The following candidates are running for the term that lasts from 2012 through 2014:
Candidate Name: Scott V Swearingen
Please list boards and committees that you serve on, or have served on:
107 Independent Supporters Trust (Board Member)
107 Independent Supporters Trust (Treasurer '10-Current)
107 Independent Supporters Trust (Community Outreach Committee)
107 Independent Supporters Trust (Game-Day Operations Committee)
107 Independent Supporters Trust (Travel Committee)
Biographical information (Timbers Army related and professional):
I was born and raised in Southern Oregon but have been connected to the Portland region for my entire life. I graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and a MBA in Finance and Management from the University of Portland. In my professional career I am a project manager tasked with strategically managing and designing Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs for market rate and affordable multifamily developments to maximize savings to utilities and ratepayers in the State of Oregon.
Since May 2009 I have been involved in TA 2.0 and 107ist starting as the administrator of the tifo fund, front office liaison, project manager, and raising funds to support most general Timbers Army operations prior to 107ist. I have been the Treasurer of 107ist for the past two years and have taken great care and responsibility for sustainable growth of the 107ist in order to ensure our longevity and impact are sustained as the Timbers Army and 107ist move towards becoming integral fixtures in MLS and our own community.
I have also been involved in creating, launching or assisting with most of our large tifo displays, the merchandise operations of 107ist and the recently launched Timbers Army FC initiative.
State your objectives as a 107ist board member:
It is my goal to grow the organization into a self-sustained community asset that supports soccer from the grassroots to the highest levels. In order to achieve this goal several things will need focus.
- Sustainable sources of revenue to support our current initiatives, causes and most importantly the game day atmosphere.
- Foster involvement and ownership of 107ist initiatives and committees throughout the membership.
- Continued community giving and volunteering makes the area a better place and improves the image and political capital of the organization for when we are in a position that it is needed.
- Grow membership and opportunities for these new members to feel included and make an impact on the supporter’s culture and the community at large.
- Expansion of the Timbers Army FC initiative to provide opportunities for members of varying skill and fitness levels to play the game and recruit new members.
How do you feel 107ist members would benefit from your involvement with the board:
There are many times in which relationships within our membership, the Timbers Army community, the Timbers Front Office and even the 107ist board itself can become strained. I have shown that I am able to look at issues strategically and to serve as a relationship builder during some contentious times and I would work to continuously improve and fine tune this further if given the chance to serve another term.
I also pride myself being able to focus on the immediate issues that need attention while still taking time to look long-term and innovate strategic ways we can better the organization, serve the membership and make a larger impact in the community.
Conflicts of Interest: None
Candidate Name: Mike Coleman
Please list boards and committees that you serve on, or have served on:
I’m not currently serving on any boards, but in the past I have:
- Led the charitable Christmas giving campaign for my department @ Intel (2 years)
- Was on the board of Redmond (Washington) West Little League (3 years) (as the head scheduler, plus sat in on manager selection and officiating committees)
- Volunteered with Albany (Oregon) Civic Theater
Biographical information (Timbers Army related and professional):
I’m a new Timbers Army member having joined the IST immediately after seeing our first match (FC Dallas in 2011). I’ve volunteered to help with TIFO painting and setup. I also worked with Nick Brock to come up with a web form for away travel (this ended up not being used as it turned out, but was a fun exercise). My wife, Cory, and I traveled last year to Vancouver and San Jose for away matches (as well as finding a way to make it to most home games).
Professionally: I have had a long career in high tech. I currently manage technical alliances for a Bay Area-based software company (VMware). In this role I manage a small team that is responsible for working with partner companies to align technical roadmaps and market goals. Prior to this role I have held marketing positions at Microsoft, Intel, and VMware. I have an undergraduate degree in information systems and an MBA.
Personal: I’ve been married to my wife Cory for 22 years, and we have 4 children ages 21-15 (all of whom love the North End).
State your objectives as a 107ist board member:
My favorite part of being TA is the game day experience. I hope that by being on the board I can work on initiatives that allow others to both experience and create the atmosphere that has made so many of us fall in love with the Timbers. I want to ensure that we continue to have the best game day experience of any team in MLS – whether we’re at home or on the road.
I also believe, maybe falsely, that I bring a different perspective. I’m a middle-aged guy from the suburbs (Tigard). I see a lot of great stuff being done, but most efforts seem to focus on PDX – I’d like to see our outreach grow to the outlying communities (I know OPI is looking at doing something out here and that we’ve done OFB in Beaverton), but I believe we can do more – especially with disadvantaged kids in the area who love Soccer.
How do you feel 107ist members would benefit from your involvement with the board:
Being new has benefits and pitfalls. I know I don’t have all the history that long-time members have. However, I don’t have any pre-conceived notions either. It may seem cliche, but I believe I can bring a ”fresh set of eyes”
Additionally, I have made my professional career about getting stuff done. I am willing to take on the toughest challenges and see them to fruition.
Finally, I’m adept at complex problem solving. In my day to day job I constantly have to plan and execute complex business arrangements. This includes resolving interpersonal conflict, helping to make tough decisions on priority tradeoffs, and setting and maintaining financial objectives.
Conflicts of Interest: I do not believe that I have any conflicts of interest at this time.
Candidate Name: Michael Pearson
Please list boards and committees that you serve on, or have served on:
Served as Guard (non-voting board member) and Treasurer of the Mu-Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Sigma at Linfield College.
Served on the Finance and Bylaw Committees of 107ist, and served as interim Vice-President in the year before the first elections.
Served last two years on the ticket negotiations committee that worked with the Front Office on the ticket commission and helped shape the size of the section.
Helped write bylaws and found Operation Pitch Invasion and am currently serving as Secretary and Treasurer of that organization.
Biographical information (Timbers Army related and professional):
Since arriving in Portland after graduating from Linfield College in 2007, I was quickly and immediately swallowed whole by the Timbers and the Timbers Army, and I haven’t looked back since then. Not a huge soccer fan growing up, I was drawn in part by the rabid fanaticism, but quickly appreciated the community and welcoming culture that the TA is famous for. When the rumor of MLS surfaced with a call for volunteers I stepped up to serve on the Finance committee and also ended up serving on the bylaw committee that drafted the 107ist bylaws and have since helped with modifications. Before the first election, I was privileged to serve as Vice-President of 107ist, and also worked with Mike Golub, Joe Cote, and Cory Dolich of the Front Office in helping shape the ticket commission and section design for the Timbers Army section the last two years working as a liaison between the board and the team. Last summer, I partnered with 3 other outstanding TA members and helped found O peration Pitch Invasion, where I currently serve as Secretary and Treasurer. I currently live in the St. Johns neighborhood with my dog and a roommate who I’ve successfully converted to a rabid TA member, and I work for an ultra-high net worth investment firm here in Portland.
State your objectives as a 107ist board member:
My objectives as board member are simple: continue the Timbers Army tradition of being the best supporters group in MLS and help push it to new heights. Continuing and expanding our community outreach, opening new avenues of community involvement, and helping to expand our merchandise line are all goals I hope to accomplish in my 3 year term if elected. I would also like to see additional benefits for members as we grow in size, with even more partnerships, to ensure the cost of a 107ist membership is the best money you can spend in Portland. Finally, I would like to continue to expand 107ist to all corners of the stadium and to fans outside on game days, because it doesn’t matter where you sit on games days, but the team you cheer for that matters most.
How do you feel 107ist members would benefit from your involvement with the board:
I feel that 107ist would benefit from my involvement through the strong and healthy connections I already currently have with the Front Office and the board et al. I’m a team player that’s served on a variety of committees who cares deeply about the success of this organization, and for the team. My experience in business, as well as my passion for the team and trust, allows me to be an effective ambassador in a variety of situations. My finance and accounting background can allow me to help out with the business side of things, and I know I can handle the time constraints of being a board member after working with the board closely the last several years.
Conflicts of Interest: I currently serve as Secretary and Treasurer of Operation Pitch Invasion, an organization that was funded by, and continues to work with, 107ist. Upon encountering dealings involving both organizations, I resolve to remove myself from voting from either the 107ist, or OPI side.
Candidate Name: Matt ”PC” Talley
Please list boards and committees that you serve on, or have served on:
Events Coordinator, 107ist
Coordinator, Timbers Army First Thursdays
Co-Coordinator, Timbers Army Tailgates
Member, Community Relations Committee, 107ist
Capo, Timbers Army Sections 102/103
Business Manager, Whipsaw Magazine
Co-host, Shed Culture with Hermes
Volunteer, Operation Pitch Invasion, Friends of Trees and Oregon Food Bank
President, Phi Alpha Theta, Portland State University
Board Member, Friends of History, Portland State University
Biographical information (Timbers Army related and professional):
Our first MLS season was my first as a full-time capo, and before the season began, I put myself in a very unique position; volunteering to lead Sections 101, 102 and 103. Previous to this past season, the “Eastern Front” was somewhat sparsely populated by singing, flag-waving Timbers Army, but with the stadium expansion and the explosive growth in season-ticket sales, the issue arose as to how to incorporate these “new” areas into the TA as a whole. Through hard work by the group and a willingness to unify and communicate openly, that issue was quickly put to rest, as the “Eastern Front” quickly assimilated into the TA, and were rewarded with player celebrations and the relocation of some long-time TA to this area.
My work in 101, 102, and 103 is indicative of my own history. From volunteer work with various organizations in my native Portland, to my studies at Grant High and Portland State University, to my career as a paralegal, hobby as a winemaker, and involvement with the TA, I’ve always been willing to lead, and pride myself on being able to identify and do what is best for the group as a whole. I’m an organizer at heart, and whether it be assembling volunteers to harvest and crush grapes, witnesses for an upcoming trial, or TA to enjoy the MLS Cup final , I seek to put things together for the greater good. I believe my organizational skills and leadership will be a benefit to the 107ist Board, and accordingly, I am again seeking one of the open positions this year.
State your objectives as a 107ist board member:
As a 107ist board member, I plan to continue and/or enhance my work in the following areas:
Event Coordination – In the past two years, I have had the opportunity to help coordinate events such as Timbers Army First Thursdays, tailgates, and most recently, the MLS Cup viewing party at the Mission Theater. As a board member, I hope to continue this work, and extend Timbers Army-related events to include additional social functions, charitable works and fundraisers, away match gatherings.
Community Relations – In the past year, I had the opportunity to work with this board to help found the Gisele Currier Memorial Fund, to aid in creating soccer opportunities for outstanding youth in the Portland area. However, with recent board resignations, this committee has not met in some time. As a board member, I hope to revive and help lead this committee to extend similar opportunities to more local youth.
Volunteerism – The response to Operation Pitch Invasion was overwhelming this past season. However, I know of many 107ist members who have led volunteer efforts for special causes, and could always use additional hands. As a board member, I hope to help coordinate smaller groups of 107ist members to assist with such projects as Friends of Trees, Oregon Food Bank, Portland Rescue Mission, and other organizations to help the Timbers Army do more good deeds in the community.
How do you feel 107ist members would benefit from your involvement with the board:
As illustrated above, I believe I will be a tremendous asset to the the 107ist Board thanks to my organizational skills, my unique leadership qualities, and my desire to become involved with more local charitable and volunteer endeavors. Additionally, as someone who is adept to multi-tasking such projects as capoing three sections, organizing events, cooking for 200 people, soliciting ads for the Whipsaw, and lampooning the TA on Shed Culture with Hermes, I believe I can assist with game day operations, merchandising, and tifo as needed. Finally, having seen the success of the incorporation of the “Eastern Front” into the larger Timbers Army, I believe I can provide a voice for many of the newer members who have only recently become involved in our organization.
It is for these particular reasons, and many more, that I have chosen to run for an open 107ist Board position, and I hope to serve you all well.
Conflicts of Interest: From 2006 to 2011, I was a non-equity partner with Purple Cow Vineyards, a 107ist partner. I am no longer affiliated with PCV.
Candidate Name: Lauren Prince
Please list boards and committees that you serve on, or have served on:
Captained Soccer Team, Captained Regionally competitive Ultimate Frisbee Club and played leadership role in various community leagues and competitive teams, coached new players, Tournament Directed. Outdoor Leadership Program and Trip Initiator; University of Oregon. Volunteer Coach for Snowboard Outreach Society. Ongoing Volunteer for Ambassadors’ program and Paralympic Program; Right to Dream Academy, Ghana. Toastmasters. Participant in various job-related public policy committees (e.g. sage-grouse conservation).
Biographical information (Timbers Army related and professional):
Loving football is nothing new to me. I grew up playing and following international competitions so it was natural that during my first week in Portland I attended my first Timbers match. I immediately developed an addiction for Timbers football and the game day experience; I’ve been to almost every single match since (plus a handful of away matches). Over the seasons, I’ve stood in most sections and my loyalty is to the Army, the Club—not just one section. I’ve always felt at home in the Army and reveled in the sheer joy of being unified wholly with the Club, players & supporters.
Beyond being a rank member of the TA and dutifully rooting for the boys, my participation has involved helping with community events and organic assistance on game-days, including light security (warning away opposing—ahem, sounders—customers), bringing out the welcome wagon for new TA, and helping with tifo. Regardless of whether I am elected to the Board or not, I will assist the Travel Committee in 2012 and am looking forward to involving myself in additional 107ist activities.
Professionally, I’ve worked at non-profits and for political campaigns—always for environmental and progressive causes. This provides me with a spectrum of valuable logistical, communication and organizing skills. During my career I’ve managed complex travel schedules for candidates, conducted fundraising drives, directed and managed VIP events, implemented strategic outreach campaigns, analyzed policy and successfully lobbied elected officials. I believe my experiences will be strong assets and positively contribute to the Board.
State your objectives as a 107ist board member:
107ist has experienced tremendous growth during the 2011 season. Not only has membership multiplied into the 1000s but 107ist activities have also diversified and increased. In doing so, the profile of both the Army and PTFC have risen dramatically. Over the course of future seasons it’s critical that TA heritage and traditions be codified within 107ist policies and embraced throughout membership; this will ensure that growth is being conducted responsibly and in a sustainable manner. My priorities include ongoing outreach with membership to maintain direct feedback on 107ist/TA activities, working to disseminate important cultural and practical knowledge with newer TA members (e.g. learning chants, safety policies, volunteering), and maintaining and enhancing effective relationships with the community, other supporter groups and Timbers FO.
To risk a cliché: We have something special here. The ability for everyone to be involved and contribute themselves to the TA must be both protected and celebrated.
How do you feel 107ist members would benefit from your involvement with the board:
In my view, the two fundamental tenets of the Timbers Army are inclusion and participation. My experiences with public outreach, recruiting volunteers and organizing events will contribute towards enhanced involvement by members and improved external relations.
107ist must “bottle its gold dust” and critically examine strengths while honestly targeting weaknesses. Fresh faces will help to achieve this but more important is eliciting creative input from the comprehensive membership. To further cultivate inclusion and TA unity, I will work to have 107ist more directly engage with broad membership and will advise appropriate utilization of our political capital to swiftly resolve conflicts. I also intend to ensure that as new members join, they are properly oriented to 107ist’s full breadth. This leads to the second tenet: TA is made strong by the investment of many individuals; each member should feel supported by 107ist to increase their involvement and contribute to our accomplishments.
Conflicts of Interest: None.
Candidate Name: Kristen Gehrke
Please list boards and committees that you serve on, or have served on:
About a hundred years ago, I served on the steering committee for northwest events for Youth Encounter, planning and staging weekend-long gatherings for up to 600 high schoolers. I later volunteered full-time for YE, traveling in the midwest region where events were about three times the size of NW events. (Read: I can heard cats while running a 16-channel mixer and sorting out hotel reservations for several dozen church youth groups.)
I’ve also recently done a little volunteering with the Bus Project.
Biographical information (Timbers Army related and professional):
I’ve been a church youth director, a pub crawl tour guide, a hotel reservationist and a wedding minister. I write when I can find the words and knit when I can’t.
When it comes to the TA, I’ll admit to being a noob. I was late to the party, but I plan on making up for it by being the last one to leave if the lights ever go out (Which they won’t. Ever.).
If you’re going to wear the scarf, you ought to be willing to put in the time.
State your objectives as a 107ist board member:
I intend to continue the legacy of inclusiveness already established as well as help the TA have a greater presence not just at JWF, but in the community at large.
The TA brought MLS to Portland. What’s next?
How do you feel 107ist members would benefit from your involvement with the board:
I tend to be a peacemaker. I’m diplomatic, but still manage to maintain both a sense of humor and a pretty sensitive BS meter.
Conflicts of Interest: None
Candidate Name: ”Bull” aka Jesse Ritchie
Please list boards and committees that you serve on, or have served on:
In my last job at Hillsboro Aviation I served on several committees dealing with various safety and other government regulations. I was responsible for researching possible violation issues and reporting back to the committee with recommendations for achieving and maintaining compliance.
Vice-President - Portland Community College Flight Crew - This was a student organization with a focus on professional development and community service for students majoring in Aviation at PCC. I filed the charter paper work with the college and I was one of the founding officers.
Vice-President/Backpacking Chair/1st Aid Chair - Syracuse University Outing Club - I held several positions within my college outdoor club. I served as vice president filling in running meeting and other administrative duties including working with college officials. As backpacking chair I oversaw the administration of a $4,000-7,000 annual budget from researching and submitting budget request paperwork to accounting for every dollar spent and inventorying the equipment purchased. I also oversaw the maintenance and retirement of a gear inventory of worth approximately $20,000 worth of equipment. As 1st Aid Chair I was responsible for providing medical training to all the trip leaders for the various club activities. My largest achievement in this area was raising $8,000 through budget allocations, fund raising, and registration fees to bring in trainers put on a week long class certifying 20 club members to the Wilderness First Responder Level at a cost of only $50 per member. (This class normally cost $500-700 per person).
Equipment Supervisor - Syracuse University Ambulance - I earned my EMT license and was an active member of several ambulance services during college. At the university ambulance service I was in charge of maintaining the stock of medical supplies and ensuring vehicle maintenance was accomplished in a timely manner.
Vice-President - Society of American Foresters, ESF student chapter - I was a member and then an officer for 2 years with the college chapter of this professional organization. During this time our chapter hosted the national student convention as part of the larger national professional convention and I was deeply involved in working with the national chapter to develop the itinerary for the student specific activities.
Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout - I am in fact an Eagle Scout. The last major step in earning the rank of Eagle Scout is to organize and accomplish a significant community service project. I built ~15 concrete and wooden benches for a local cemetery that was also used as a park. I organized volunteers to accomplish the task and solicited donations of materials and tools from local businesses.
Biographical information (Timbers Army related and professional):
I grew up in northern New York State near the Canadian border. I attended college in Syracuse, NY where I earned a Bachelors degree in Forestry before moving to eastern Oregon in 2005 to work on a Forest Service fire crew. I worked on the fire crew from 2005-2009, which prevented me from attending more then a few odd games until 2010 when I went back to school at PCC to obtain my helicopter pilots license and aircraft mechanics license. I graduated from both majors with highest honors and spent the last year working out of the Hillsboro Airport primarily as a mechanic and fuel truck driver.
My first TA function was Kitsap Away in 2010. I bought my bus ticket on SCUSA and my first No Pity scarf on the bus (it took Barnacle Brian about 20 minutes to spill beer on it). What goes on tour stays on tour but in short the trip was epic and I bought season tickets the next Monday when the box office opened.
Since then I have spent a lot of time learning the history of the organization and figuring out how the Timbers Army (and 107IST) works. I have put in many hours getting involved in TIFO and No Pity van projects as well as volunteering with our charitable activities such as Friends of Trees, Operation Pitch Invasion, and Sunday Parkways.
State your objectives as a 107ist board member:
As a 107IST board member my primary goal would be to continue to expand our membership and reputation. There are over 5,000 people who would identify themselves as Timbers Army on game day but less then half of them are 107IST members. Talking to people at the pub or the No Pity van it never ceases to amaze me how many people are unaware the 107IST exists or it’s purpose. Increasing our membership will augment our effectiveness in everything we do from turning out volunteers to increasing our clout with the front office.
That being said I would also continue to try and lead by example by volunteering at charitable events as well as on TIFO, No Pity van, and game day operations.
How do you feel 107ist members would benefit from your involvement with the board:
I believe I am able to identify with nearly all the groups that make up the Timbers Army. I feel like I am able to listen to and empathize with the many different points of view and I would represent them well through my voting and input in 107IST board meetings.
Conflicts of Interest: None
Candidate Name: Harper Morgan-Werner
Please list boards and committees that you serve on, or have served on:
I have served on the event planning committee for Planned Parenthood of the Columbia-Willamette, as well as a served as a Community Education and Outreach intern.
Biographical information (Timbers Army related and professional):
I grew up in a small rural town in Central Oregon, moved to Portland in the mid-80s and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
I made it to my first Timbers match in 2006 and have been here ever since. I have tried to be more than just someone standing and cheering. I have helped with tifo, capoing (I believe I was the first capo in 108, when, in 2008, some guy named Pong handed me a milk crate and said ”go for it”). I served as a bus captain for Seattle away this season, volunteered at various TA events and attempt to convert non-believers. I always do my best to support the Timbers and the Timbers Army and I would love the opportunity to do even more.
Professionally, I work in the software development division of a large managed care corporation. My job is part technical support and part customer service for field users throughout the country. I work 40 hours a week, but I have the energy and means to do more in my spare time. I would like to spend that time and energy serving on the 107ist board.
State your objectives as a 107ist board member:
My main objective is to be a productive and supportive member of the board. Beyond that, I would like to serve on the Travel committee and possibly the Game Day Operations committee.
I am extremely proud of the work the 107ist Board has done over the past year, especially in regard to charitable endeavors. I will do my best to continue that great work and be a vital member of this board.
How do you feel 107ist members would benefit from your involvement with the board:
First and foremost, I will be a dedicated member of the board. I am very passionate about this team and my city and that will carry over to my position on the 107ist board.
My personality and demeanor will be a good fit. I’m honest, open and easy to get along with. I think a sense of humor is vital, but I am always respectful and approachable, and if elected, I would urge anybody to come to me with any questions, concerns or just to chat.
Conflicts of Interest: None
Candidate Name: Fernando Machicado
Please list boards and committees that you serve on, or have served on:
Game Operations – In charge of getting all of the game day flags, banners, merch, Van set up for every home match for the past season and unofficially for the USL seasons.
107IST Community Outreach – I worked with Madison and Franklin High Schools in order to sponsor uniforms for both the men’s and women’s soccer teams. Volunteer varsity soccer coach for Jefferson H.S for 2010 and 2011 seasons as well as working with Nike and Far Post to provide uniforms for the both girls and boys team. Set up donations of equipment for the Katerin Summer Soccer Program. I manage the donations of equipment and the sponsorships for youth and under privileged programs that the 107IST sponsors.
Operation Pitch Invasion President – Set up several works days this past year with 107IST members to repair and reseed a soccer field. Set up AC Pdx Volunteer day at James John Elementary School. Currently have a major project lined up for 2012.
Timbers Army Merchandise Team - From the idea to the delivery I am involved with various others that manage, create and volunteer to deliver the best supporters merchandise in the country.
Biographical information (Timbers Army related and professional):
I was born in La Paz, Bolivia and grew up in the DC Metro area. Moved to Portland in 1996 and have lived in borough of the city from NW to SE. My family still lives in the DC Metro area and I have one brother that supports DC United. I have played and supported football since the age of 4. I witnessed the World Cup in 1994 by following around the Bolivian National Team and I hope to again attend the WC in 2014. I have been going to Timbers games since 2001 but officially involved in the Timbers Army since 2003.
State your objectives as a 107ist board member:
I have been actively involved in the Timbers Army since 2003 or 2004 as it seems that all of the games and events mash into one giant season I don't exactly remember. I feel that the TA is an extension of the diverse personality that represents Portland and its surrounding as a whole. I have served on the 107IST board since its inception and have diligently fought to keep the independence of the board. I will continue to strive to be the best in my civic duty, tifo as well as increase the growth of the 107IST membership.
How do you feel 107ist members would benefit from your involvement with the board:
I feel that I am a proven board member and will continue to do the things that I was elected for originally. I am a hard liner in regards to the independence of the 107IST and also an adamant protector of the images, names, events created by the Timbers Army. I feel that I’ve done my duty diligently.
Conflicts of Interest: none
