorado. In his free time, he enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his wife, son, and two daughters skiing, whitewater rafting, and hiking.

Stephanie Dakin – At Large Board Member

Stephanie is a passionate human resources professional who cares deeply about inclusive workplaces and environmental justice. Stephanie has a Bachelors of Science from the University of Oregon. She double majored in Political Science as well as Sociology. Additionally, she is working towards an MBA from Regis University. Stephanie worked with 350 Deschutes for two years as a volunteer before joining the board. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys paddleboarding, downhill skiing, handbuilding ceramics, and spending time with friends and family.

Ken Wilkins – At Large Board Member

Ken Wilkins is recently arrived in Central Oregon where he has been delighted to connect with kindred spirits in 350Deschutes. He is emeritus professor of biology at Baylor University, with degrees from University of Texas at Arlington, Texas A&M and the University of Florida. He was privileged to teach courses in vertebrate biology and ecology. His and his graduate students’ research focused on ecology, biogeography and conservation of mammals, with projects funded by the Nature Conservancy, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and the National Institutes of Health. Field work has taken Ken to many ecosystems through much of North and Latin America, including Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, and many sites in the American Southeast, Southwest and West Coast. At Baylor, he also served in administration as associate dean in the Graduate School and the College of Arts and Sciences. He has a long-time commitment to sound environmental practices and to leaving a livable planet to our children, grandchildren and future generations.

Kay Whiting Watanabe – Honorary Member

As a committed advocate of sustainability, Kay served as a Managing Director for the Billion People Project (501c3), an innovative social network seeking to mobilize people around the world to preserve the environment through small, everyday actions. As a member of 350 Deschutes, she is bringing not only a passion for our environment but understands the urgency of taking action. Kay also brings over 30 years of marketing and communications experience in the information technology industry, most recently as Global Head of Digital Transformation Communications for the international conglomerate ABB. Kay served three terms as commissioner (five years as Chair) in Redwood City, CA and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business from St. Mary’s College of California.

Advisory Board

Riccardo Waites

As the executive director of COBLA, the Central Oregon Black Leaders Assembly. COBLA works to uplift the underserved, from jobs to basic services and needs. Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Ric has lived in Bend for more than 20 years. He is also a former submarine veteran and business owner. 

Jasmine Wilder

Jasmine is a content creator and business owner who specializes in independent publishing projects. My background is in corporate communications, public relations, and marketing strategy. I am passionate about the continual transformation of the communications industry and the emerging digital and technological trends that are reshaping our shared global landscape.

Jonathan W Smith

Small business owner, Vice Chair CTWS-Land Use Planning Committee, CTWS Fish and Wildlife Committee, CRITFC Commissioner, Warm Springs Community Action Team Board of Directors.

Greg Delgado

Greg was raised on a small farm in Sahuarita, Arizona by an economically disadvantaged family  . His parents instilled in him a strong sense of compassion and desire to work hard for the people in his community. Over 10 years ago Greg moved to Bend and became involved with Jobs with Justice and CAUSA after seeing first hand the abuses of workers.  During his time as a community organizer, Greg has developed extensive relationships with labor unions, the Latino community, and elected officials across the state. Greg has fought tirelessly on behalf of his community for Drivers Cards, Organizing Hospital Workers, Ban the Box Legislation, A Better Oregon Revenue Campaign, and Protection from Racial Profiling Legislation. He looks forward to carrying on his work on the campaign trail and in the Oregon State Senate.

Freddy Finjay Jordet

Freddy is the leader of the Deschutes Youth Climate Coalition. He and his group regularly work with 350Deschutes on climate actions. Freddy has been an organizer for OLCV, the Oregon League of Conservation Voters. He is currently a student at Willamette University.