Who we are

Originally founded in 2002 as the Columbia Gorge Earth Center, Gorge Owned is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community-building organization working toward resilient, thriving communities across the Columbia River Gorge. In addition to seasonal initiatives and year-round public education supporting our mission, we deliver three flagship programs annually: GO! Local, the Sense of Place lecture series, and Community Conversations (the latter of which has taken forms over the years like Green Drinks, Books and Brews.) These programs help people make real connections, strengthen community, and foster a healthy local economy.

Gorge Owned Staff and Board

Sarah Fox

Sense of Place Host and Curator

sop@gorgeowned.org
(503) 679-9880

Hood River resident Sarah Fox is producer and host of the podcast Hear in the Gorge. Her work has appeared on Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) and she’s built her career on a desire to discover, understand, and amplify the stories of others. The Hear in the Gorge podcast began as a complement to Sense of Place, and a way to share untold or overlooked stories of the Columbia River Gorge. In 2019 and entering its milestone 10th season, Sarah stepped in for longtime GO! board and staff member Amanda Lawrence to take the reins as Host and Curator of the Sense of Place lecture series.

Bethany Keeley

Board President

bethany@gorgeowned.org
(541) 728-8255

Bethany Keeley is an Oregon native who grew up in Bend with a great appreciation for all activities in the outdoors. Bethany graduated Oregon Institute of Technology with a Bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Sciences. She currently works as an Xray Technologist in both The Dalles and in Hood River. She is passionate about being a life long learner and found the GO ‘Sense of Place’ a beautiful intersection of people and place. She believes that communities can change the world. When Bethany isn’t outdoors on a trail, she can be found experimenting in the kitchen over a new recipe or out in her garden.

Becky Brun

Outgoing Board President, becky@gorgeowned.org

In 2010, Becky launched Gorge Owned Business Network as a program under the Columbia Gorge Earth Center. Becky is a professional writer, editor and public relations consultant. She is the owner of Pitchfork Communications, a public relations firm helping small and large businesses tell their compelling stories. Driven by her interest in smart-growth planning and local economic development, she has served on the Hood River City Council. An avid cyclist, runner, skier and gardener, she lives in Hood River with her husband Jonathan.

Jodie Gates

Treasurer

Lauren Kolojejchick-Kotch

Secretary, coordinator@gorgeowned.org

Kate Grenadier

Board Member

Laura Klement

Board Member