Willamette Falls Studios is managed by the Board of Directors, who direct the staff, approve expenditures and together plan for the future . The Board consists of volunteers from the community. Currently, members’ bring expertise in video production, various business backgrounds, and community involvement passions. Consider joining; we are always looking for new members. What could be more fun than hanging out at a television studio? At the monthly board meeting with the staff discussions are lively and spirited and never boring.
Jim Kunze
Director
In 1956 to 1959 Jim interned at WGN Chicago, from 1959-1977 he worked for US Navy Naval Instructional Television, 1977-1978 he worked as a Nuclear Data Corporation Developmental Engineering Technician. From 1978-1980 Jim worked for a local video repair company, and moved on from there to work for Liberty Cable Local Access Studio as their Engineer from 1980 to 1983. Also, during the years of 1980 to 1983 he designed the first WFMC studio for Oregon City. This studio was designed to work in conjunction with Clackamas Community College. From 1983 to 2003 Jim worked for Portland Public Schools as their Television Services Chief Engineer. From 2003 to the present he has done various technical installs including to help build the current WFMC studio located in the historic Mcloughlin District of Oregon City.
Dave Hedges
Vice Chair/Treasurer
Karen Elam Sorbel
Secretary
I have been on the Board of Directors since 2011.
I graduated from Pacific Northwest Collage of Art, in 1998.
I’m the producer and editor of “Author’s Forum”, a very successful show that played on our channel for 3 years. I have lived in Oregon City for 30 years. I worked as a phlebotomist for 27years at 4 different hospitals in the Northwest. I find solace hiking the beautiful mountains around the Pacific Northwest area and beyond. I also regularly practice yoga. I’m glad you are interested in our organization, please join us and have fun.
Kerry Brown
Board Member
Born at Mason City, Washington, Graduated from Wenatchee High School, Wenatchee, Washington.
Entered US Navy, 1958.
Retired from US Navy, 1977 as Tradevman Chief Petty Officer
Portland OR Jefferson High School TV Studio, Chief Engineer
1978 - 1984.
Fishing the West , Engineer and Cameraman 1984-1994.
Design and install A/V industry 1995-2002.
Mini DV Productions, owner operator 2003-to present.
Richard Marlow
Board Member
Owner Royal Pacific Entertainment, Producer Fishing The West Television. Served: Port of Portland Airport Expansion Committee, Columbia Regional Association of Governments, Clackamas Cable Access Board, National Association of Television Producers and Executives, President Northwest Steelheaders, publisher Attorney At Law Magazine, etc…..
Richard attended University of Oregon and PSU and achieved degrees in History and English with minor in Economics. U of O continuing education for MBO. CCA and Washington D.C. for MSW program.
He has been awarded with Outstanding Young Men of America(social services) for television as producer/editor, He is a winner of awards from Chicago Film Festival, New York Film Festival, Paris International, Telly Awards, CTN, and Cascade Awards.
George Shearer
Board Member
george shearer. graduated university of oregon in art education. never taught. the universe aligned and guided me to a tiny print shop in port angeles wa, where i learned the chops necessary to became the 'art department'. thus trained, i moved to port townsend and opened graphiti, a design typesetting concern. seeking larger fish, i eventually moved to seattle and became the art department for a design firm that morphed into software development. eventually i returned to oregon, had a family. raised kids, built a house, all while maintaining the ecommerce site, actaddons.com. when people ask what i do, i usually reply that i point and click. the only award i proudly claim is time magazine person of the year. the year they crowned 'everyman' as man of the year.
Nancy Shearer
Board Member
Nancy went to Gladstone Grade School and has lived in Clackamas County always. She served on the board from 2007-2012, and returned in 2019 because it’s so much fun. Her first love is the printed word and horticulture second, but supports WFS because she’s passionate about keeping public access television available for free speech for the masses. Power to the People!
Emma Lugo
Board Member
Emma Lugo (Christina) is a current and former member of the WFS Board and a long-time resident of Oregon City. Emma lives in Oregon City with her partner Nini and six cats. She enjoys gardening and working with adults with developmental disabilities. In addition to her service with WFS she is also currently the President of KBOO Community Radio in Portland.
Matthew Broderick
Board Member
Matthew joined the board in 2020. He is the owner operator of Jolly Good Media, a local web design and online marketing company in Oregon City. He is also involved with the Oregon City Chamber of Commerce and the Oregon City Business Alliance. He’s originally from England where he earned a degree in Film Production and Cinematography. He lives locally with his wife, 2 yorkies and flock of chickens.