Board of Directors 2013
Rachel Dexheimer, President
Rachel is a powerful and dynamic trainer, facilitator, author, and coach who spent 18 years thriving the cultural and technical complexities of Fortune 500 companies including Lucent, AT&T, United Parcel Service, and McCaw Cellular.
While she reveled in building strong business relationships, creating high performing teams, and leading global implementation projects, there was something missing - a contribution to the greater good.
She is now sought after to provide audiences and clients with fresh, powerful tools to deepen leadership skills, strengthen teams, and embolden clear communication. Her tools are not only relevant to the corporate environment, they reveal some of our most basic challenges.
Her uncanny ability to drive to the heart of a matter with bold curiosity and direct communication, is perfectly balanced with her humor and ability to create trust for meaningful and honest conversations.
She serves on Leadership Eastside's Curriculum Committee and past President of the U of W Alumnae Board, granting scholarships based on acedemics, financials, community service and demonstrations of leadership.
Joey Pauley, Vice President
Prior to finding his calling in organizational development Joey managed web development and design teams. Now, groups and organizations such as University of Washington, Microsoft, Boeing, Nintendo, and Adobe value his expertise facilitating process improvement, group dynamics, team building, leadership development and strategic planning workshops.
When he is not using proven group process techniques to reach customer goals you can find him instructing skiing and snowboarding or playing ultimate Frisbee. Learn more about his musing at www.joeypauley.com or dial 206.651.5639 for a free consultation.
Amelia Hough-Ross, Treasurer
Amelia Hough-Ross is currently a Project Manager for Expedia working on IT rollouts for itinerary and self service functionality. She is originally from the east coast, and majored in Computer Science at Smith College. After working for Progressive Insurance and Sherwin-Williams, she completed her MBA in strategic management and organizational development from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Amelia has had the good fortune of working with David Cooperrider and Ronald Fry on Businesses as Agents of World Benefit, and has made three contributions to the World Inquiry Story Bank which earned her the certification in Appreciative Inquiry. When Amelia is not working, she stays busy with dance lessons and travel.
Mohammed Raei, Program Director
Originally from Jordan, Mohammed has a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Northeastern University, a certificate in executive leadership from Cornell and a Masters degree in Management and Leadership from Antioch university. At Northeastern University, Mohammed served as the student chapter president for the the institute of industrial engineers. At Antioch University he served as student representative on the academic council. He worked in the marketing of dairy products in the Jordanian market for several years where he also lead the efforts for ISO 9000 quality management certification. Additionally he represented the dairy and food industries on several standards committees. Afterward, Mohammed represented several multinational industrial goods companies in the middle eastern market. He facilitated for the compassionate action network and The Washington state nursing conference.
Chantal Mees Koch, Program Director 2012
Chantal is a consultant with years of experience building relationships with clients to create solutions to their most pressing problems, such as engagement, change management, evaluation and leadership. She is passionate about building effective teams, collaborating, and developing individuals to their highest potential. She provides consulting services that maximize system effectiveness, delivers concise and accurate communications, and meets organizational goals, while going above and beyond expectations. She is a facilitator and leader who coaches others to find superior solutions and actions to promote growth. She has been responsible for a wide variety of Human Resource functions, including recruitment, selection, training, evaluation and development of employees and volunteers. She is skilled at minding the minutiae while keeping a whole systems perspective.
As a Veteran of the United States Air Force, she understands the importance of teamwork, discipline and dedication. With a Master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and a life-long love of learning, she constantly strives to improve, both professionally and personally. When not consulting or volunteering, she enjoys trying new things, being active, hiking, tennis, reading, art, laughing and spending time with friends and family.
Kathryn Knowlson
Kate is the CEO of Sandbeast, a Portland-based start-up focused on educational and wellness systems. She is also a founding partner at bMergent, a consulting firm in Seatte and Portland, which focuses on modern teaming and tracing values to value with clients. Kate earned a M.A. in Organizational Systems - Leadership and Organizational Development from the LIOS Graduate College of Saybrook University and a B.S. in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology from Emory University. She has 10 years of experience in academic research, including 5 years in operations management, overseeing large teams and budgets and designing training and compliance programs at The National Institute of Mental Health, Emory University, and Oregon Health & Science University. The work she enjoys most focuses on individual and group learning and growth through the application of systems concepts, compassionate practices, and a playful spirit. She is interested in the growth of for-benefit corporations, where purpose and profit are complimentary drivers of success. She serves on the LIOS Leadership and Organizational Development Advisory Board, supporting faculty in the mentorship of current students. She is originally from Lawrenceville, Georgia, where her career began as a technician observing primate behavior. She relocated to Portland in 2007 and launched her OD work in 2011, while a student at LIOS. She enjoys local music, comedy writing, and camping - particularly along the Oregon coast.
Rae Stacy
Rae is a creative and innovative Organizational Development professional with over 15 years experience spanning multiple organizational structures and industries. She is dedicated and passionate about identifying solutions for complex business people-related issues while building collaborative, inclusive relationships. She understands how to synergistically balance and integrate employee culture and environment, key initiatives, and long-term strategy into effective and impactful outcomes. Creativity, flexibility, and versatility– are a few of the many gifts Rae has to offer when focused on leadership and team development, and change processes. Currently Rae is finalizing her studies in earning a Master’s Degree from Seattle University and Organizational Systems Renewal. Rae also has a passion for giving back to the community, baking epicurean delights, many forms of artistic expression, partner dancing, being outdoors, and finding reasons to play, laugh, and celebrate life. Learn more about Rae.
Richard Beckerman, Past President ~ 2009 - 2011
Richard has held executive positions in aviation museums for 17 years. He was Director of Operations at the Museum of Flight in Seattle for 10 years and then 6 years as Chief Operations Officer and Vice President of Operations. In 2007, he was the Interim Executive Director of the new Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He moved into full time consulting to museums and nonprofits at the end of 2007, providing technical, operational, planning, and organizational counseling. Richard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, and a Masters of Science in Management from Antioch University Seattle.
