Meet our Board of Directors

Gene Merrill, Board Chair/Program Director (non-voting)

Mr. Merrill began creating the YOUth pathways program in 2016 after transitioning to working in education for Three Rivers School District. In his nearly 25 years of business management and experience as a small business owner, He saw first hand the difficulties youth faced when transitioning into the work world or the many forms of post-secondary training/education. Merrill states: "The landscape of low educational attainment across Oregon, high education prices, and the mounting level of national educational debt are all factors in driving the need for a better system to assist youth. With over 20 years of on the ground experience working with youth in this important phase of their lives as a business owner, I saw first hand the need for a better system, one that breaks down the silos of education and the world of work, and energizes our communities to participate in preparing ALL of our young people, no matter what their path. The educational system cannot be expected to provide every aspect of preparing young people for life, nor should it be. Only by realizing that we are all needed if we are going to change the future, and by working together, can we achieve greater results."

Judi Fowler, Board Secretary

Mrs. Fowler is the owner/operator of an electrical contracting business "The Power Company". Mrs. Fowler has a long history of working with youth, and is especially passionate about serving marginal populations and at risk youth.

Daniella Bivens, Board Treasurer

Mrs. Bivens has an extensive background in education, having worked for Rogue Community College, Southern Oregon Educational Service District, and Currently for Umpqua Community College as the Director of CTE and Adult Education. A noted grant and project management professional, she has led the organizations she has worked with through the application and management of numerous grants and projects, including multi-million dollar contracts from private, State, and Federal sources. Mrs. Bivens is also a founding member of the Southern Oregon Air Academy.

Darin Fowler, Representative for the Board of Josephine County Commissioners

Mr. Fowler currently holds the position of Chair on the Commissioner Board. With a 30 year background in the building trades, and over 8 years of volunteer service on the Grants Pass City Council as both a Council Member and the Mayor of Grants Pass, Mr. Fowler brings a broad community perspective to our board. As a business owner and skilled trades professional, he is intimately familiar with the needs of local business and industry, and the need for a high quality local workforce. As a long standing member of the leadership of a local government, he has a broad understanding of the partnerships needed for a successful and vibrant community, and is passionate about seeing local youth have opportunities to design better lives for themselves no matter their socio-economic and family background.

Roy Lindsay, Representative for the City of Grants Pass

Mr. Lindsay is retired from a multi-faceted career in high tech industries, and currently serves as the Mayor of Grants Pass, Oregon.

Jean-Ann Miles, Representative for the City of Cave Junction

Mrs. Miles is a Cave Junction City Councillor, and a licensed Teacher in the State of Oregon.

Shauna Bland, Representative for Grants Pass School District

Mrs. Bland is the College and Career Coordinator at Grants Pass High School

Rich Halsted, Three Rivers School District Representative

Courtney Dillard, Youth Council Representative

Miss Dillard completed an internship experience in the medical field, and was a student at North Valley High School.

Joshua Merrill, Youth Council Representative

Mr. Merrill did his internship with Illinois Valley Fire Department, and has also completed an internship with Dr. Joe's Pet Hospital. He was a student at Illinois Valley High School.

Jessica Herklotz, Youth Council Representative

Miss Herklotz was a student at North Valley High School, enrolled in an internship in the medical field. She plans on pursuing a nursing career, and specializing in Trauma, or becoming a military Medic. A dedicated athlete, she also has a passion for helping others, and honing her creative thinking skills.

Kirk Kolb, Grants Pass/Josephine County Chamber of Commerce Representative

Mr. Kolb is the Superintendant of Grants Pass School District, and member of the Board of Directors for the Grants Pass/Josephine County Chamber of Commerce.

Jann Taylor- Business Representative- Owner, Taylor's Sausage, Taylor's Country Store

Mrs. Taylor has extensive educational experience as well as business experience. Her educational background spans both Three Rivers and Grants Pass School Districts in multiple teaching and Administrator roles, as well as positions in both District Offices. In addition to her many years of educational work, Mrs. Taylor has extensive experience in various roles including leadership positions on numerous youth focused boards and administration of numerous grants. As one of the most respected educators in Oregon, Mrs. Taylor brings a unique perspective to the board with her extensive business experience coupled with her educational pedigree. She played a key role in the shaping and creation of the YOUth Pathways Partnership.

Lany Sullivan- Business Representative- Owner, Events By Lany

Ms. Sullivan has a professional background in finance, event management and fundraising, and has worked with numerous nationally known companies. After relocating to Southern Oregon, she found a community she is engaged with and actively involved in. Having worked for the Josephine County Youth Foundation, she assisted them in developing sustainable financial policy and growth. She has always loved working with youth. Ms. Sullivan has transitioned back to her full time role of being an events professional, is an active member of the Grants Pass/Josephine County Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Grants Pass Young Professionals Network.

Kerry Smith- Business Representative- Human Resources- Industry

Mrs. Smith is the Director of Human Resources operations at Timber Products, overseeing both the Medford and Grants Pass plants. With years of experience under her belt, she represents a business that employs 400 people representing multiple skilled trades, high tech and labor positions, giving her a unique perspective on the needs of multiple industry sectors as well as large scale employers. Mrs. Smith is actively involved with local area high schools and colleges, aiding in providing students with the skills to be able to gain and retain employment.

Ethan Lane- Business Representative- Owner, Cave Junction Grocery Outlet