ACCF is overseen by a four-person board of directors.
Board of Directors
- Bryan Benz, Staff Supervisor (Roseburg, OR). Bryan is currently a professor and the point of contact for the Natural Resource program at Umpqua Community College. He teaches courses about natural resources, botany, and biology. Prior to his position at Umpqua Community College, he worked as a botanist on the Umpqua National Forest for approximately 12 years. He recently completed his Education Doctorate from Portland State University and his research focused on the professional development of educators and a story of your place: The Perceptions of Rural Teachers Engaged in Environmental Education Professional Development Workshops: A Case Study of the Alder Creek Community Forest and the Story of Your Place. In his free time, he likes to travel and explore the natural world with his wife and their 18 year old pug.
- Jim Proctor, President (Portland, OR). Jim Proctor was born and raised in Canyonville, where he was active in Boy Scouts, the local Methodist Church, and school music and sports. After graduating from the University of Oregon, Jim served in the Peace Corps in Africa for four years, then returned for advanced studies in engineering, environmental science, and geography. Jim taught environmental geography at the University of California, Santa Barbara from 1992 to 2005, then moved to Lewis & Clark College in Portland, where he has served from 2005 to the present as Professor and Director of Environmental Studies.
- Joy Proctor, Treasurer (Portland, OR). Joy Proctor is a celebrity event designer and editorial stylist. She has been named top wedding planner by Harpers Bazaar and Brides Magazine. In addition to her event work, Joy is regarded as one of the most highly sought after editorial stylists and creative directors in her field. Her work as a speaker, capsule collection line with Bella Bella shoes and others collaborations have earned her global recognition as a trend setter in the wedding industry. Joy serves as the creative director and social media manager for ACCF.
- Lynn (Bub) Rich, Secretary (Riddle, OR). We mourn the passing of Bub’s partner Phil, who served on the ACCF board since 2007. Phil Rich was a retired educator, having taught junior high for 28 years up through 2001. Phil’s most recent teaching position was with the South Umpqua School District in southern Douglas County. Phil is survived by his wife Lynn, who remains a huge source of support as Secretary for Alder Creek.
Staff Members
Starting 2022-23, ACCF went into a planning phase for its envisioned future role as a forest learning site for Douglas County. We hope to clarify possible staff positions in 2025!…do check back soon.