It's Your Oregon: Joe Walicki

Joe Walicki served as OEC’s communication director from 1995 to 1998, and has remained involved with our organization over the years. We recently chatted with Joe about his commitment to Oregon and to the Oregon Environmental Council. 

The reason I worked at OEC was…I always felt I could make the most difference working for a non-profit environmental organization that complemented my desire to safeguard everything I love about Oregon. I also enjoy public relations and advocating for a group like OEC.  And besides, I couldn't pass up the chance to work with my old friend, John Charles [Executive Director at time].

The most important thing I learned while at OEC was…getting our story told by the media was and is mostly dependent on the type of personal relationship you have with the individual media representatives.

I’ve remained involved with OEC as…a volunteer videographer for an exciting sustainable food interview project. We’ve completed our first interview with Chef Marco Shaw of Fife Restaurant, and have many more to come. Check it out at www.oeconline.org. We plan on releasing a 30-minute documentary packed with about 10 of these interviews soon.

I am dedicated to mass transit...while working at the airport in Portland, I commuted by Max from Beaverton. Today, you’ll find me behind the wheel as a part-time TriMet bus driver.

I believe “It’s my Oregon” because…over the last 30 plus years, I have worked very hard to protect the special places that make this state what it is: a Mecca for outdoor loving people.

My idea of a perfect Oregon day would be…setting out on a day hike to Angel’s Rest on the Columbia River Gorge with my wife, Mary, and, after a solid climb up the mountain, to relax with a tasty lunch while enjoying the view.