Art Pope, Executive Director

During his college years, Art Pope worked as a kayaking instructor for Minnesota for Outward Bound and spent a summer as a Wilderness Ranger on Idaho's Selway River. He worked at a logging camp in Alaska and ran a Youth Conservation Corps program for the Forest Service. Finally, graduating from the University of Oregon, he spent four months canoing through Alaska, worked with six grade students as Director of an Outdoor School program and otherwise supported a compulsion to raft, kayak, climb, and ski through freelance writing and photography. Art Pope has been the Executive Director of Northwest Youth Corps since 1984.

 Keith Brown, Deputy Director

Keith has just become NYC's first Deputy Director.  Previously, he was the Program Director of YouthCorps.  He has also been Operations Director and head of the Recruitment Department. He began his career with Northwest Youth Corps in the 1992 Summer Program as a Crew Leader and spent his first few winters supervising the original NYC Building program. When Keith is not working he enjoys outdoor activities such as camping and fishing with his wife, family of 11 children (includes permanent foster children) and 9+ grandchildren. His hobbies also include landscaping his yard, renovating his home and working on his 'project car', a ‘78 Dodge Magnum.

Daphne Derven, Program Director

Daphne Derven worked as an archaeolgist for many years in various parts of the Americas. She then applied her experiences in science, education, and conservation to management. She was the Director of Public Programs for the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Later, she was the founding Program Director at Copia in Napa, CA, and  Stone Barns Center in Pocantico Hills, NY. In addition to her  passion for driving her Mini Cooper S, and playing with Chachuka, her Afghan Hound, she loves to cook.  Currently, she is studying for a Masters of Science in Sustainable Development from the University of London.  She joined NYC in 2007.

KC Cloyd, Network Administrator

KC Cloyd moved to Eugene in 2005 after working as a Computer Support Specialist for the Phoenix-Talent School District in Southern Oregon. He is now the Network Administrator for both FOOD for Lane County and the Northwest Youth Corps. In his free time, KC enjoys hiking, video games and tabletop gaming.

Liz Karas, Alumni Development Coordinator

Liz is a wandering redhead. She grew up in Los Angeles, California, moved with her family to Houston, Texas, graduated with honors in Cognitive Psychology from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington and accepted a position with a political public interest organization, becoming the University of Oregon campus organizer for the last two years. In that capacity, Liz worked on political campaigns in Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, Virginia, District of Columbia, Massachusetts and New Jersey. When not traveling, Liz taught a course in environmental/social political campaign and event planning at the University of Oregon. Now Liz happily resides at NYC. When Liz is not trying to organize the masses, she enjoys riding her bike, hiking, camping, gardening, drawing, and is now attempting to throw a pot from time to time. Let Liz know if you want to go on a bike ride!

Natalie Whitson, Development Officer

Natalie Whitson has been NYC's Development Officer since 1998. Natalie works with staff to design, fund, implement, track and evaluate new programs. Her other responsibilities include donor development and public relations. Prior to NYC, Natalie lived in The Hague, The Netherlands, where she operated a small business. She has also worked at a foundation supporting public schools, and as a VISTA developing youth activities. Natalie has a Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of Oregon, and is a credentialed fencing instructor.

Judyth Hill, Chief Financial Officer

Judyth Hyll has been NYC's Chief Finance Officer since 2003. Originally from California, Judyth received her CPA license in 1987. Judyth’s background in public and corporate accounting, movie and television media and advertising helps her in her current financial management responsibilities at Northwest Youth Corps. Judyth oversees the NYC finance office, maintains the general ledger, and prepares statements of financial position, program statements and other requested financial reports, among other tasks. In her free time Judyth volunteers at the Oregon Feral Cat Coalition, is active in a faith community, loves to travel, and contributes to other non-profit groups.

Peter Lytle, Manager of Marketing and Communications