Gorge Commission announces new executive director

Wolniakowski has been serving as the Gorge Commission’s interim executive director since Darren Nichols announced his resignation earlier this year. Wolniakowski brings energetic leadership and over 30 years of conservation and management experience to the position, Chamberlain said in a press release.

Commission vice-chair Bowen Blair praised her performance during the past five months “as a highly effective and collaborative leader who managed the agency during this interim period with a calm demeanor and extensive outreach to partners, the Governor’s offices of both states, and with elected officials.”

Thirteen members comprise the Columbia River Gorge Commission. The six Gorge counties each appoint one member, and the governors of Oregon and Washington each appoint three members. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture appoints one non-voting member.

“The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a global gem that is important for its biodiversity of fish, wildlife, and plant species, extraordinary scenic views, unique cultural resources and world-renowned recreational opportunities,” Wolniakowski said. “It is also a place where people live and work. I am excited to be part of the Commission, to collaborate with local communities, business, agencies, the four Columbia River Treaty Tribes and the public in Oregon and Washington, to create and implement our vision of conservation and economic vitality in this region.”

Wolniakowski led the Western Partnership Office of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in Portland for more than 14 years as Regional Director, creating and managing conservation grant-making programs in seven Western states. Her work included the launch of the Washington State Community Salmon Fund, the Alaska Fish and Wildlife Fund, and the Oregon Governors Fund for the Environment. As a member of the National Fish Habitat Board, she oversaw the development of regional collaborative partnerships throughout the U.S. for protecting and restoring the nation’s freshwater and marine habitats.

Wolniakowski also recently served as science adviser for development of the statewide Focused Investment Partnerships Program for the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB).

In August, Wolnia-kowski received the highest honor given for international cooperation from the President of Poland, the Knight’s Cross of Merit Award, for her decade of work in philanthropy and development of environmental partnerships in post-Communist Poland from 1990 to 2000. This recognition was the first ever given for achievement in conservation.

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act was passed by Congress in 1986 to protect and provide for the enhancement of the scenic, cultural, recreational and natural resources of the Columbia River Gorge, and to protect and support the economy of the Columbia River Gorge area by encouraging growth to occur in existing urban areas and by allowing future economic development in a manner consistent with the goals of the Act. More information on the Gorge Commission is available on the web at www.GorgeCommission.org.