MRWC Staff

Deb Merchant, Executive Director

Born and raised in Oregon, Deb Merchant brings 20 years of environmental non-profit experience at the local, regional, statewide and national scales. Deb’s background in program management and fundraising in the name of natural resource conservation and protection provides her with well-rounded skills to support the work of MRWC. Her environmental passion was ignited from living stream-side in a log cabin where wildlife and wild habitats surrounded her every day. A graduate of Marylhurst University, Deb brings her perspective of environment, equity and economics to her work.  Her first encounter with watershed councils was as a volunteer, coordinating people and activities for the Sandy River Basin Watershed Council. In her free time, Deb can be found with a camera in her hand as she pursues a lifelong passion for conservation photo journalism. In addition you might cross paths with her while hiking, biking, kayaking and snowshoeing.

Kathleen Westly, Education & Restoration Project Manager

Kathleen earned degrees in History and Business Administration from Lewis and Clark College. She has volunteered in a number of capacities, including helping to found Muddy Creek Charter School in Corvallis where she served as the Board Secretary. She is enthusiastic about engaging students in their place and helping them to become active stewards of the watershed. She uses her experience and knowledge as a 15 year watershed landowner and a decades-long avid gardener in her planting work, both with students and in conjunction with MRWC stream restoration projects.