About the Election:
The Oregon Chapter Executive Committee (ExCom) manages the organizational and operational activities of the Oregon Chapter. It is composed of nine elected at-large representatives and one appointed representative from each of the local groups and networks across the state. At-large members serve two-year terms. The members elected in 2025 will begin their term in January 2026. Annual elections are required by our bylaws.
There are five candidates listed on the ballot, all of whom have been interviewed and recommended by the Chapter’s Nominations Committee. Our candidates are:
- Madeline Cowen
- Nikita Daryanani
- Robert Klavins
- Carol Raymond
- Suze Wehr
Read their candidate statements at the bottom of this webpage.
How to Vote:
- You will vote via your Sierra Club MyAccount using your member number.
- Your member number can be found on your membership card, the mailing label of your Sierra Magazine, or by accessing Sierra Club MyAccount.
- Login, then under "Manage Your Account" click "Sierra Club Elections Portal"
- If you need further help with MyAccount or need your member number, contact Member Care at member.care@sierraclub.org or (415) 977-5653.
- If you're a member of a local Group, please keep an eye out for a separate ballot for your Group-only elections.
Voting closes November 30th, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
We are stronger because of your participation in electing our leadership.
Thank you!
Chapter Nominations/Elections Committee: Simone Crowe, Noelle Smith, John Talik
Candidate Statements:
Madeline Cowen
As an advocate for environmental justice, conservation, and community resilience, I have always deeply admired the influence of the Sierra Club here in Oregon and nationally. In recent years especially, I have been deeply impressed with the Oregon Chapter, as it has undergone a significant transformation. With new hires and new energy, the Chapter has grown its influence, and increased its support for the grassroots movements that I work with.
In my role on the Steering Committee for the Pacific Northwest Forest Climate Alliance, I have witnessed first hand Sierra Club staff and volunteers make essential contributions to the coalition, and to the movement for forest conservation and climate justice. I am interested in joining the ExCom so that I can help the Chapter continue on this path, and to support the ongoing work to build power for social justice movements in the face of a myriad of threats.
Nikita Daryanani
I am excited about the opportunity to join ExCom to guide the Sierra Cub’s strategy so its campaigns are more inclusive and justice-focused. I bring nearly 10 years of experience supporting community-driven climate solutions and amplifying the experiences of low-income and communities of color in decision-making spaces. My work focuses on coalition-building, policy analysis and advocacy, and community engagement to center the leadership of communities impacted by environmental racism.
After serving on the chapter’s Political Committee last year, joining the ExCom would allow me to deepen my connection to the Sierra Club and its members leading the fight for environmental protection in our state. Sierra Club has been a strong force for driving climate action in Oregon through its advocacy, strategic messaging, and by building grassroots power. I’m excited about the opportunity to use my skills and experience to strengthen the organization to meet the needs of our current moment.
Robert Klavins
My wife and I own and operate a working farm and B&B in rural Wallowa County. We also work on conservation (I'm at Oregon Wild, she's at Greater Hells Canyon Council). We chose to live here largely because of public lands, abundant wildlife, and relatively intact landscapes.
The landscapes and communities of Eastern Oregon are surprisingly complex, but often overlooked and misrepresented. I feel it’s important they are elevated and represented by folks who share the Club’s values and know them well.
From our early years through our education and early professional lives, we've dedicated ourselves to the natural world and care for marginalized human communities.
I've worked with the Club in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Oregon, and am grateful for the encouragement to apply. I believe I have experience and unique perspectives that can be additive at the state level.
Carol Raymond
As a native Oregonian, I appreciate our diverse ecosystems including forests, wetlands, and coastal estuaries. I live in Portland, and one thing that makes our city stand out is the abundance of trees and green spaces. Environmental advocacy is important in cities as well as wilderness areas.
I was shocked to learn of the attack on our public lands, including the very important Roadless Rule and decided to respond by volunteering my time to the Sierra Club. It is my love of trees and forests that motivates me to serve as a volunteer.
I enjoy meditating, and believe making peace with the environment begins with nurturing peace within ourselves. It is through inner peace we connect with the preciousness of all life from tiny copepods to giant redwoods. The natural outcome of connecting is a desire to protect our wilderness areas.
I worked for 22 years as an Environmental Engineer, and have recently retired. I have both undergraduate and graduate environmental degrees. My previous volunteer experience involved working as a Stream Team member conducting stream reach surveys along a section of Gee Creek located in Clark County, Washington. I hope to join the ExCom to learn and grow as part of the team leading the Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club.
Suze Wehr
The Sierra Club’s 132 years of work promoting conservation and safeguarding the climate consistently inspires my own environmental journey. However, it is the energy, intention, and rising strength of the Oregon Chapter that draws me to ExCom. From leading critical local decisions to fostering community conversations, I want to be a part of this Chapter’s transformative story.
With my extensive background in communications, including designing regional and national campaigns and coordinating collaboration across partner groups, I can offer creative and strategic guidance for Sierra Club messaging goals. As an advocate, I would be thrilled to support the Chapter’s upcoming legislative work, building relationships and identifying solutions during this tumultuous political period.
Led by values of interdependence, transparency, and joy, I am committed to Sierra Club’s environmental justice priorities and believe that what we achieve as a movement depends on our commitment to embracing intersectional perspectives and becoming an inclusive force for change.