Cascades Raptor Center Announces New Executive Director
After 32 years, Cascades Raptor Center has hired its second Executive Director!
Cascades Board of Directors recently approved the hiring of Julie Collins as Executive Director. Collins most recently served as the Deputy Director of the center.
“It’s with great honor and pride that I embrace this role as Executive Director for Cascades Raptor Center,” said Collins. “I thrive on the Center’s successes, whether that is a new corporate sponsor, watching a raptor soar upon release, increasing donations, or seeing a co-worker achieve a professional goal. I love this organization and strive to make it a better place.”
Collins was chosen from 24 qualified applicants. She has more than six years of organizational knowledge and experience. She is ready to lead the Raptor Center through the important stages of growth while keeping the mission, vision, and welfare of staff and birds her constant priority.
Collins will follow Louise Shimmel as Executive Director. Shimmel founded the Center in 1987 and has dedicated herself to the mission of connecting people with the wild world through caring for raptors. Shimmel, along with her strong staff, Board, and volunteers, made the Center a regional resource for rehabilitating injured raptors and a destination for educators, wildlife supporters, and visitors to the Pacific Northwest.
“I am one of the many voices of Cascades Raptor Center, and I will continue to keep Louise’s legacy strong while moving us forward and ensuring we are here for future generations,” added Collins. “It is time for us to grow and soar, and I will make that happen with the help of our team and community.”
“The Board of Directors is excited for the next chapter,” said Clara Rigmaiden, Board of Directors. “We feel lucky that a person with such passion for our mission, and inspiration for the growth of the Center, was ready to step up to the plate to take on this big responsibility.”
“I am delighted to congratulate Julie on her promotion to Executive Director! Julie is outgoing, personable, and skilled – she has great contacts in the local community and has done an excellent job supporting the Interim ED in her role as Deputy Director,” said Shimmel, founder and Emeritus. “I think she will do a fantastic job in keeping the Raptor Center flourishing! I hope the community will continue to support her and the rest of the great team here.”
Pam Whyte, Treasurer of the Board of Directors, is thrilled with the promotion of Julie Collins to the Executive Director position.
“It has been an honor to have been involved with Cascades Raptor Center since its birth,” said Whyte. “I have watched the Center grow and I am confident that Cascades Raptor Center is in good hands with Julie at the helm. Julie’s passion and drive will assist the Center in continuing to grow and thrive.”
“We are very excited about this hire and have every confidence that Julie will continue to grow the presence and influence of Cascades Raptor Center in our community,” said David Goeres, Board Member.
Collin’s goals for the future are to ensure everyone in the community knows about the Center and can have the opportunity to visit the beautiful birds and learn about the importance of working with our natural world. Collins and staff are determined to expand the Raptor Center onto the adjacent four acres in the future.
“We know we have to raise the funds to make this happen, but we also know we play a critical role in the rehab community. We are the only Wildlife Hospital and Nature Center in Lane County. The community depends on us, and continue to support our organization,” said Collins.
Collins and her team are determined to increase their educational programming. “Our goal is to make sure we are here for future generations and that we continue to teach humans about the critical role that raptors and all animals play in making life on earth possible.”
About Cascades Raptor Center
Cascades Raptor Center is a nature center and wildlife hospital, we are open to the public year round. We are home to nearly 40 resident raptors, who play an integral role with our educational mission to create awareness and respect for our wild world. Our Wildlife Hospital provides highest standards of medical treatment and rehabilitation to over 300 sick, injured, and orphaned birds of prey (raptors) each year.
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