SDAO Consulting Services Senior Consultant
banderson@sdao.com

I joined the Fire Service in 1972.  Retired in 2006 after 34 years of service. Began working for Special Districts Association of Oregon in 2006 and served as Interim Fire Chief for various Districts in addition to an interim general manager for a transit district. Specialty in organizational assessments & troubleshooting. Past adjunct instructor for Chemeketa Community College, Western Oregon University, Portland Community College. Former Incident Commander for Oregon State Fire Marshal's Incident Management Team.

I have a BS in Natural History, BS in Fire Administration, AA in Fire Science Director of Training, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Operations Division Chief, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Past President of Oregon Fire instructors Association

SDAO Consulting Services Senior Consultant
fcharlton@sdao.com

I began my career in the Oregon fire service almost 35-years ago as a volunteer firefighter with the Forest Grove Fire Department in 1989.  In 1994, I was hired as a career firefighter with the City of Milwaukie, Oregon and in 1997, the Milwaukie Fire Department annexed into Clackamas Fire District #1 (Clackamas Fire).  I spent the remaining 24-years at Clackamas Fire and promoted through the ranks and became Fire Chief in 2012.  In 2021, I was able to “retire” from Clackamas Fire and I currently work as the Division Chief of Training for Hillsboro Fire & Rescue in Hillsboro, Oregon. 

I hold an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science Technology from Portland Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Service Administration from Eastern Oregon University, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration through Portland State University, I am designated as a Chief Fire Officer (CFOD) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence and hold numerous other professional certifications.

Professional contributions and community service includes past president of the Oregon Fire Chief’s Association, past chair of the North Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce, involvement in the Clackamas and Hillsboro Rotaries, community volunteer, current Board of Director for the NW Fire Diversity Council, and current budget committee member for the Clackamas County Development Agency. 

SDAO Consulting Services Senior Consultant  
mdahlgreen@sdao.com

I began my library career 46 years ago at the Fairbanks-North Star Borough Library. I have worked in rural and urban libraries and spent 22 years of my career at the State Library of Oregon. I recently retired from the Lincoln County Library District where I spent five years as executive director.  

My work has included children’s services, adult services, consulting, strategic planning, training, management, and executive service. I earned my Master’s in Librarianship from the University of Washington and a Certificate in Public Administration from the University of North Dakota. 

I have served in various capacities in the Oregon Library Association, Pacific Northwest Library Association, and the American Library Association. I was a member of the Special Districts Association of Oregon Board of Directors from 2020 until my retirement.

SDAO Consulting Services Senior Consultant
gdiloreto@sdao.com

I have 37 years' experience in the public works field, 30 years in the public sector, 17 years as a public works director and city engineer of which 12 years were with the City of Gresham; 14 years as the CEO for the Tualatin Valley Water District, retired from TVWD in 2013.  Experience in all aspects of public works management, including streets, stormwater, sanitary sewer and wastewater treatment, water systems, and public buildings.  BS degree in civil engineering, a master's degree in public administration.  Registered professional civil and environmental engineer and professional land surveyor in Oregon.  Currently a member of the City of West Linn Transportation Citizen Advisory Committee; Vice Chair of the Clackamas County Water Environment Services Committee; member of the Portland Public Schools Bond Accountability Committee and Chair Emeritus of the American Society of Civil Engineers Committee on America's Infrastructure.  Media experience in print and video, have appeared on CNN, MSNBC, major affiliates in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and other major media markets.  Experience testifying before state legislature, and Congress, including the House Ways and Means Committee.

I was the 2013 President of the 150,000 member American Society of Civil Engineers, President of the Special Districts Association of Oregon from 2007-2011, 2017 William H. Wisely American Civil Engineer Award, 2005 American Society of Civil Engineers Government Engineer of the Year Award, and 2003 Inductee to the Oregon State University Academy of Distinguished Engineers.

SDAO Consulting Services Senior Consultant
gdunkel@sdao.com

I joined the Oregon Fire Service as an eighteen-year-old volunteer and retired as Fire Chief of Columbia River Fire & Rescue after thirty-six years of combined service. Also served as a Fire District Board Member for sixteen years. Spent over 15 years working with SDAO as a consultant assisting members with various challenges and projects. I am the recipient of many National and State Fire Service awards and recognitions most notably the International Fire Service Training Association Marvin Austin Distinguished Leadership Award and IFSTA’s John Hogland Award of Excellence, State of Oregon recognitions include OFCA 9th Gold Trumpet and OFDDA Presidents Award.  I am the recent recipient of the Howard Terpenning Lifetime Achievement from SDAO for 2022.

SDAO Consulting Services Senior Consultant
remery@sdao.com

I have 38 years of fire service experience. I started as a volunteer firefighter in the early 80’s in Hermiston and Corvallis Oregon. I began my paid career in Corvallis and promoted through the ranks, achieving the position of Fire Chief. 

I have many fire service certifications and served on multiple specialty teams. I have a master’s in public administration with a certificate of academic excellence. 

SDAO Consulting Services Senior Consultant
gjames@sdao.com

Mr. James was employed by Springfield Public Schools from July 1, 1982 through July 5, 2018, serving in his role as Purchasing Manager for over 26 years. During his career at the school district, he guided all procurement functions while providing strategic vision, leadership, and direction.

Mr. James led the District’s Public Works procurement processes throughout his career including administering both Design/Bid/Build and CM/GC solicitations totaling well over 150 million dollars. Most recently, he worked as a purchasing consultant for Redpoint Construction Management guiding Deschutes Public Library District with over 200 million dollars in design, construction and renovation of library facilities across the District. Mr. James brings a broad background of experience in complex procurement oversight for both services and construction.

Mr. James was a long-standing member of the Oregon Public Purchasing Association (OPPA) serving in various board and leadership rolls throughout his career. He also held a membership in the NIGP: Institute for Public Procurement, the premier international public procurement organization worldwide. He was honored in 2005 by being awarded the Purchasing Manager of the Year for the State of Oregon and receiving the First Runner Up award for the National Purchasing Manager of the Year.

Mr. James holds his professional certification as a “Certified Public Procurement Officer” (CPPO - Retired) and “Certified Professional Public Buyer” (CPPB - Retired) from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council.

Mr. James has served on the Willamalane Park & Recreation District Board of Directors since January of 2003 and led the District as Board President though an election and successful passage of a general obligation bond in May of 2012. This along with other exemplary over-site and engagement led to Willamalane Park and Recreation District receiving the 2016 National Gold Medal award, designating it as the top park district in the country for communities of similar size. Mr. James was also helped lead Willamalane to receive CAPRA certification, the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies. Across the United States, out of more than 10,000 eligible organizations, a total of 196 agencies are CAPRA accredited. This accounts for less than 1% of eligible park and recreation organizations.

Mr. James also serves as the vice-chair of the Lane Council of Governments Board of Directors and recently fulfilled two consecutive 4-year terms on the Springfield Planning Commission serving in the role of Chairman on three separate occasions.

SDAO Consulting Services Senior Consultant
bkeefer@sdao.com

I am the former Superintendent of the Willamalane Park and Recreation District in Springfield, Oregon. I retired as superintendent in October 2016 after 16 years of service with the district.  Prior to my time with Willamalane, I was the Lane County Parks Division Manager (1990 -2000), Assistant Director at Bend Parks and Recreation District (1993-2000), and Parks and Recreation Director for City of Junction City. I served on the SDAO Board for eight years and has served on the Legislative Committee for over 16 years.  After retirement, my wife Christi and I, moved to Sisters, Oregon where I have continued to be involved in special districts through my service on the Sisters Park and Recreation District Board of Directors.     

I have a Bachelor of Science Degree from Oregon State University in Recreation Resource Management (1978). I received the Howard Terpenning Lifetime Achievement from SDAO in 2016 for my dedicated service and leadership. I also received the Distinguished Service Award from the Oregon Recreation and Park Association. Under my leadership the Willamalane was successful at creating strong partnerships with the community and with local, state, and federal agencies which led to Willamalane receiving the prestigious National Gold Medal Award from the National Recreation and Park Association in 2016; passing of a $20 million bond for parks, trails, and open space; development of a 28 acre sports and recreation; acquisition of the Thurston Hills Natural Area; and development of bike paths along the Middle Fork of the Willamette River and Springfield Mill Race. 

SDAO Consulting Services Senior Consultant
jknight@sdao.com

I have served in executive management positions in the Port and Logistics Industries for over 25 years.  I recently retired from the Port of Astoria in 2019 as the Executive Director after nearly 5 years.  Prior to that, I was the Director of the Marine Terminals at the Port of Olympia, where I worked for nearly 8 years. I have acquired an in-depth knowledge of cargo shipping and logistics which includes management of trucking companies, warehousing, and distribution. Prior to working in public ports, I was a founding partner and VP/GM of Mountain Cold Storage, a 100,000 sq ft refrigerated cold storage and seafood processing facility located at the Port of Tacoma. I joined SDAO Consulting Services early in 2020 and serve as a Senior Consultant.     

I have been appointed Board of Director memberships with numerous organizations during my career, including 7 years with the Economic Development Board of Tacoma/Pierce County (EDB).  During my tenure with the EDB, Boeing was recruited to opening a new manufacturing facility, the new University of Washington Campus in Tacoma, and an overhaul of the downtown corridor of Tacoma. I was named the first Chairperson of Oregon’s Department of Aviation’s “Aviation Review Committee” commonly known as ARC, over 3 years ago and still maintain that responsibility. The ARC is responsible for reviewing all Oregon aviation grant requests and provides recommendations for grant approvals to the Oregon Aviation Board.  I also currently serve as the Chairperson for the City of Astoria’s Hospital Authority Board which approves bond financing for Columbia Memorial Hospital.   

SDAO Consulting Services Senior Consultant
mknudson@sdao.com

I have over 35 years of experience in the water industry, including planning, design, construction, operation, and management assignments. Positions have included: Tualatin Valley Water District, CEO; Tualatin Valley Water District, Chief Engineer; Carollo Engineers, Director of Northwest Drinking Water Practice; and Portland Water Bureau, Director of Operations.

Community service roles currently include Board Member, Oak Lodge Water Services District; Board Member, Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority; Committee Chair, Business Oregon Audit Committee.  

I have received various water industry awards, including Outstanding Service to AWWA (2019), George Warren Fuller Award (2016), Recognition of Service to the Water Profession (2014), Honorary Member of AWWA (2010). Registered Professional Engineer in Oregon, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Certified Water Treatment & Water Distribution Operator in Oregon.

SDAO Consulting Services Senior Consultant
dolsen@sdao.com

I have a 33-year career working in Special Districts, Municipal, County and State emergency service and public safety agencies. Served as an adjunct faculty member for several community colleges and the National Fire Academy Experience working with Non-Profit Organizations and private businesses. I have developed Strategic Plans for reorganization of several agencies. Developed appreciation and recognition programs for career and volunteer personnel . Presenter at State, National and International conferences on leadership and volunteer organization. I am also a Published Author.

SDAO Consulting Services Senior Consultant
gsletmoe@sdao.com

I joined the fire service in 1982 and spent the next 37 years as a volunteer, military, wildland, aircraft fire and rescue, municipal, and district firefighter.  22 years with Medford Fire – Rescue working up through the ranks from firefighter to Deputy Chief - with 10 months as Acting Fire Chief.  5 ½ years at Lebanon Fire District, retiring as Fire Chief in 2019. Previously, instructor at community college for fire science courses. ​

I have a ​BAS in Management, AS in Fire Science, AS in Machine Shop Technology. 10 years on NFPA technical committee for Electronic Safety Equipment.