The OKCC Board of Directors
The Oregon Kayak and Canoe Club is run by a volunteer board comprised of 5-9 members who are voted in annually during the December club meeting per the OKCC Bylaws. The board meets monthly as well as putting in many hours hosting trips, pool sessions, running the website and social media, and much more. Get to know the people donating their time and energy to keeping the club running!
Club members are welcome to sit in on board meetings. If you would like to join the next meeting, please contact a board member via OKCCinfo@gmail.com or in person to find out dates and times of upcoming meetings.
The 2026 OKCC Board Members
Karla Bergstrom - President
Outside of kayaking and leading new members down the rivers in style, Karla enjoys working with animals and making the world a more sparkly, happier place!
Favorite River: N. Santiam
Vanessa Perez - Vice President
Kayaking (and having fun with the amazing members of the local whitewater community) has quickly become Vanessa's favorite pastime! When she's not paddling, you can find her taking care of her four-legged patients or cuddling at home with one of her fur babies.
Favorite River: Kalama
Jess Lopez Wiles - Treasurer
Jess has only been kayaking for about a year and a half, but she's hooked and moving up quickly! She feels it's important to give back to the community, and hopes to support the whitewater community and beautiful rivers for years to come - both through the OKCC board and by volunteering with Diversify Whitewater. In her other life, Jess is an executive level employee at a small corporation, handling everything related to finances, payroll, HR and IT.
Favorite River: Sandy
Emily Hooker - Secretary, Pool Coordinator, Website Support
Emily is a Portland-native kayaker, downhill skier and backpacker who also happens to be an analytical chemist in her "spare" time. She can usually be found boating (often swimming) the class II/III runs, but she sure loves making silly videos of them!
Favorite River: Kalama
Sue Scheppele - Membership Coordinator, Webmaster
Sue enjoys yoga, her honorary dog Charlie, along with as many days on the water as she can manage. She's co-owner of a tiny software company with her partner Gene, who doesn't even roll his eyes now when one more boat shows up to join the collection...
Favorite River: Usually the last one I ran, but the Rogue wins!
Monica Potter - Clinic Coordinator & Social Media
Monica is our badass transplant from Colorado! When she’s not paddling, she’s coaching Lacrosse and making a mean margarita. She can also be found at emergency dental visits after getting up close and personal with our PNW rocks.
Favorite River: Middle White Salmon
Caden Hansen - Board Member
Caden is a class 4/5 kayaker who sports a mean mustache! When he's not kayaking because the levels are too low, he loves to snowboard. When there's not enough snow, he attends classes at OSU.
Favorite River: Canyon Creek
Hipolito Lopez Hernandez - Board Member
Hipolito, better known as Hippo or H.A.L.H., is usually found on the water getting tossed around on the waves. If he's not there, he's probably playing around with dumbbells, gymnastic rings, or playing 'homeless man in the woods" with his dogs. Hippo loves this sport and the community's vibes! He hopes he can help it grow both in numbers and in diversity in the coming years.
Favorite River: Upper Clackamas
Peggy Liggit - Board Member
When Peggy isn't whitewater paddling or sea kayaking, she's hiking, rock climbing or volunteering with other organizations. However, her greatest pleasure and treasure is playing with her toddler granddaughter!
Favorite River: The River Why