Steve
For Steve, safety is a thread that runs through both his professional and personal life. As a safety consultant, Steve helps maintain NW Natural's commitment to keeping employees safe while they work. In his personal time, as a long-time volunteer with Mt. Hood Ski Patrol, Steve helps keep people safe on the mountain.
For over 37 years, Steve has contributed to the patrol in various capacities, including as an instructor for medical and avalanche training programs, and as an active ski patroller. His volunteer work also extends beyond the mountain to supporting local running and bike race events in the Cascade Locks and Portland metro areas.
"As a Mt. Hood ski patrol volunteer, Steve's tenure is the longest and in alignment with company core values the strongest," said NW Natural's director of environmental policy and corporate responsibility. “Steve and the rest of the safety team travel throughout our workplaces across the territory. His dedication to safety and earnest commitment to making sure we all leave work as whole as we started is well known everywhere we do work. It is a privilege to also recognize his volunteer service.”
Darren
Darren, NW Natural’s Chief Legal Counsel, was recently named 2022 Volunteer of the Year for applying his passion for history and education to serving the community.
We recognized Darren for his work on the Board of Trustees of the Oregon Historical Society. “At the OHS, we want to tell the story of all Oregonians,” Darren said. “We are interested in bringing Oregon's history to life, sharing new stories and new voices.”
He cites his family’s influence as the motivation to volunteer, because giving back to the community was part of his upbringing.
For example, Darren serves on the Board of Directors of the nonprofit OnPoint Community Credit Union, which has a history of serving teachers and reflects his interest in education.
Through the years, he has also provided Certified Financial Planner financial-planning services pro bono to those with limited incomes. “I find it rewarding to coach people on finances, helping them sharpen skills they can use for the rest of their lives to take control of their financial future.”
John
John – NW Natural's 2021 Volunteer of the Year – spends much of his spare time visiting U.S. Veterans Administration facilities. He sits in waiting rooms and talks to veterans who look like they could use some support.
"You can see it in their faces," he said.
The suicide rate for veterans in Oregon is significantly higher than the national rate, and John’s VA visits are part of his commitment to saving veterans' lives. That mission is behind Operation Spartan Flags, a nonprofit he created to support veterans having difficulty re-entering civilian life.
The mission of the organization is to reduce suicide and the effects of PTSD among veterans by creating opportunities and networks where veterans can pursue a new skill in an environment of camaraderie, support and healing.
Operation Spartan Flags is just the latest endeavor in John’s life of service, which started with four years in the U.S. Marines. He was deployed to hot spots all over East Asia and the Middle East. Since he joined NW Natural in 2003, he has served in the Air Force Reserves and the U.S. Coast Guard.
"While in the Marines, I made a pact with myself that if I made it back, I would do whatever I needed to help young men know that their lives are worthwhile," he said. Every day, he works to fulfill that pledge.
For his longstanding dedication to his community, John was honored with the 2018 First Citizen Award from the Wilsonville Rotary Club. NW Natural is proud to recognize him as the 2021 Volunteer of the Year.
