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.


Angela Glore

Community Development Program Director

Angela Glore has lived in rural and remote communities in California, Alaska, and Washington for almost 20 years and is passionate about advocating for rural places. She has worked in non-profit organizations, local government agencies, and for-profit consulting since 2010. She has experience facilitating diverse coalitions to make lasting community change; grant writing; project management; and community engagement through human centered design.


Angela has lived in national park gateway communities since 2006. Since moving to Port Angeles in 2021, she has been working to remove lawn and add native plants to her yard. Angela holds a masters and PhD in anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis. Her research interests center on how people and plants interact in the past and present. Contact Angela at angela@noprcd.org.


Amy Nash

Administration and Finance Coordinator

Amy Nash joined NODC in April 2021 as the Administration and Finance 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.


Paul Schiefen

Farm and Food Program Manager

Paul Schiefen brings more than 20 years of hands-on experience in managing diverse businesses and supporting community. Most recently, as the owner of Jardin du Soleil Lavender Farm in Sequim, WA, he balanced agricultural work with retail management, e-commerce, and event planning, creating a welcoming destination for both locals and visitors. 


Earlier in his career, Paul led Brownwood Insurance Agency, managing a large portfolio of assets. His focus on service, team leadership, and strategic marketing helped the agency grow across various commercial and personal insurance lines.


In addition to his business ventures, Paul can be found active in the local music scene as a drummer and Latin percussionist, also often providing live sound for regional festivals and events. At home, he enjoys life on his farm with his partner Jordan, two teenagers, two cats, a dog, three goats, chickens and peacocks. 


Paul also serves as Treasurer for the Sequim Lavender Experience and has held leadership roles with the Olympic Peninsula Visitors Bureau. His goal is to use his diverse experience and background to help food and farm businesses grow sustainably while staying connected to their communities. Contact Paul at paul@noprcd.org.



Seth Hunt

Farm and Food Program Outreach Coordinator

Seth has been involved with the world of small farming and food systems since 2010 when he began working on organic farms. His broad professional experience in agriculture includes field duties, tractor maintenance, crew management, CSA, sales, and quality control. Seth graduated from The Evergreen State College in 2014, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Science.


Seth was born and raised in western Washington and holds a deep personal commitment to preserving the natural beauty and unique character of the region. While he acknowledges that change is inevitable, he works to support systems of development that enhance and grow a whole community that includes BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and underserved populations. Seth holds the humble privilege of living in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains where he gardens and lives happily with his beloved family. Contact Seth at seth@noprcd.org.




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