Supporter Spotlight: David and Marlee Eckman’s Multigenerational Commitment
“Growing up, our family always had a connection to the environment,” shares Marlee Eckman, a member of OEC’s Emerging Leaders Board, “Whether it was a family visit to the nature center to see squirrel paw prints or catching fish at camp with my brother, we enjoyed spending time in nature. As far back as I can remember, I’ve cared about the environment.”
David, Marlee’s dad, agrees. When raising their two children, David and his wife prioritized instilling a sense of care and connection to the environment. He explains, “I grew up in LA in the 60’s when the smog was worse than ever. As a kid, I remember so-called ‘smog days’ when it wasn’t safe to exercise outside. Cleaning up the air took the work of a lot of people looking around and seeing that something needed to change.” Through his 40-year career in insurance, David worked alongside architects and engineers and was always interested in building projects that featured renewable resources and sustainable architecture, “It’s important to have an environment that’s safe for people to work and play in.”
Today, the Eckman family’s care for the environment is going strong. Whether volunteering their time or making charitable contributions, Marlee and David each live out their environmental values by connecting with their communities and through their support of groups like OEC that are making a difference for the environment they love.
After graduating from Pacific University in 2019 with a degree in biology, Marlee’s career has focused on accessible environmental education and community engagement. It was through their role as community outreach coordinator for the Johnson Creek Watershed Council that Marlee learned about OEC’s ELB and introduced their dad to OEC’s work. In this way, Marlee’s actions inspire the ways David chooses to get involved.
Marlee shares, “I used to focus on ways to take individual action, like water conservation at home. As a kid, I have fond memories of the 7-minute shower timer,” Marlee laughs, “But the challenges we face are more than one person can solve. Today we’re at a critical juncture in the climate crisis. We must hold decision makers to account and take action at every level—local, statewide, nationally, and globally.” As Marlee puts it, “The problems we face can seem overwhelming, but positive change is attainable when we all do our part and work together.”
We are grateful to the Eckman family for their ongoing support and for being part of the OEC community! Thank you for being a force for positive change!
Join Marlee and David Eckman and support a cleaner, greener, more resilient future when you become a member of OEC!
You can meet Marlee and other members of OEC’s Emerging Leaders Board at some upcoming events this fall….
- Trivia Night on Tuesday, October 24th “Oakshire Inspires” Trivia Night in Portland, with a portion of proceeds going to OEC!
- Documentary Screening, date, and details TBD Stay tuned for more information about this upcoming event. You won’t want to miss it.
Emerging Leaders Board
OEC’s “ELB” is a team of 21-35-year-olds who share the mission and values of OEC, have a strong interest in environmental protections, and want to grow their networks and gain hands-on experience. Today’s cohort is made up of nine members with a broad and diverse set of backgrounds from advocacy and organizing to policy and law; natural resource management to sustainable business; and transportation electrification to public health. The ELB plans and hosts events and projects that focus on outreach, education, and advocacy for Oregon’s environment.
Learn more about OEC’s Emerging Leaders Board and ways you can support the next generation of environmental leaders.
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