Ben Sappington | Board President & Big Brother to Jordin, Age 12
Director of Regional Prosperity at the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
Ben has been a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lane County since fall of 2009. Ben serves as a mentor to 12 year old Jordin along with his Board responsibilities. During the day, Ben leads the economic development efforts for the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce through its Regional Prosperity Initiative. Ben also serves on the board of United Way of Lane County and Bridgeway House.
Dan Nelson | Treasurer & Big Brother to Shane, Age 13
Project Manager, Branch Engineering
Dan has been a Big Brother since the spring of 2009. Dan recently joined the Board of Directors after serving as President of the BBBS Leadership Board for the past year.
Caroline Cummings | Immediate Past President
CEO/Co-founder at RealLead, LLC
Caroline relocated to Eugene from Philadelphia in April 2004. Shortly after, she became a mentor to a thirteen-year old female youth through BBBS of Lane County. Caroline was hired by the BBBS of Lane County Board to lead the organization’s resource development efforts, which she led for one year before departing to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship. She is currently the CEO/co-founder of RealLead.com – a technology start-up company that serves the real estate market.
Corinne McElroy | Board Member
CEO/Owner of Edge of Change
Corinne has been on the BBBS of Lane County Board of Directors since December 2009. Corinne McElroy is the CEO and Owner of Edge Of Change, a company that works with leadership coaching and training for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and independent professionals. She knows that leadership is a relative term. Too often, it is simply defined by the person who is in the leadership role, rather than being defined by the critical attributes and characteristics that personify positive, active, motivated and effective leaders. This is why she feels so strongly about BBBS of Lane County’s mentoring programs. Corinne moved to Eugene with her husband Michael and their two daughters Sheena and Breanna in January 2003 from Las Vegas.
Dean Hansen | Board Member
Senior VP Relationship Banking at Pacific Continental Bank
Dean joined the board of BBBS in 2011. Dean has served on many non-profit boards, and was recently honored to receive the Alton F. Baker humanitarian award from United Way. Dean was the United Way campaign co-chair in 2009. Dean is also involved in local “angel investing” activities and supports the development of start-up companies.
Donnie Hale, Ed.D | Board Member
UO Outreach & Recruitment Coordinator, University of Oregon
Dr. Hale is a faculty member in Education Studies, University of Oregon College of Education. He joined the board in 2012. He believes in giving back to the community and building equity to increase possibilities for all people. As an educator, Dr. Hale teaches and preaches inclusive education and challenges people to get involved in organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Frank Johnston | Board Member
Principal at RBC Wealth Management
Frank came to the BBBS of Lane County board of directors in April of 2009 via the Big Brother Big Sisters Board of Directors. Frank has been leading our annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraiser – which enables us to raise several thousands of dollars for our agency. Frank is an avid tennis player and bowler. He is very passionate about mentoring kids through athletics.
Jill Noland | Board Member
Franchise Owner, Sylvan Learning Centers
Roland Hoskins | Board Member
Department Director, Department of Youth Services
Linda Hamilton | Board Member
Parole & Probation Officer, Lane County Sheriff’s Office
Greg Gibson | Board Member
Staff Accountant, Moss Adams, LLP
Anne DeZarn | Board Member
Business Owner, Pacific Headwear
Board Members “At Large”
Kelli Matthews
Owner of Verve Northwest Communications/Instructor at University of Oregon
Joined the Board of Directors in June of 2010. Kelli brings a decade of public relations experience, the last eight as director of Verve Northwest Communications. She has extensive expertise delivering training, conducting strategic planning and managing implementation on social media activities.Community service is important to Kelli & she volunteers regularly. Kelli has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism & Communication, where she currently teaches public relations and social media courses.