The Nesika Wilamut Board, along with Co-Director Tana Atchley Culbertson, is excited to welcome Steven Broncheau as the Network's new Co-Director/Director of Development.  We are excited and thankful to have Steven on board to further the mission and vision of Nesika Wilamut, and to expand the funding streams for the organization.

Steven comes to Nesika Wilamut with over 13 years of experience in non-profit work.  His work includes non-profit management, grant writing, event management, foundation relations, donor stewardship as well as business development and sponsorships.  On behalf of Nesika Wilamut, Steven will work with network partners, individual donors, foundations, businesses, and local and state governments to procure and secure funding for the Willamette Basin and its tributaries.

Born in Berlin, Germany, and a member of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla, Steven has tri-citizenship - US Citizen, German and Tribal.  Steven attended Western Oregon University, where he received his degree in International Business with a focus on finance and a minor in German.  He brings great skills and passion for relationship building and networking, which benefits his new position with Nesika Wilamut.

“I am excited for this new role at Nesika Wilamut.  To be a part of a team that will help ensure that the Willamette River Basin will thrive and be here for future generations to enjoy.  I am ready for the challenge to make sure the basin will meet the needs of our growing area and to help make sure that marginalized people AND all voices will be heard and have access to the river.” As stated by Steven Broncheau.

As Co-Director and Director of Development for Nesika Wilamut, Steven will meet and connect with key stakeholders to ensure the vitality and economic sustainability of the Willamette River Network. Steven, in partnership with his Co-Director Tana, will make sure that current relationships are maintained and strengthened while developing new relationships and ensuring that all voices are represented.

When Steven is not working, you can find him researching new places to travel to and explore.   Steven loves to visit local wineries and breweries, which are so dependent on a healthy and vibrant Willamette River Basin.  He also loves to hang with his son, Anthony, who is attending Oregon State University.  In addition, going on walks with his dog Coco.

The board is excited to bring Steven’s leadership to the Network’s vision for a healthier river basin for all. Welcome, Steven!

Steven can be reached at Steven@NesikaWilamut.org

​Video recording of our first ever Open House event, which was held virtually on May 7th, 2021. Co-Directors Tana Atchley Culbertson and Jesse Cruz Richards shared our logo and name, Nesika Wilamut, and invited participants to join with the network to create connections, build community, share and leverage resources, and build the capacity of people and organizations to protect and restore the river and its communities.

​More fire awaits us in a warming climate. Jesse Cruz Richards maps out some cost-effective ways to invest in community-centered approaches to preparing for fire.

​As part of Black History Month, the Willamette River Network hosted a virtual discussion among leaders working for welcoming, safe and accessible natural spaces for all. View a recording of the online event below.

​With shrinking city, state, and philanthropic budgets, new financing mechanisms and unique partnerships are essential to build resilience, address climate change, and support the Oregon economy. On February 17, 2021, the Willamette River Network welcomed Todd Gartner and Lizzie Marsters of the World Resources Institute (WRI) to give an overview of the conservation finance field and showcase a few case studies of successful projects from around the globe. View a recording of the webinar below.

The Willamette River Initiative evaluation report and case studies are a deep well of data and insights into what fueled the impact of this decade-long investment by Meyer Memorial Trust and its partners. These resources also tell us where more focus is needed to continue and build upon this momentum. As the co-directors of the Willamette River Network, we're thinking hard about these lessons and what it means for the future of this network. Here are some initial takeaways in our own words. We look forward to continuing this conversation with you!

The Willamette River Network board is excited to welcome Jesse Cruz Richards as the Network's new co-director. He will serve as Director of Development and Policy. We’re grateful that Jesse has agreed to bring his commitment to fundraising and coordinating policy efforts to support the Network’s emerging fundraising vision.

We're in an unprecedented, uncertain time filled with hope and anxiety, challenges and the opportunity for real change. That's why we believe it's so important to foster greater connection, trust and collaboration, now more than ever. We're stronger when we help each other and have each other’s backs.

A year ago, partners in the Willamette River Initiative (WRI) celebrated ten years of successful collaboration working to improve the health of the Willamette river basin. Knowing the WRI would sunset at the end of 2019, Meyer Memorial Trust convened a board to lead creation of a new Willamette River Network (WRN) to continue and evolve the impressive work accomplished during the WRI, expand the community of people and organizations engaged, and center equity and inclusion. 

Creating a new Willamette River Network was envisioned by an exceptional, committed team of advisors over the last several years to engage a broader network of partners and communities to work together to ensure people and rivers thrive together in the basin. We want to share where we’ve been, and invite you to engage and help shape what comes next.

The Willamette River Network board is excited to welcome Tana Atchley Culbertson as its founding Director of Network Coordination. We’re grateful that Tana has agreed to bring her commitment to environmental justice and her expertise in multicultural program coordination, communication and relationship building to guide the Network’s vision for regional collaboration toward healthy rivers and thriving communities in Oregon’s most populous watershed.