Candidate for Vice President:
Leslie Olson

Candidate for Treasurer:
Cindy Roché
I have served as treasurer for the Siskiyou Chapter of NPSO, as well as the bicycle club in the Rogue Valley. I have experience preparing budgets and financial reports and have kept accounts for various organizations since high school when I was the business manager for all of the clubs in the junior and high school. Attention to detail and a desire to contribute to the vitality of the local chapter are attributes I bring to the position.

In the Rogue Valley, I was an active member and served as president and on various committees such as planning state-wide annual meetings for the Siskiyou Chapter. On the state level of NPSO, I've edited the journal Kalmiopsis since 2001 and now serve as chair of the Publications Committee and co-chair of the Fellows Committee. Thus, I have numerous connections state-wide in NPSO. I want to become acquainted with more High Desert Chapter members and contribute to growth of this chapter. In the three years I've lived in Bend, I've volunteered for projects with the BLM, Forest Service, COCC herbarium, and OSU Cascades botany lab. I am a life member of both NPSO and the Washington Native Plant Society.

Candidate for Non-office Holding Board Member:
Uriel Mitchell

I am a small business owner of Cascade Wild Landscapes and am a licensed landscape contractor and an ISA certified arborist specializing in native landscapes. I am very familiar with local native plants and habitats – including identification and uses of these species. I sustainably collect seed and grow a variety of native plants that I use in my landscape installations. I have been involved in collection of plants, identification, botanical hikes, and education at the Central Oregon Wildflower Show for the past three years. Through NPSO, I will encourage board engagement with our local community, build relationships with like-minded partners, and develop creative ideas/events/opportunities for members to continue to enjoy native plants in the high desert. My greatest contribution is my genuine enthusiasm for native plants. In addition, I have been running crews, working with clients and other contractors for over 20 years. I enjoy collaborating with people who share my same passion for native plants and landscapes.

Candidate for Non-office Holding Board Member:
Lisa Sanco
I'm a horticulturalist with a background in botanic garden management, preschool to elementary garden education, and sustainable gardening practices. I've been working at Worthy Brewing & Worthy Garden Club for five years now, creating numerous edible, pollinator, and native garden areas; developing a beehive program; and managing the grounds. I grew up and went to school in the Midwest, so I have been learning how to adapt what I know to the Central Oregon climate with an emphasis on native pollinator support (partly through participation in the Oregon Bee Project) and water-wise gardening. One of the most valuable assets I can bring to the board is my connection with the public through the Worthy Garden Club. We host events throughout the year focusing on science education and sustainable living practices, and I'd be happy to foster a relationship between the NPSO and the general public. With all the transplants moving to the area, I see a big opportunity to educate our community on the value of appreciating and utilizing native plants in parks, home landscaping, and habitat restoration. I also have a background in graphic design and writing.