Here are the candidate statements for the 2021 Sierra Club White River Group Executive Committee election. Those chosen will serve a two year term, during the years 2022 and 2023.
Voting begins on December 1, 2021. Please vote by midnight, December 31, 2021. You can learn the details of voting and then vote at this link.
Myra Scroggs
My interest in environmental issues began during my undergraduate studies in Biology and then continued in graduate school at then SMSU. I taught biology, emphasizing current environmental issues, in grades 7 through community college in Springfield. I have always enjoyed the outdoors. My family and I camped, hiked, and canoed for many years, especially enjoying wildflowers. I am an avid gardener of both vegetables and flowers. After retirement I have traveled widely both internationally and throughout the United States. My travels have focused on birding, especially tropical birding. Of course I am very concerned about habitat loss for all our wildlife, but particularly neotropical migrants. I am also concerned about the impact of our growing population of feral cats upon all wildlife. My activities include membership in the local chapter of National Audubon Society, including 2 years as President. Currently I lead the South Creek Conservation group of Greater Ozarks Audubon, which translates to cutting brush, removing invasive exotic species, and picking up trash along a small urban stream in south Springfield. I have attended Sierra Club’s Conservation Lobby Days for 6 years, spending time visiting with local legislators about current issues, especially coal ash monitoring in Greene County.
Pam Shaver
An awareness of the environment and our part in keeping it healthy has always been a part of my consciousness. Over the years, helping others to develop a respect for our natural world has become one of my greatest passions. I worked for many years as a sponsor of a students’ environmental organization where one of our responsibilities was the recycling for our entire high school building. Although I have been a Sierra Club member for about twenty years, I have been an active member of the White River Group since 2016. I became an Outings Leader in 2018 and joined the ExCom of the White River Group in 2019. I truly enjoy leading groups on hikes where people can learn to appreciate the beauty of all aspects of the wilderness. Our Sierra Club activities, whether we are hiking or setting up a community forum, are essential to understanding the crucial significance of addressing climate change and how our efforts can affect the future of our planet. Our chapter is presently engaged in an initiative to decarbonize Springfield, and I hope to have the opportunity to continue our work.
Tyler Gunlock
There has never been a more pressing time for us to follow the mission of the Sierra Club; to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet. It's important and vital work, and I hope to continue my service in building ways to protect the Ozarks for future generations.
John Chiles
John Chiles is seeking re-election on the WRG executive board because he believes in helping people creatively engage with climate change. With a sustainable MBA degree, and background in cleantech startup funding, he also believes that business can be a powerful tool to unlock human potential and create a positive, regenerative and hopeful future for all. A native of the Missouri Ozarks, he lives in Springfield.