About the Friends Board of Directors

The Friends are governed by a Board of Directors. These individuals bring a wide array of skills and experience to the organization's vision. Current board members have expertise in natural area management, business, biology, landscape architecture, non-profit management, public planning, youth mentorship, and economic development. Plus, the board enjoys the camaraderie and teamwork that includes outings to explore and better understand the greater Mt. Pisgah area.

We seek diverse people to serve on our Board and its Committees with a range of skills, such as law (land use, contracts, water law, estate planning), communications and marketing, outdoor recreation management, and fiscal management.

Please email volunteer@bufordpark.org if you would like to learn more about serving on our Board of Directors or a board committee (which welcome non-board members).


Nate Zantzinger, Board President

Nate Zantzinger, Board Member

Nate was born and raised in temperate, deciduous forests of Southeastern Pennsylvania, where he developed a strong connection to the natural world. A native of Paoli, Nate started his westward journey to focus on conservation and outdoor recreation in Arizona. After extensive time in the backcountry, Nate worked in sustainable agriculture where he promoted plant-based nutrition and advocated for permaculture development. Nate has experience with the National Park Service where he collaborated with the National Park Service partners to enhance partnerships while overseeing the volunteer program. He also served as the Community Engagement Manager at Northwest Youth Corps. Nate is eager to steward a place as special as Buford Park, and looks forward to continued memories recreating with his loved ones 

Philip Bayles, Board Vice President

Philip Bayles, Vice-President

Philip Bayles has a distinguished career background in both music and computer-related fields. His conducting has received regional and national acclaim. Mr. Bayles has a second career in computers and networking. He has served on the Board of Directors of Oregon Public Networking, bringing technology to the disadvantaged and taught numerous courses in computer literacy, word-processing, internet research. Philip supports the Friends because he believes that the greater Mt. Pisgah area is so beautiful and beloved and is a place well worth restoring, and preserving, for all.

 

 

 

Abi Kretschmar, Board Member         

 

Jason Murphy, Board Member

Jason was born, raised, and continues to live in the Willamette Valley. Jason’s background is primarily in accounting. He’s a Certified Public Accountant who has spent a number of years working in tax compliance, preparation of taxes, performing financial audits, and general accounting functions. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, camping, fishing, reading, playing music, and pursuing other outdoor recreation.