Introducing Dan Ellis

Hello Everyone!  I am honored to be writing this introduction and at the same time, very humbled to be joining such a dedicated group of people who have been fighting so hard for so long to heal our beloved Deschutes River.

My own history with the river began as a child at the knee of my Dad and Grandfather.  Camps along the river were great family gathering spots where I learned a little about casting and bugs and caught enough fish to understand how special they are.  I remember late night drives from school in Corvallis to be on the water early, the long warm days and the even longer drives back.  After school and the service, I lived in the Bay Area for many years, but I still visited the river at least once a year as I never forgot those childhood trips.  They are a big part of me.

Professionally, I found my niche in the medical device space.  Mostly, early stage companies in every sector from cardiology to orthodontics.  I had the opportunity to work with amazing people on some incredible projects, literally all over the world.  Along the way, I learned something about how organizations work best, about customers and boards.  When it was time to retire there was no question about getting closer to home and the river. I hope to bring that experience and love of the river to the DRA and the job at hand.  

Today I reside in Portland, but spend more weeks than I can count on the Deschutes in pursuit of her special fish.  If you see a dirty red pick up pulled over somewhere on the access road, stop and say hi.  We can swap flies and tales.

Many of you I already know and I hope to meet many more as we move forward together in our quest to heal the mighty Deschutes.  My best to all!