The South Wasco Alliance (SWA) is a grass-roots organization of local residents interested in the long-term health of our area. We have created a common vision of what a healthy South Wasco community looks like and are using that vision to guide efforts to develop a sustainable economy, strong communities and improved living standards.
The South Wasco Alliance Vision
We are a collective community of South Wasco County citizens with a shared vision of a vibrant and sustainable economy. Our communities are integrated and supportive of each other, with improved living standards supporting happy and healthy lives.
Sustainable Economy
We have a diverse base of small industries and businesses that provide a sustainable and durable economy to support families and our diverse population.
Healthy Food System
Local, sustainable, nourishing, and equitable. We want a resilient community food system that is good for farmers, families, and our land.
Strong Networks
Our rural communities are safe, clean, and attractive. Each embodies its unique pioneer heritage, spirit and pride, and offers visitor enjoyment and hospitality.
Improved Living Standards
Our living environments and experiences are improved and healthy. Our living experience is continually nurtured, benefiting all residents.
Support Our Mission
Our volunteer organization is supported through small and large donations from community members like you. Your contribution helps us further our mission to develop a sustainable economy, strong communities, and improved living standards. Every bit helps meet the needs of our community.
Meet the South Wasco Alliance Team
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Kate Willis
BOARD MEMBER
Kate and her husband, Dan, started building a log cabin in Tygh Valley in 2016 using barn wood from Kate’s great-grandparents’ homestead in Moses Lake, Washington. Kate is a community organizer, South Wasco advocate, and serves on several local organizations, including the South Wasco Alliance, the Barlow Gate Grange, and the South Wasco Library Foundation. Kate is an avid gardener and loves to hike, ski, and spend most of the summer in and around the White River. Kate joined the SWA Board in early 2019 with a belief in the organization’s vision and sharing the community’s energy around the idea of creating a vibrant local food system.
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Sarah Hartenstein
BOARD MEMBER
Sarah has lived in the Antelope area since 2012, with her husband and now three kids. After growing up on the west side of the state and graduating from Oregon State with a Public Health Degree, she calls this side of the mountains home. As the Antelope School Community Center Coordinator, Sarah has found passion in creating a gathering place in town and caring for a historic building. She has found that community is necessary when living on a remote cattle ranch along the John Day River. Recently, Sarah has joined the Public Health team in Wheeler County. She enjoys the challenges of rural health and finding ways to meet the community’s needs. She is excited about how she can offer knowledge on community health to South Wasco County through SWA. She also enjoys being with her kids and helping on the ranch with her husband. If she gets any time to herself, you can find her reading or trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
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Paul Koerschgen
BOARD MEMBER
Paul Koerschgen was born and raised in Bend, Oregon where he enjoyed camping, learning to hunt and fish with his grandfather, and tinkering with engines. In highschool, he met his now wife of 15 years. She was raised on a large farm in Wamic, Oregon. Together they have four kids. The city they lived in was overcrowded and when their children started school they decided to move back to Wamic to raise the family in a rural environment. He wants to instill in his kids the values of self sustained living such as raising your own meat and growing your own vegetables. It's important to know where your food comes from. His family is involved in 4H and raises and breeds sheep for showmanship competitions. He enjoys the country lifestyle and is an integral part of his in-law's large market garden. Getting involved in SWA is a way to connect with the community, learn new skills, and share knowledge with the next generation.
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Delson Suppah Sr.
BOARD MEMBER
Delson was born just at sunrise of a red sun on October 21, 1946 at his home on the Schoolie Flat on The Warm Springs Indian Reservation to Rena Marie Wilson (Deceased) and Frank B. Suppah, both full blooded of the Warm Springs Tribe.
Employment began for Delson at the age of 12 and he has worked in a wide variety of positions over the years, including in a Summer Youth Camp, logging and plywood mills, as a 509-J School District Community Liaison, in Indian Education positions, as an Adolescent Addictions Relapse Counselor and Early Intervention Transition Specialist, on the Idaho Parents Unlimited Board, and as a Program Manager radio announcer for KWSO 91.9 FM as “Wolfman!”
Delson believes in “All things are possible!” His hope in working on the South Wasco Alliance Board is to bring the South Wasco community and the South Wasco Tribal community together as the original ambassadors had been in the early history of the State of Oregon. May that SPIRIT be brought back to life.
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Lesley Bennett
BOARD MEMBER
Lesley is an accounting and finance professional with over twenty years of experience in public and non-profit sectors.
Prior to creating her CFO consulting business, Lesley was the Director of Operations and Finance at the Latino Network. She brings a unique and dynamic perspective to her work, based on her diverse experiences throughout her career in organizations such as the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Department of Education, and various non-profits throughout Oregon such as Willamette Partnership, Oregon League of Conservation Voters and Bicycle Transportation Alliance.
Lesley enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling with her family. She can also be found perusing used bookstores and perfecting her focaccia bread recipe.
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Pamela Brown
BOARD MEMBER
Pam serves as a volunteer EMT/Firefighter on the Shaniko Volunteer Fire Department in South Wasco County.
She began her career in music education before shifting into marketing and communications. She is a business owner in South Wasco County, and serves on a nonprofit board pushing to raise money for rural music education. Pam joined the SWA Board in 2023, and is motivated to contribute to the mission.
When not working, Pam is a performing musician and has a soft spot for bluegrass music. She is the festival director for the annual Tygh Valley Bluegrass Jamboree in Tygh Valley and loves bringing people together through music.