Our Staff

Emma Smith

Emma Smith

Stewardship and Restoration Project Manager - North Watershed Region

Emma lives in Aurora and is passionate about native plants, floodplain restoration, and beavers. Emma brings a diverse background of experiences to her role and is excited to focus more work on the floodplain forest planting projects Lower Pudding. 

Kurt Berning

Kurt Berning

Executive Director

Kurt grew up in Mt. Angel and worked in finance and accounting before joining Pudding River WC as the Executive Director. His vision for the Pudding River Watershed Council includes growth to 5+ staff members and managing an exciting portfolio of projects in the watershed.

MacKayla Fithian

MacKayla Fithian

Stewardship and Restoration Project Manager - South Watershed Region

Mac lives in Silverton, and fell in love with the Pudding River watershed by volunteering up at Silver Falls State Park. After earning a Masters in Natural Resources from Oregon State and working as USDA,  Mac joined the Pudding team.

Markie Hess

Markie Hess

Restoration Specialist

Markie grew up near Monitor along Butte Creek and brings hands on experience as a farm manager and service professional, as well as a fisheries and wildlife BS from Oregon state, to her work supporting Pudding River restoration projects and community events.

Our Board

Jeff Butsch - Vice Chair

Jeff Butsch - Vice Chair

Interest Group - Agriculture

Bob Qualey

Bob Qualey

Interest Group - Forestry

Carlee Michelson

Carlee Michelson

Interest Group - Science

Caitlin Oxley - Secretary

Caitlin Oxley - Secretary

Interest Group - Wildlife

Tanner Burke

Tanner Burke

Geographic Area - Lower Pudding

Ray Eder

Ray Eder

Geographic Area - Middle Pudding

Cole Grube - Treasurer

Cole Grube - Treasurer

Geographic Area - Headwaters Pudding

Jason Marshall - Board Chair

Jason Marshall - Board Chair

Geographic Area - Tributaries, East

Mary West

Mary West

Geographic Area - Tributaries, North