Serving the South Coast of Oregon

Bandon Dunes Charitable Foundation is grateful for the Executive and Steering Committee members whose commitment and expertise are invaluable to our work as well as to the South Coast as a whole.

The Steering Committee is comprised of farmers, ranchers, fishermen, outdoor recreation experts, conservationists, non-profit leaders, and local community members who have joined together around a shared commitment to promote a region where healthy ecosystems drive a vibrant economy. Steering Committee members discuss lessons learned, new scientific research, and suggestions from the community that can help guide our work. Both the Executive Committee and Steering Committee provide guidance with respect to the development, implementation, and refinement of our goals, strategic plan, and grant making decisions.

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    Steering Committee

    From left to right:  Mary Wahl, Paula Thompson, Marjorie Crook, Matt Swanson, Wayne Krieger, Carlos Garcia, Mark Grenbemer, Rick Goche, Steve Denney, Al Johnson, Jena Carter, Cam Parry, Marie Simonds.  Not pictured:  Joe Whitworth

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Executive Director

Marie Simonds

Marie Simonds joined the team in 2012 and is currently the Executive Director of the re-named Bandon Dunes Charitable Foundation (formerly Wild Rivers Coast Alliance). BDCF actively engages boards and committees that align with its strategic mission in conservation, economy, and community projects. Marie is a board member of several organizations including: Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board, South Coast Development Council, South Coast Early Learning Hub, and the South Coast Development Council. Additionally, Marie serves on the Statewide Early Learning Council and South Coast Regional Solutions Advisory Council as appointed by the Governor.  Before joining WRCA/BDCF, Marie was the Executive Director of the Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation, where she led scholarship fundraising efforts for students while also the SWOCC Head Men’s and Women’s golf coach. Marie and her husband Jeff live in Bandon and have two boys, Peyton (18) and Jackson (15). They enjoy exploring the South Coast and playing golf, riding bikes, and hiking. 

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Program and Administrative Assistant

Paula Thompson

Paula Thompson joined the Bandon Dunes Charitable Foundation team in 2020.  Prior to this, she had been self-employed since moving to Bandon in 2006.  Paula grew up in rural Missouri and enjoys the small town life and being part of an organization that supports the local communities.  She enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her family and reading.  
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In Memoriam

Jim Seeley

Jim served as WRCA’s Executive Director from 2012 to the end of 2019. He not only set Mr. Keiser’s vision in motion, he also directed the deployment of over 4.5 million in grant funds.

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