VAN Proudly Announces

new Executive Director

June 2008 

Washington County, Oregon -- The Board of Directors of the Vision Action Network (VAN) is proud to announce the appointment of Karin Kelley-Torregroza as the agency’s new Executive Director. She will begin work for the VAN on June 5, 2008.

Karin Kelley-Torregroza comes to the VAN with a strong background in coalition building. Her educational background, work experience and personal dedication to collaboration are all impressive and are an excellent match for the needs of the Vision Action Network.

For the past ten years, Karin has been managing innovative cross-sector and interdisciplinary collaborative initiatives that have increased the stability and success of children, adults, families and communities. She served as Director of School-Community Partnerships for the Redwood City School District, and staffed "Redwood City 2020", a cross-sector community visioning and improvement project. Previously she developed and directed collaborative school-based family resource centers for the area. Most recently, Karin brought that experience to the Metro area as director of children, youth and family services for an area non-profit organization. Holding a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University, Karin has presented at conferences on developing authentic, multi-sector collaboration.

In her spare time Karin and her husband enjoy playing soccer, mountain biking, kayaking and hiking with their dog, Elway. They also volunteer regularly with various organizations including CHILL Snowboarding Program for inner city youth, the Humane Society and Madison High School.

"I am thrilled to join the VAN," Karin tells us, "and look forward to working with the Washington County community to continue to solve community issues and improve the lives of all Washington County residents.

The VAN's Board Chair Walt Peck agrees. "Karin brings a wealth of tangible experience leading collaborative, results-oriented programs. The Board is very confident that she will help build on the growing list of accomplishments that the VAN, in partnership with many other institutions and individuals, has achieved on behalf of Washington County residents."

The non-profit Vision Action Network is a six year-old non-profit organization that encourages collaborative problem solving through relationship building, planning and implementation efforts that involve all sectors of the Washington County community. The board of directors is a diverse group of community leaders from education, social services, healthcare, business, government, and the faith community.

VAN focuses on topics that help create a healthy community. Current activities include: an exploration of our community’s philanthropy needs, a feasibility study for a county-wide sustainability clearinghouse, and support for the Washington County Project Homeless Connect. Over the last year, VAN worked with many dedicated individuals and community organizations to organize the third annual Walk for Unity, help launch the new Project Access Washington County, and support the on-going work of groups including I Give Where I Live, the Inter-religious Action Network, and the new Human Rights Council of Washington County.