Staff
Angela Crowley-Koch (she/her)
Executive Director
(503) 867-3378
Angela Crowley-Koch has spent the last two decades in public policy and advocacy. Previously the Legislative Director at Oregon Environmental Council, her work was instrumental in passing the Toxic-Free Kids Act, renewing the Clean Fuels Program and getting coal out of Oregon's electricity mix, among other bills. She worked for Senator Jeff Merkley as part of his Blue Wave Project in 2018, as a Legislative Assistant in D.C., and as the call room manager on his 2008 campaign. While in D.C. she negotiated policy for Oregon in the Food Safety Modernization Act and the MAP-21 transportation package, including closing a loophole in the Buy America rules, among other policies. Angela previously served as Executive Director of Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility and is enjoying her second time in the role. Angela moved to Portland from the Chicago area in 2000 and now lives in North Portland.
Dr. Michelle Maher (she/them)
Program Director, Workforce Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Dr. Michelle Maher is an international public speaker, faculty, activist, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) workshop facilitator. She is a Syracuse University Fellow and holds a Ph.D. in the Cultural Foundations of Education and a Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies both from Syracuse University. Dr. Maher carries the torch of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in sustainable, social and environmental justice work in whatever she does. She has taught DEI coursework in the Graduate School of Education at Lewis & Clark College and Oregon State University, and in the Women's Program at Lane Community College. Michelle authored two resolutions that were approved by the National Congress of American Indians.
Alyssa Forest (she/her)
Policy and Regulatory Affairs Director
Alyssa grew up in Sacramento, California, then moved to Oregon for college. She graduated with a B.S. in Natural Resource Law and Policy from Oregon State University in 2018. After moving to Portland, Alyssa worked as a claims adjuster for a few years. This experience, along with the COVID pandemic, helped Alyssa decide to go to law school to pursue her passion for climate justice. While attending Lewis & Clark Law School, Alyssa pursued a diverse legal education including energy law, tenant defense, and environmental litigation. She is passionate about strengthening communities, which has led her to pursue a career within the Oregon renewable energy industry. In her free time, Alyssa loves spending quality time with her family and friends (and cat), enjoying the outdoors, and challenging herself with new hobbies.
Kristi DeGroat (she/her)
Development Director
Kristi DeGroat was born and raised in West Linn, Oregon. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon in 2008. Throughout her career, she has worked with mainly non-profits focusing on community building, fundraising, and events. She loves meeting new people and building lasting relationships. She lives with her family in Tualatin, OR. Her hobbies are hiking, climbing, snowboarding, and playing all sorts of sports.
Erin Zygaitis (she/her)
Program Director, Workforce Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Erin is not only a seasoned project manager but also an expert cat herder, boasting a wealth of experience across government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors. Whether she's spearheading complex projects, refining processes, or rallying teams toward a shared objective, Erin is the anchor that keeps everything steady.
Hailing from the lush lands of the Willamette valley, you'll often find Erin amidst the tranquility of her garden, enjoying a cup of tea alongside her faithful dog and foster pups, who eagerly lend a paw with the weeding. Alternatively, she may be found camping along the drizzly costal shores with her child, embracing the often-damp joys of nature.
When she is not busy enjoying the great outdoors, Erin is indulging her creative side creating unique fiber arts, dabbling is watercolor painting, and tackling triathlons, slowly, but with gusto.
Yet, beyond her myriad of hobbies and professional endeavors, Erin's heart lies in education and community engagement. As a devoted Mentor at a local middle school and a dedicated community liaison to the Lane ESD School Board, she tirelessly advocates for the transformative power of education. Erin firmly believes that by nurturing curiosity, fostering innovation, and igniting passion, we can empower the next generation to shape a brighter future.
