Staff Spotlight: Lee Lane Rahr
Lee leads our conservation programs, with special focus on our Klamath Basin work. She also serves on the leadership team, and helped launch the clean energy program at Sustainable Northwest.
“I feel strongly about serving the mission of this organization. But the work with Tribes - to try to right past wrongdoings - has been hugely satisfying, especially supporting the Tribal-led dam removal campaign to restore salmon runs on the Klamath River.”
How did your childhood influence your decision to work in sustainability?
I grew up in a farmhouse on a 40-acre farm in Minnesota. My parents had a huge vegetable garden, plus they grew hay, oats, and soybeans. We also had a lot of horses and farm animals. We did the work ourselves – cared for the animals, baled and stacked hay, mowed, weeded the garden … everything. It was an amazing way to grow up. I woke up hearing birds, ducks, and geese on the pond. I went to bed hearing crickets and frogs. I rode my pony in the summer and cross-country skied in the winter around the lakes and through the local woods - I always felt very close to the land. The land and work of being raised on a farm taught me grit and helped build a deep connection to the earth and wild things.
How did your educational and career path lead you to Sustainable Northwest?
I earned a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from Lewis & Clark College, and I thought I would go to Washington D.C. and work for a big aid agency or the State Department. But that didn’t happen. I met my husband Guido, who was working in conservation and pivoted to natural resource work. I settled in Oregon and got my first job in conservation as the membership coordinator at the Xerces Society, an invertebrate conservation organization. I did similar work at other conservation nonprofits and a regional foundation. Eventually, I earned my master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Oregon to gain more skills related to the region’s economic, environmental and social challenges. That led me to a solar program position within the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability and eventually to start Sustainable Northwest’s clean energy program.
What do you like most about your position at Sustainable Northwest?
I feel strongly about serving the mission of this organization. But the work with Tribes - to try to right past wrongdoings has been hugely satisfying, especially supporting the Tribal-led dam removal campaign to restore salmon runs on the Klamath River. Also, at this point in my career, I feel strongly about supporting and mentoring the next generation of conservation leaders. I strive to be an excellent supervisor - to provide a supportive and positive growth environment where people can learn and take risks. Also, to mentor working parents - helping and supporting the balance of career and raising a family. I love my work and the team here at Sustainable Northwest, I feel lucky to be here.
Passions outside of work: Family time, walking, hiking, tennis, gardening, downhill skiing, fishing, reading
Something you think is overrated: Email
Favorite thing to do on a day off: Hike with my dog Blanca, read, and garden
Favorite place in the PNW: Lower Deschutes River
Book recommendation: Can’t keep to one - top faves - The Grapes of Wrath, Crossing to Safety, The Overstory
Cats or dogs?: Dogs
