Meet the team of volunteers at the Intercultural Society of Vernonia. We are dreamers, visionaries, and individuals who love our small town!!! Every cultural event and festival we organize is essentially to bring the community together, to share in the collaborative spirit of the town, and to bring life to our streets! None of this would be possible without these hard-working individuals on our board!
IF YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW IS INTERESTED IN JOINING THE BOARD TO FILL A VACANT POSITION, FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US, OR COME TO ONE OF OUR GENERAL MEETINGS FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Board of Directors
President – Andrea Jones
Born and raised in Vernonia and back since 2006, Andrea has a heart for this small town that she calls her forever home. She is a real estate broker with John L Scott Market Center, helping folks buy and sell their homes locally. Andrea brings energy and enthusiasm to her role in the Intercultural Society as well as other community events! She loves to garden, travel and spend time with her four wonderful children and friends.
Co-Vice President – Jilleanna Northrup
Jilleeanna enjoys helping out with the events that are a part of what makes Vernonia a great community to raise kids her kids in.
Co-Vice President – Donella Wallace
Donella and her family planned for years before making the move to Vernonia in June 2023. She and her husband Aaron have three children and a menagerie of pets in their home. In their spare time (when they can find it) they enjoy going to concerts, nice dinners, and traveling. They have already put in many volunteer hours and look forward to becoming even more a part of our community of Vernonia as years go by.
Treasurer – Rocco Urman
Meet Rocco Urman, the new Treasurer for the Intercultural Society Of Vernonia ! Not only has Rocco been an active member and volunteer at the amazing events around town that the Intercultural Society hosts, but in his daily life, he is an entrepreneur about to start a new business in downtown Vernonia, as well as is about to embark on a new adventure in matrimony! Thanks for all you do Rocco!!!
Secretary / Social Media Specialist – Betsy Melo
Betsy Melo moved to Vernonia with her family in the spring of 2023. Eager to get involved in the community and meet new people, she joined the Intercultural Society in 2024. Betsy works as a project manager in the tech industry. She has many hobbies and interests, including wild mushroom hunting, rockhounding, writing, hosting international exchange students, and fostering rescue kittens.
Marketing Specialist – Veronique Nelson-Thelin
Veronique heard about the Society and, after attending the New Year’s Eve gala, knew she wanted to be a “part of the team that infuses life to our community”. On the side, she is a busy realtor, newly remarried, mother of two grown kids, and grandma of a little one. She is unapologetically French, devoted, creative, and lover of all artistic endeavors… and of nature.
BOARD MEMBERS
Board Member – Stacey Pelster
Stacey has been involved in the Intercultural Society and the former Chamber of Commerce since 2015. She brings technological saavy and inspiration to the team, along with a passion for the community. When she isn’t volunteering and enjoying being a part of the Intercultural Society’s events, she volunteers with of the Vernonia School District School Board, and also helps run Mr. Electric of Hillsboro & Salem alongside her husband, as well as is CEO of SVP Office Intuition, Inc. If that weren’t enough, she also keeps busy raising her nine children (with one on the way), and also maintains a beautiful hobby farm and gardens!!!
Board Member – Emily Urman
Emily is an active member of the Intercultural Society, helping with events such as the New Years Eve Gala, 4th of July Great American Bash, and more, she is also a dedicated athlete. On the side, Emily is an entrepreneur, running her own cleaning business, Synergy Cleaning, in and around Vernonia.
Board Member – Kasey Wilson
Kasey moved to Vernonia a couple of years ago to assume the position of Director at Camp Cedar Ridge. She has paved the way to continue hosting the Adult Easter Egg Hunt on her grassy fields. In addition to that, she has volunteered in various ways for the Intercultural Society for the past year. We look forward to her continued presence with the team!
Board Member – Aaron Wallace
Aaron and his family planned for years before making the move to Vernonia in June 2023. He and his wife Donella have three children and a menagerie of pets in their home. In their spare time (when they can find it) they enjoy going to concerts, nice dinners, and traveling. They have already put in many volunteer hours and look forward to becoming even more a part of our community of Vernonia as years go by.
Intercultural Society of Vernonia 