Leadership

The WaterStrong Board of Directors is growing. Stay tuned for updates here in early 2025. The WaterStrong Board provides the strategic leadership and oversight for the organization. Board members embody the mission of WaterStrong and bring expertise in the following areas:

  1. Water safety, drowning prevention & swimming

  2. Water environmental education & water stewardship

  3. Partnerships, business development & non-profit leadership

  4. Marketing, communications & endowment building

Dena Marshall, Founder

Dena is an expert in water conflict management, public involvement and facilitation. Trained as a lawyer, she has advised government agencies in several countries on water diplomacy. She lives in Portland, Oregon where she works, swims and is the proud mom to two spitfire daughters.

Nana Hoerth

Nana is an expert in finance and small business development. She is an active mother of 4 who is a lifelong advocate for children safety and the founder of Youth Exist To Inspire Foundation. Nana loves to volunteer in her community supporting like-minded organizations through community outreach. A musical and poetic soul dedicated to community, service, and connecting people through shared purpose and creativity!

Incoming board members

Nana Hoerth, Founder of YETI Foundation

Itzel Hernandez, Director at Bienestar Community Development Corporation

Josue Ramirez, Director of Outdoor Education at Multnomah Education Service District

John Graham, former CEO at Speedo USA, former Director at NIKE

Advisory circle

Naomi Campos, Founder Yedomi Fine Jewelry

Nick Hardigg, Former Director at Nature Conservancy, Bird Alliance of Oregon

Matt Harad, Investment Advisor

Bethaine Carter, Leadership Consultant

Natalie Martin, Founder Swim Global Project

Victor Wales, Head Coach Marin Aquatics

WaterStrong CPR Training Coordinator

Nana Hoerth

WaterStrong Event Coordinator

TBD

 

The WaterStrong Board

The WaterStrong Board of Directors (BOD) provides the strategic leadership and oversight for the organization.  The Board is an active board whose members bring expertise in drowning prevention and water stewardship, as well as specific skills in the areas of environmental studies, water safety, corporate partnerships, non-profit management, finance, marketing and communications, insurance, and law. The WaterStrong Advisory Circle serves as an informal roster of experts who agree to be called upon occasionally for their professional assistance or guidance on certain matters as they arise.

WaterStrong Board members serve in volunteer capacity and are expected to participate in four board meetings per year, at least one WaterStrong event, and to actively engage in fundraising on behalf of the organization (through grant-seeking, hosting a fundraising event, direct solicitations, securing sponsorships or corporate matches, etc.)

 WaterStrong Board Members…

  • Serve as trusted advisors

  • Evaluate WaterStrong’s impact and engage in strategic planning

  • Review the WaterStrong annual budget, audit reports, and some business decisions

  • Ensure the organization complies with its legal and fiduciary responsibilities

  • Raise money

  • Recruit new board members

  • Align with WaterStrong’s mission

  • Implement and defend the core principles of equity and diversity

You are a good fit if: 

  • You love the water, prioritize safety, and are a champion for the environment.

  • You are expert in one or more of the following: teaching, environmental science, water safety, partnerships, non-profit management, finance, marketing and communications, insurance, law.

  • You have a very high degree of cultural competence, empathy, and collaborative spirit.

  • You have no criminal history involving violence against children.

  • You can adopt this commitment while maintaining balance and happiness in your life.

Interested?

Please send a statement of interest and your qualifications to Dena Marshall, Founder: dena@waterstrong.org