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 College of Art, in 1998.
I’m the producer and editor of “Author’s Forum,” a very successful show that played on our channel for three years. I have lived in Oregon City for 30 years. I worked as a phlebotomist for 27years at four 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 Tradesman 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.
Ryan Brinkley
Board Member
Ryan, a longtime resident of Oregon City, joined the Board in 2024.
Early on, Ryan studied "Radio, Television, and Film" in Southern California. Upon returning to Oregon, he worked in studio photography and automotive journalism while continuing his education at Portland State University.
Professionally, Ryan enjoyed an extended career in international business, importing/exporting goods and commodities across global markets. More recently, he’s shifted his focus towards community development. In 2023 he accepted an administrative role at the Downtown Oregon City Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, that advocates for downtown stakeholders and acts as a district liaison to the city.
Ryan spends much of his free time pursuing personal photography projects, filmmaking, and studying history, film, and architecture. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and resides in Oregon City, Oregon.
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!
Wayne Morris
Board Member
Wayne was raised in Seattle and relocated to Oregon City in 1996 following his interest in building automation controls. He has been working for commercial mechanical contractors and has commissioned numerous legacy projects in downtown Portland until his retirement in 2023. He has experience with technology interfaces and is interested in media and communication platforms. Late in his career he maintained two commercial office and warehouse buildings as the Facility Manager. Wayne served at Local 290 as a continuing education instructor for the building trades with an emphasis on electrical and mechanical maintenance and installation. He has a long history of volunteering in the sport of hydroplane racing, environmental cleanup projects, and recently with Clackamas County Dog Services. One of his favorite pastimes is fishing on the ocean and boating in the northwest. He looks forward to supporting WFS with his skills and abilities and as a Board Member.