Oregon Women for Agriculture State Officers
The leadership of our organization.
2026 State Officers
Oregon Women for Agriculture is governed by a Board of Directors, consisting of representatives from all active chapters and led by the Executive Committee. All organization business is conducted at monthly board meetings.
Dana Bowers-Brock
President
Dana was born and raised in the Willamette Valley, among grass seed fields and family. As a 5th generation farmer, she grew up working on her family’s farm, where she developed a deep appreciation for land stewardship, the agricultural community, and advocating for the industry. Recognizing her love of advocacy and being a part of an underrepresented population fueled her desire to enter social work. She earned her Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work and Spanish from George Fox University, and went on to receive both a Master in Social Work and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy – Trauma Informed Care from Syracuse University. Dana has worked in non-profits her entire career as a mental health therapist and a clinical program manager. She brings years of experience of non-profit leadership, program development, and community engagement to OWA. She is a member and past president of Lane County OWA. Alongside her husband, Dana operates Riverside Ag, Inc, a quality seed producer. She also owns and operates Dolly’s Doods, where she raises quality multigenerational goldendoodles, most of whom grow up to become service or therapy dogs. Dana is an active member of her community, and enjoys spending time playing music, camping and exploring different parts of Oregon and the world.
Jenifer Skiles
Second Vice President
Jenifer Skiles is a native Oregonian, growing up on the McKenzie River in Leaburg. She graduated from Southern Oregon University with a BFA in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in Stage Management. Jenifer met her husband Ryan, they married and moved to San Antionio, Texas where Ryan was stationed in the Air Force. 17 years and several moves later, Ryan retired from the Air Force. Ryan, Jenifer, daughters Evelyn and Cassandra, moved back to Ryan’s hometown of Junction City. Jenifer went to work for the
Skiles’ family nursery where she learned more about plants and developed her love of tender succulents. Jenifer started propagating, growing and selling succulents, and in 2017 started Twisted Succulents, LLC. Most days you can find her in one of her greenhouses working with her succulents. She is a member of the Lane County Chapter of OWA, as well as the Oregon Association of Nurseries and the Scandinavian Cultural Foundation.
Janet Redmond
Registrar
Janet is a fourth‑generation Oregonian who grew up on her family farm in McMinnville, where she continues to reside. Her lifelong connection to agriculture and commitment to her community have shaped both her personal and professional path.
She retired in 2022 after a 37‑year career with Pacific Gas and Electric Company in California. Throughout her career, Janet remained closely tied to Oregon, regularly returning home to stay engaged in agricultural activities and community events.
Janet holds a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Oregon State University, an M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Vermont, and a Master’s Degree in Human Resources and Organizational Development from the University of San Francisco.
In addition to her involvement with Oregon Women for Agriculture, Janet serves on the Yamhill County Fair Board and is active with the local 4‑H Association. She is deeply committed to the mission of Oregon Women for Agriculture and is dedicated to supporting the organization’s continued growth and strengthening member engagement.
Debbie Burns
Recording Secretary
Debbie’s roots are in northern California, in a town that was known for cows and eggs, that all changed the day she joined 4-H and decided to try sheep as a project, along with sewing and home environment. She studied clothing and textiles in college and spent 15 years in the apparel industry. Eventually family and livestock called her to Oregon and today Debbie and her family operate Burns-Hale Livestock in Lebanon, raising Registered Hampshire and Montadale sheep, as well as club lambs. Both her husband, Loyal, and son LR work for Veterinary Service Incorporated. Debbie volunteers with the 4-H program and participates in many other sheep and agriculture related groups.
Jenny Hitner
Treasurer
Jenny is a native Oregonian having grown up in Pleasant Hill. She has bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and physics from Pacific University and a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from Oregon State University. She worked as a mechanical engineer designing farm equipment for 8 years then transitioned into real estate after her first son was born. Jenny specializes in forest, farm/ranch and rural properties. Jenny is also actively involved in her family’s forest management and forest trucking businesses. She is a member of the Lane County Chapter of OWA, current state treasurer and member of the legislative committee. In her free time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband Garren and two sons Ryder and Nash. Jenny and her family currently reside in Alpine, Oregon.
Caitlin Brown
Corresponding Secretary
Caitlin Brown is an Animal Science student with a minor in Agricultural and Food Business Management at Oregon State University. Through her studies and hands-on work, she discovered a strong passion for agriculture and the people who make it possible. Caitlin currently works at the OSU dairy and is actively involved in agricultural organizations on campus, including Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority and the Dairy Club. She is also serving as the 2026–27 Linn-Benton Counties Dairy Princess Ambassador, where she helps promote dairy education and share the story of agriculture with her community. Caitlin is especially interested in connecting consumers with agriculture through education, outreach, and advocacy. As Corresponding Secretary for OWA, she is excited to help share the organization’s message and highlight the experiences and people that make OWA such an important voice for agriculture in Oregon!
Sarah Puls
Past President
Sarah grew up on citrus farm in the Central Valley of California and spent her summers on the family’s grass seed farm in Monroe Oregon. Sarah is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) in the State of Oregon. Sarah has worked in private sector and local government in environmental project management; environmental food, pool, and lodging health and safety; and safe drinking water programs. She is currently applying her environmental and agriculture knowledge and experience at the State level as the Emergency Preparedness Planner for the State of Oregon. Sarah is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Systems Management with a concentration in environmental management. Sarah has furthered her education obtaining a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health with a concentration in environmental management through Columbia Southern University. Sarah is the current president of the Oregon Environmental Health Association and a member of the National Environmental Health Association. She is also Past President of the Lane County Chapter of OWA.