Linda Jackson-Shaw, Chair

Presbyterian

Ruling Elder/ Community Presbyterian Church I remember my denominational training with the Multi-cultural network of the Presbyterian church PUCSA, and the joy of being surrounded by the wonderful diversity of the varies faith communities.  I have this great joy being on the board of INCO,  surrounded by the wonderful diversity of the varies faith communities.

Alice Shapiro, Treasurer

Congregation of Shalom Bayit. Jewish Community of Central Oregon

Alice Shapiro has been a member of the Jewish Community of Central Oregon since 1994 and has served on the INCO Board of Directors since 2017.  Alice first experienced the local interfaith community at the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, hosted by the then EMCO, where she fell in love with this community's warmth and their mission.  Alice has a Master's degree in Teaching from Kent State University and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from University of Maryland.  Alice has 2 amazing children, 5 wonderful step-children and 5 remarkable grandchildren.  Alice works as the Academic Director of Cascade Crest Transitions and continues to mentor students preparing to become Bar/Bat Mitzvah.  Alice invites anyone who is interested in interfaith work and connection here in Central Oregon to join us at an event or Board Meeting. 

Carol Picknell, Treasurer

Baha'i 

Steve Berne, Board Member

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Bend

At the end of 2020, Steve Berne accepted a volunteer position with The Office of General Counsel for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve as Associate Area Legal Counsel to the Europe East Area for the Church for 18 months, eventually residing in Frankfurt, Germany. In addition to Russia, this area included Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Steve assisted in overseeing the work of local attorneys in these 17 Eastern European countries. Due to COVID, Steve began this volunteer legal service initially working from Oregon and then eventually working from Germany when circumstances in Russia made it unworkable to reside in either Russia or Ukraine. Steve helped with partnership agreements for Humanitarian Aid throughout Eastern Europe with organizations such as Mercy Corps, Red Cross, and many other Humanitarian partnerships. Steve also worked on matters involving Religious Rights, Data Privacy, Employment, and real estate transactions involving Soviet Era, EU, and Central Asia property ownership issues and legislation. Prior to serving his recent Mission, Steve served on the Board of Special Olympics Oregon. Steve has now returned to practicing law in Oregon as Of Counsel to JurisLaw LLP. Steve has been married for over 42 years and has 4 children and 13 grandchildren. 

Hossein (Hoss) Talebi, Board Member

Muslim

Emile Combe, Board Member

Sufi

Gigi Seikkinen, Board Member

Pastor Lutheran Church - Madras

Beth Whitaker, Board Member

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Redmond

I'm relatively new to the Redmond area, having relocated here in 2024. I think Redmond is a vibrant community, and am excited to be part of the Interfaith Council. I'm a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I was recently asked to serve as Communications Director for the eight congregations in and around Redmond, including Prineville, Sisters, and Madras.