Richard Coon, Executive Director

This is my first year serving as Executive Director with BVC. My wife Gail, and I have been married for forty-five years having raised five children. Our daughter, Avi, was a two-year Jesuit Volunteer in  Belize and our son-on-law, John, was a one-year Jesuit Volunteer in Bend, Oregon. My career background includes sail-making, public education, publishing and construction. Our family has a lifestyle of outdoor sports and recreation.

The core value most on my mind at this time is that of social justice as it applies to humankind's relationship to our planet Earth and the global, human consequences of an ever growing world population. Simple living, spirituality and community all play an integral part of my thoughts and actions. I believe each person has a unique intimacy with God. For me personally, my intimacy is with the name and spirit of Jesus Christ.

Mary Dean, Co-Progam Director

I began my role as Co-Program Director in May 2008. Together with Karen, our responsibilities include planning and implementing the weeklong orientation for each new community in July, as well as organizing 3 retreats over the course of the year. Interspersed with those events, we try to offer or connect the volunteers with a variety of different spiritual “opportunities” that will challenge them and deepen their experience as a Bend Volunteer. 


My husband and I moved to Bend in 2000, and have felt at home here ever since. We very much enjoy the opportunity BVC gives our family to connect with people who share our passions and interests. Our daughters (Bridget – 10 and Maddie – 8) have always been in awe of each group of volunteers, as are we. The community created by all of these people coming together to serve those in need is truly where God is revealed to me. 

Karen Harding, Co-Program Director

The position of co-director is new to me. Mary and I work together to find experiences that will offer integration of the core values. It happens with God's grace and a lot of coffee. Luckily we have an abundant array of coffee houses here in Bend. I can't pick one core value. As a nurse practitioner I find that by nurting our physical, mental and spiritual selves we can find health. Through community support we are strengthened. Finding personal health empowers us to work towards social justice and community well-being. Simplicity is the prism that lends understanding. The four values weave together beautifully.

Living in Bend the last 17 years has been an adventure. Nothing here stays the same. My husband, three daughters and I have learned to expect and enjoy change. But, there is one constant, the Cascade Mountains. Their constant watch and majestic presence is a reminder that I am not alone, none of us are.

Kristin Meagher, Agency Liaison

I have been involved with BVC for almost two years as the Agency Liaison. My role involves soliciting non-profit agencies that provide direct service to poor and marginalized clients in Central Oregon and approving these agencies as placements for our volunteers. The positions the volunteers fill at these agencies must fit with BVC's mission and stated policies. I facilitate the application process with each agency and support the volunteers in their placement throughout the year by making monthly visits. It is inpsiring to see the work that is done at each of these agencies and to really get to know the amazing young people that have moved to Bend for a year to serve the less fortunate in our community.

My husband, Tom, and I and our three children moved to Bend in 2003 and love the Central Oregon lifestyle. We take advantage of all of the outdoor amenities- skiing, hiking, biking and enjoy the dry, clear weather. We were looking for a spiritual, service-oriented way to feel connected to our new community and that is how we learned about the Bend Volunteer Corps.

The core value that speaks to me most right now is Simple Living. When we simplify our lives we are able to see more, feel more and be more. I am in awe of our Bend Volunteers that live simply in a spiritual community and wake up every day and go serve the poor and marginalized at agencies that are committed to the value of social justice.

Charlotte Roe, Director of Recruiting

I have been involved with BVC for almost two-years as the Director of Recruiting. I work through the mail, email and phone to bring in our volunteers each year, an experience that has been very rewarding for me. Talking with and finally meeting each new community is exhilarating; each volunteer inspires me in a special way.

My husband, Mike and I have three children and love living in Bend, a move we made in 2001. Enjoying the area hiking, skiing, and sunny skies is a favorite pastime. When  not recruitng or enjoying the Bend Volunteer community, I teach part-time at the local Catholic school, St. Francis.

The core value of community is what called me to this position with BVC. I have enjoyed the company of many of the people involved, respected their mission, and was eager to find some kind of service work that would work with my family life.

Mark Smith, Community Support Person

I have had the pleasure of serving as Community Support Person for the past two years. My primary responsibilities are to help the volunteers develop and maintain a functional and harmonious community and to walk with the volunteers in their personal and spiritual growth. We generally meet on Wednesday evenings; Sometimes we chat as a group at a local coffee shop or teahouse, or in the BV's living room. Other weeks we meet individually to help them process community issues, work related matters, or other personal topics of the BV's choosing. I have found this experience to be life giving for both myself and the volunteers, and am grateful to the BVC for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.

Serving as Community Support Person, it might be surprising that the most important core value to me is... Spirituality. This is because Spirituality, in its deepest sense, touches all aspects of life. I find that the more open we are to being touched by Spirit, the more complete, full, and abundant our lives become, to paraphrase Jesus.

I have had the good fortune to be married to Barbara for over twenty years. We have two children: Conor, 13, and Tara, 11. Like many Bend residents, I love outdoor activities, especially water skiing and alpine skiing. I enjoy the freedom of being self-employed, and work as a Certified Financial Planner from my home office.