For the past seven years, we had the immense privilege of working alongside Regna Merritt, who helped build and direct our Healthy Climate Program. Regna amassed the formidable group of over 100 health professionals and public health advocates that comprise our Healthy Climate Action Team and was a recognized leader in numerous coalitions that achieved major victories in preventing new fossil fuel infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest to preserve a healthier climate.
Pictured above: Regna Merritt (left) and Portland Commissioner Amanda Fritz (right) celebrate Regna's retirement.
Left to right: Regna Merritt, Damon Motz-Storey, and Lluvia Merello
Regna retired from our staff at the end of June, and we are thrilled that she has agreed to join the Oregon PSR Advisory Board and volunteer with us after a long and well-deserved vacation. Regna leaves our Healthy Climate Program in the capable hands of Damon Motz-Storey, who has been on our team for the past three years. Damon has taken on the Healthy Climate Program Director role and he, along with our recently hired Energy Justice Organizer, Lluvia Merello, will continue to build upon the strong foundation initiated by Regna to bring the voice of health to the climate justice movement.
On behalf of our staff, Board, members, and volunteers, we give our most sincere thanks and best wishes to Regna, who we look forward to continuing to work with in her new role on our Advisory Board.