STAFF
Alysha Sherburne
Executive Director
[email protected]
360-298-8427
Alysha moved to the Gorge in October 2023 to take on the role as Big River’s inaugural Executive Director. Coming from Orcas Island, she spent the previous two years as the Community Engagement Manager for OPAL Community Land Trust. She is also a HUD Certified Housing Counselor and helped buyers navigate the application process through purchasing a home. A licensed Realtor in Washington State, her work in real estate is what inspired her to search for a way to help those who believed owning a home was an unattainable dream. She has a BA in Environment Studies from Ashford University and spent three years studying Anthropology at the University of Auckland. Outside the office, she is likely exploring a new trail with her dog, curled up with her cat and good book, or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen with her husband.
THE BOARD
One of BRCLT’s greatest resources is the quality of the volunteers who have stepped up to serve as our Board of Directors.
Doug Baker
Board President
Doug was born in Hood River and returned to the area after retiring from a career in higher education. He served as a business administration faculty member and as a senior administrator in three public universities. In his leadership roles he worked on community building, poverty reduction, early childhood education, and deaf and hard-of-hearing rights and policies.
Bill Irving
Board Vice President
Bill is a real estate broker with Copper West Real Estate and licensed in OR and WA with direct experience in development. Bill has been a long standing member of the City of Hood River Planning Commission. Both of these roles have provided Bill with a grounded understanding of the costs and supply challenges in providing affordable housing as well as the seemingly endless unmet demand.
Candice Richards
Board Secretary
Candice is a real estate broker with Copper West Real Estate and a former registered nurse. Raised in Hood River, Candice is passionate about helping future generations to flourish in the vibrant Gorge community.
Chris Heald
Board Treasurer
Chris is a 4th generation Oregonian, who values his roots. As a veteran and retired auto mechanic he values the need for families to have a stake in their community. “Home ownership has been THE BEST WAY for me to invest not only in my family’s future, but in my neighborhood and community. I see the supporting of quality, efficient, affordable home ownership as a total win for both Hood River and Klickitat counties and the folks who live here”.
Anne Medenbach
Board Member
Anne is a native Oregonian who believes strongly in community, forward thinking and collaborative efforts that provide holistic approaches to problem solving. She is a real estate and economic development professional who understands that home ownership and community owned assets can work hand in hand to create a more equitable and vibrant society. Anne is also the Founder of this organization.
Greg Crafts
Board Member
While preparing to retire from the tech industry in the early 90s, Greg and his wife bought a second home in Hood River. While he ultimately moved here full time, he felt like he was adding to the problem of affordability of housing in Hood River. For that reason, he started many affordable housing projects in the area including Katie/Andy’s Way, Cottage Lane, and many others with the goal of getting first-time buyers into their homes.
Bradley Finson
Board Member
Brad is an insurance producer for Columbia River Insurance and is also a mortgage loan originator. Through his career in mortgage lending in The Gorge, Brad has witnessed the need for more affordable housing options in the area. He feels that people should be able to buy a home where they work.