Our Staff

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
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
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
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
Interest Group - Agriculture

Bob Qualey
Interest Group - Forestry

Carlee Michelson
Interest Group - Science

Caitlin Oxley - Secretary
Interest Group - Wildlife

Tanner Burke
Geographic Area - Lower Pudding

Ray Eder
Geographic Area - Middle Pudding

Cole Grube - Treasurer
Geographic Area - Headwaters Pudding

Jason Marshall - Board Chair
Geographic Area - Tributaries, East

Mary West
Geographic Area - Tributaries, North