Speakers

Northwest RiverPartners, is a not-for-profit that represents community-owned utilities across the Northwest as well as farmers, ports, and businesses across the region that support clean energy and low-carbon transportation. The organization educates the public and policymakers about the role of hydroelectricity in our region and partners with members, Native American tribes, communities, agencies, and businesses to achieve common goals. It also supports research and analytics so the region can reach informed decisions and engages in public processes to provide balanced insights and suggestions. Energy policy is a critical issue, and NWRP is specifically focused on educating the public and policymakers about the role of hydroelectricity in the future of clean energy. 

Greg Geist joined Clackamas County Water Environment Services in 2013 after working for 11 years at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. As a child in western Washington, he grew up surrounded by salt water⁠. Then his family put a well in the ground, and fresh water came bubbling out. “Water has been a lifelong obsession ever since,” Greg says. “I think I share that passion with virtually everyone at WES. We care about clean water. We care about this community. We want to work hard and meet its needs.”

501 Collective, based in Lake Oswego, is an international humanitarian organization focused on supporting a collective of smaller nonprofits around the world. We work to equip, grow and sustain the impact of small, yet incredible charities, so they’re better able to focus on their projects. A few of our focuses involve anti-child trafficking, newborn health, clean water and sending teams to support war refugees in Ukraine.