LEADERSHIP

ANDY OLSHIN - FOUNDER, CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Former Deputy City Attorney and Homeless Coordinator of San Francisco. Meeting all individuals where they are, and supporting their journey towards a healthier life. Father of two amazing sons, recovering lawyer. Current social entrepreneur, grant writer & researcher grounded in best practices. Sober since June 1, 2022, grounded in community and thriving.

KATHERINE COOPER - CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Driven by insatiable curiosity, fueled by purpose-driven work and inspired by bolstering humans and organizations to thrive. Katherine’s experience includes a Master’s of Public Administration, Positive Psychology Organizational Development Consultant, Adjunct Professor of Human Development and a fierce bout with addiction that left her living out of her car on the streets of Multnomah County during 2020. She has been sober since December 27, 2020.

EMMA RAY-WONG - FARM DIRECTOR

Lover of plants and people, Emma has eight years of non-profit and community organizing experience. Some of Emma’s experience includes working as non-profit development manager, public defense legal assistant, and hobby gardener. Emma has a BA in Psychology and a BA in Photographic Studio Art from Lewis and Clark College. Throughout all of this, Emma also struggled with addiction, leading to dark and dangerous rooms and years. She got sober on March 10, 2024. She is passionate about sobriety and working with community to use the power of plants as food and medicine.  

BOARD

FRED COHEN - BOARD CHAIR

Fred brings almost a decade of non-profit board experience including board chairperson at another Portland-based organization. His decades working at the intersection of technology innovation and market development in startup, scale, and large corporations honed skills in strategic planning, budgeting and finance, resource management, and stakeholder leadership. With 40+ years in the Portland area Fred is passionate about making our community welcoming and home for everyone. Fred earned a BS electrical engineering from Tufts University and MS degrees in electrical engineering and management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

BOB BRIMMER- SITE FORPERSON, BOARD MEMBER, FORMERLY HOUSELESS

Former resident of Hazelnut Grove and St Johns Village. Consistent seeker of knowledge. Advocate for social change and betterment. Dog dad of two.

MATTHEW McCARL - BOARD MEMBER

Social worker, Community Engagement and Action Director with Cultivate Initiatives, passionate about developing connected communities where all can thrive.

Dr. PETER FINLEY FRY - BOARD MEMBER

Land use guru extraordinaire.

SOFIA SEIRMARCO - BOARD MEMBER

Bay Area native, marketing swiss army knife, passionate people person, community-based entrepreneurship enthusiast. Sofia found freedom from addiction in 2023.

ADVISORY BOARD

Stephen Reichard - founding board member

Former Director of the ReBuilding Center, currently a consultant extraordinaire marrying broad business expertise with a creative, research-driven commitment to making our world a better place.

Andy Olshin: andrew.olshin@comcast.net (503) 407-8494 (cell) Katherine Cooper: katherinec@cascadiaclusters.org