Who We Are

Board President - Jim recently retired from Ashland High School where he taught environmental science, including global warming units for 27 years.  Jim is passionate about protecting our community from the extremes of climate change. He served on the Ad hoc Committee to develop Ashland’s Climate & Energy Action Plan. Jim joined the Ashland Solar Cooperative in 2020 and facilitates board meetings. He enjoys tennis, playing music, and hiking with his wife Maggie.

Board Member and Secretary - Tomas works with the Renewables Team at Bonneville Environmental Foundation. He manages the Zero Emission Vehicle Innovation (ZEVI) grant program and assists schools, communities and utilities with solar project development. Tomas spent 20 years in the private sector developing renewable energy projects. In 2021, Tomas developed the 200 kW DC rooftop solar array at Oak Street Tank & Steel, purchased by the Ashland Food Co-op.

Board Member and Treasurer - Pete Jorgensen is Treasurer of the Ashland Solar Coop.  Pete is a retired Civil Engineer and longtime advocate of Solar Power and Water Heating as well as Electric Vehicles.  He brings experience with project design and construction along with contract development and administration to the Board.  Pete is anxious to see changes in our infrastructure at all levels to help preserve the planet and our way of life.

Board Member - Bryan is the former director and founder of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic at Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford and recently retired from OHSU, where he was an assistant clinical professor. Bryan also serves on the city of Ashland’s Climate and Energy Advisory Committee and helped draft Ashland’s Climate and Energy Plan. An avid fly-fisher and biker, Bryan has resided in Ashland since 1988, with his wonderful wife Paula.

Board Member - Marni works as a Wildlife Biologist in renewable energy. For over a decade, she helped communities develop Climate Adaptation Action Plans. She served on the Ad hoc Committee to develop Ashland’s Climate & Energy Action Plan. Marni also served for many years as Chair of the City’s Climate Outreach and Conservation Commission.

Volunteer - Mike was a financial executive for consumer products businesses before transitioning to a 2nd career in public education. After moving to Ashland and experiencing extreme heat, drought, and fires, Mike decided to learn about climate change. This led him to electrify his house, install solar, and volunteer with local organizations seeking to help neighbors do the same.

Volunteer - Ray moved to Ashland in 2014 after 37 years as an engineer with IBM. Since retiring, he has pursued learning about the causes and solutions of climate change. This has led him to volunteer with SOCAN, EAN and ASC with a goal to reduce citizens’ greenhouse gas emissions.