Clean Water Advocate Leaves a Crystal Clear Legacy

Jackie Dingfelder developed a passion for water work early on when she studied physical geography as an undergraduate at UCLA. California was already facing episodic droughts then, and Jackie deeply understood that water is essential to life.

Jackie went on to study environmental planning and watershed management and earned a Masters in Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and a PhD in Public Policy from Portland State University.

“Here I am 40 years later and never lost that passion for how we sustainably manage water,” she said.

When she moved to Oregon in 1993, Jackie sought an organization she could volunteer for while seeking gainful employment as an environmental planner; OEC was one of a few groups focused on Oregon water issues at that time. Jackie reached out and offered to help as an intern.

“One aspect of OEC’s work that resonated with me is active engagement with agricultural communities to find collaborative solutions,” said Jackie. “OEC’s philosophy of working with diverse stakeholders to find common ground fit well with my interests and philosophy.”

Jackie has been connected with OEC ever since, either as a member or working alongside OEC in the Oregon Legislature.

Jackie served in the Oregon State Legislature from 2001 until 2013, first as a State Representative and later as a State Senator. She chaired both the Oregon House and Senate Environment Committees and championed landmark environmental legislation.

During her tenure, she says, “I worked closely with OEC on many environmental laws and programs where I witnessed firsthand OEC’s effectiveness on shaping environmental laws and programs.”

She went on to say, “When it comes to clean air, clean water, smart transportation planning and reducing toxics, OEC has been the cornerstone.”

When asked what aspects of OEC’s work give her the most satisfaction, Jackie answered, “Many aspects of OEC’s work, but in particular, the work OEC has accomplished around minimizing toxics especially in children’s toys and products. No other organization has focused as much on toxics reduction— especially in children’s products.”

Jackie chose to leave a planned gift to OEC to help ensure consistent funding and the continued long term success of OEC’s work.

“As an Environmental Planner and Policy expert, I have worked on improving our environment for close to 40 years,” Jackie said. “I am proud to support OEC’s essential work of promoting clean water, clean air and healthy communities.“

OEC is incredibly grateful to Jackie for her long-term commitment to protecting Oregon’s environment by leaving a planned gift to fund thoughtful environmental advocacy for years to come. If you would like to remember OEC with a gift in your will or learn about establishing a charitable gift annuity, please contact Teke Dillender at 503-222-1963 x119 or teked@oeconline.org today.