Jennifer Denson

Executive Director

I’m Jennifer Denson, Executive Director of Burrito Brigade. I have lived in Eugene most of my life. I got involved with this project after seeing a Facebook request for more volunteers, back when Burrito Brigade was in a home in the Whit (June 2014). I have always wanted to help others and this is a great way to give back. I’m passionate about helping feed my community while reducing waste. When I’m not working on Burrito Brigade projects, I love visiting the Oregon Coast with my dog, Molly, hanging out with friends and family, and traveling.

Ruin TC

Weekend Burrito Brigade

[email protected]

Chelsea Clancy

Logistics, Farms, and Nutrition Coordinator

[email protected]

Nina Fink

Logistics Assistant

Gen Schaack 

Development/ Resources

[email protected]

Kathy Calise

President

Kathy Calise, along with her husband Chris, have been Burrito Brigade supporters since its inception when Burrito Brigade was a small group of folks making burritos out of a house in the Whitaker neighborhood. Kathy is retired from Lane Community College and throughout her 22 year career, supported students in transforming their lives through education. Kathy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Masters in Business Administration. She was a Public Member for eight years on the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists serving for two years as its Board Chair. As the Board President for the Oregon Association of Community and Continuing Education, Kathy led a work group to successfully pass the Non-Credit Training Certificate through the Oregon Legislature in 2015. Kathy believes that a Community is better when we all work for the common well being of each other.

Barbara Berkley

Secretary

I’m a retired 4J teacher, and I’ve lived in Eugene since the late 1970’s after moving here from from Springfield, Massachusetts where I grew up. My daughter Sarah is a teacher in Seattle. I’ve been volunteering in the Waste to Taste store during customer hours since fall 2021, and I love my time there including all of the connections I’ve made with other Burrito Brigade folks and customers. I’m passionate about Burrito Brigade’s mission and excited to have recently joined the board. I also volunteer as a CASA with CASA of Lane County, and I love to read, play card and board games, swim, spend time in nature, hang out with friends (and their grandbabies), and watch women’s basketball. Go Ducks!

Katie James

Treasurer

As treasurer I bring my 40+ years of experience in the financial world to the organization.
Three years ago I was introduced to Burrito Brigade. I began by volunteering and learned the importance of their mission.
Bringing food to so many people experiencing food insecurity in Eugene is critical and I am honored to be a part of it.

Douglas Barr

Member-at-Large

A sitting member of Burrito Brigade and Community Supported Shelters board of directors is committed to addressing the hunger and unhoused crisis, working to create sustainable solutions that uplift communities and provide essential resources to those in need. With a passion for advocacy and action, Doug collaborates with local organizations, policymakers, and individuals to drive impactful change, ensuring that everyone has access to food, shelter, and support. Whether through direct outreach, policy initiatives, or innovative programs, Doug is dedicated to helping solve our hunger and unhoused crisis.

Emery Kendrick 

Member-at-Large

Welcome to our newest member!

Jacque Klaus

Member-at-Large

I have lived in Eugene since 1995. I love gardening, dancing and coastal adventures. Since retiring in 2016, I look for ways to contribute back to our community. Burrito Brigade does amazing things for Eugene and its residents. Food insecurity is a huge issue for many in Eugene. I am honored to join the board of this grassroots organization.

Petra Shenk

Member-at-Large

Dr. Petra Shenk is a Pacific Northwesterner, originally from a small town in central Washington State, and has lived in Eugene, Oregon for 21 years. She is a sociocultural linguist by training and an academic editor by trade. Petra also volunteers for Burrito Brigade’s Waste to Taste project. Her childhood home in the 1970s and 80s relied on food stamps, food banks, government cheese, and welfare checks. Thus, as an adult, she advocates for a strong social welfare system that prioritizes basic human needs like nutritious food and safe housing.

Debbie Williamson-Smith

Member-at-Large

For over two years, Debbie Williamson-Smith has been a Little Free Pantry host at a very busy downtown location. Seeing the work Burrito Brigade does inspired her to join the board. Williamson-Smith works at the University of Oregon’s Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and is a passionate arts advocate. She is the past Chair of the City of Eugene’s Public Art Commission where she served for six years. She frequently leads mural tours throughout Eugene and was the Director of Communications for the 20×21 Eugene Mural Project, an initiative that created over 40 new works of art in the community. In her free time, she is Very Old SLUG Queen Holly GoSlugly.