About

About Us

NODC empowers the North Olympic Peninsula to pursue and invest in its own economic and environmental destiny through:
 
  • Regional Economic Development Planning
  • Support for economic development in key sectors such as farm and food, forestry, and the marine trades
  • Convening discussions on issues facing the region such as broadband, workforce development, and sustainable forestry
  • Implementation of projects that fill gaps
 

Our Vision & Mission


Vision
A diverse and vibrant region ready for the demands of the new economy, changing environment, and the next generation.

Mission
Empower the North Olympic Peninsula to pursue and invest in its own economic and environmental destiny.

NODC Vision 2025

Purpose

To create a sustainable organization known for innovation and advancing regional initiatives

to build a more resilient economy on the North Olympic Peninsula (NOP)

Key Objectives
Build a model for an innovative rural economy positioning the NOP for resilience Expand regional planning and convening role in advancing key regional initiatives Build a sustainable organization Increase NODC's reputation as an innovative and effective regional Economic Development District and as a convenor for the NOP
Goals
Pursue sector-based, triple-bottom-line economic development strategies aligned with priorities in the CEDS. Convene and support broad-based NOP economic and community planning to identify, develop and implement solutions to regional challenges. Provide cash match for EDA Planning Partnership grant and diversify funding sources by increasing funding from membership fees, foundation grants, and fee-for-service work. Identify the audiences critical to NODC's success and develop communication strategies for each.
Improve "economic infrastructure" such as broadband and access to capital to support a more resilient and equitable economy. Build strong collaborations with and among key regional stakeholders. Increase organizational capacity by hiring core staff to support grant writing, financial administration and program initiatives. Analyze whether current mission, name and branding adequately convey NODC purpose and value to its audiences; revise as needed.
Support movement of initiatives from planning to implementation. Refine framework and criteria for guiding development of new projects. Implement communication strategy to reach key stakeholders, and local/regional/national audiences.
Key Success Measures
NODC supports at least one triple-bottom-line economic development project each year in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, marine trades and energy. Complete new CEDS planning process in 2025. By 2025, NODC has cash match for EDA Planning funds and has diversified revenue streams to include fee-for-service, increased membership dues and foundation funding. NODC's mission, name and branding have been evaluated and revised as needed.
By 2025, NODC's work leads to improvements in key economic infrastructure such as broadband in the region. Conduct at least one collaborative planning project on topics such as broadband, climate change and energy each year. By 2025, NODC has sufficient administrative and program staff to manage the workload. Communication strategies have been developed and implemented to reach key audiences.
At least 3 projects move from planning to implementation as a result of NODC support. A framework for guiding development of new projects is used to inform decisions. NODC is a sought after source of information for members, partners and policymakers.

Purpose & Objectives


  • To develop, support and carry out regional plans for economic and community development;
  • To support the efforts of other organizations and agencies to enhance quality of life in the region;
  • To provide networking opportunities to collaborate on and advance regional projects;
  • To leverage the coordination and cooperation of members in projects which enhance the economy and environment of the North Olympic Peninsula.

Council Members, Roles & Affiliations


Staff


Karen Affeld

Executive Director

Karen Affeld has more than 25 years of experience in rural development, fundraising and non-profit administration in natural resource based communities. Having worked in the public, private and non-profit sectors, she brings a diverse skill set to projects where common ground can be difficult to identify. She specializes in collaborative, multi-stakeholder projects and rural economic and community development.


When not meeting with partners or writing grant proposals, she enjoys spending time with her horses and dogs and exploring the Olympic Peninsula. She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Contact Karen at karen@noprcd.org.


Elise Wright

Project Coordinator: Food Sector Business Development

Born in Port Angeles, Elise has called the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas home for most of her life. She has a Bachelor's in Exercise Science from Western Washington University and a Master's in Human Physiology from the University of Oregon. For more than a decade she worked in biomechanics, human physiology and sports performance research. 


In 2019 Elise moved home to Washington after a stint in Eugene to be closer to family and the lands and waters she loves. As she worked to pivot her career, she held jobs in agriculture on Bainbridge Island and in Sequim. Upon obtaining a certificate in editing from the University of Washington, Elise worked as the grant writer and manager at Northwest Maritime Center for two years. 


Elise is thrilled to be joining NODC as the Project Coordinator for their Food Sector Business Development Program, thereby reconnecting to local and sustainable agriculture. 


In her spare time, Elise enjoys hiking, reading, and adoring her cat, Roux. Contact Elise at ï»¿elise@noprcd.org.


Ryan McCarthey

Farm and Food Business Advisor

Ryan’s path to the NODC includes a meaningful role as a Staff Sergeant in the Army Reserves, where from 2008-2009 he had the opportunity to conduct agricultural assessments in Northern Iraq. These projects fostered economic stability and improved quality of life for residents in the region. He then earned a BS in Applied Management from Peninsula College which tied into his next venture owning and operating a local dairy in Sequim where he specialized in operations, business development, and grant writing.

With over a decade of hands-on experience, Ryan’s skills are geared towards fostering growth and operational efficiency, especially in leveraging available grant opportunities. As a Jefferson County native who has resided in Clallam County for the past 15 years, he understands the regions challenges and opportunities and is eager to channel his experiences into advancing the NODC’s mission.


Outside of work, Ryan is a dedicated father to his two boys, Tyler and Wade. Whether exploring the Peninsula’s natural wonders or embarking on adventures beyond its borders, he finds joy in creating lasting memories with his children. Contact Ryan at ryan@noprcd.org.


Lauren Lesser

Planning and Community Engagement Director

Lauren Lesser joined NODC in 2023 as the Planning & Community Engagement Director. She has a background in conservation and has spent the last decade working at The Nature Conservancy supporting community- and Indigenous-led conservation in the Emerald Edge, the temperate rainforest system of North America spanning from the Pacific Northwest to southeast Alaska. Her work focused on the interconnections of a healthy environment, economy, and human wellbeing. At NODC she is excited to add more areas to her rural development portfolio including broadband access and equity, renewable energy, and connecting with the many people working to care for our region.

 

Lauren lives with her husband, toddler, and dog and enjoys exploring the Olympic Peninsula whenever she has free time. Lauren holds a B.A. in Biology from Dartmouth College and recently completed the Rural Development Initiatives Community Leadership Program. Contact Lauren at lauren@noprcd.org.


Amy Nash

Administration and Communications Coordinator

Amy Nash joined NODC in April 2021 as the Administration and Communications Coordinator. Amy brings many years of project management experience as well as a background in graphic design, photography, and publishing, and has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Washington University. She has most recently managed the art and product design departments of printing and educational development companies, and was the art director of a multi-media publishing company.


Amy grew up in the Pacific Northwest, moving to Port Angeles in 2001. She spent a number of years as a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation volunteer, including becoming certified to do oil spill rescues. Amy is a member of the Port Angeles Garden Club, and when not working she can be found in her garden, camping, or exploring one of the Olympic Peninsula’s many beautiful beaches. Contact Amy at amy@noprcd.org.


Kara Cardinal

Strait Ecosystem Recovery Network Coordinator

Kara has worked all throughout Washington in various capacities in the marine and habitat restoration world for over 12 years now, including salmon restoration in the Skagit River watershed, estuarine education and water quality testing with the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, land stewardship in Eastern Washington, derelict gear removal, coastal vulnerability, sea level rise planning and shoreline planning with the Nature Conservancy, and marine debris planning with the NOAA Marine Debris Program.


Kara grew up along the beaches of Whidbey Island and spent countless hours with her family exploring the Elwha and Dungeness Rivers. She spent her early education and career years throughout Washington, including in Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Seattle and Spokane. She has lived and worked within Jefferson County for over ten years, and is so grateful to be putting down roots with her family in Chimacum, restoring an old farm house and raising kids and chickens. Contact Kara at coordinator@straitern.org, and learn more about Strait ERN at straitern.org.


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