Arlene Burns, Mayor

“Small enough to Make a Difference”

• Mayor of Mosier  (Since 2014)
• Mosier Council President (2012-14)
• Governor appointed Co-Convener of Oregon Electric Vehicle Collaborative (since Jan 2019)
• Member of Climate Mayors
• Member of Safe Energy Leadership Alliance
• Lecturer withUniversity of Portland Environmental Justice Immersion
• Representative on Travel Oregon’s Gorge Tourism Studio Steering Committee
• Member of The Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance
• Ford Family Foundation Leadership Training
• Climate Reality Training with Al Gore

Previously: 

A geologist by education, after university I was driven by a curiosity to explore the world and share pristine experiences with others – first as an instructor and river guide, then as a photojournalist, public speaker and  filmmaker.  I believe in the power of stories to shape our future.

• BS in Geology from University of South Carolina, Columbia
• World class expedition kayaker, guide and trip leader in New Zealand, Nepal, Tibet,  Siberia, Central Asia, Chile and Argentina;  Medalist of US Women’s Whitewater team for competitions in Siberia, North Carolina and Costa Rica;  Based in Kathmandu, Nepal for a decade;  Meryl Streep’s role model, coach and sometimes stunt double in Universal Studio’s The River Wild
• Outdoor industry consultant for National Geographic, Timberland, MontBell, Perception, Malden Mills (Polartec International Board of Advisors), Patagonia (Catalog photographer and essay writer)
• Public Speaker for Baylor Walkabout, Extreme Connection, Wilderness Medical Conferences, executive retreats, film festivals and workshops
• Photojournalist published in outdoor magazines, catalogs and books
• Trip leader/guide for Project RAFT (Russians and Americans for Teamwork)
• Producer/Director/Host for films in Japan, Central Asia, Costa Rica, and North America, including Survival of the Fittest (ESPN); the Gorge Games (NBC);  X games (ESPN); Trailside; Anyplace Wild (PBS); Sport Northwest, Action Sports Cable Network; Sea Studio Foundation‘s “Otter 501”.
• Film Festival Director / Board Member / Judge for various organizations including Mountainfilm in Telluride;  Blue Ocean Film Festival, Monterey, CA; Jackson Wild;  International Wildlife Film Festival;  Seawatch, and UNDP World Wildlife Day Film Showcase
•  In development: Doc on Sardine Fisheries in Sea of Cortez.