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Executive committee elects Alex Johnson as 2026 chair; Valerie Fowler named vice chair
Summary
The Columbia River Gorge Commission executive committee elected Commissioner Alex Johnson as its 2026 executive committee chair after a 3–2 roll call vote and approved Commissioner Valerie Fowler as vice chair by voice acclamation.
Alex Johnson was elected chair of the Columbia River Gorge Commission executive committee after a roll-call among present members produced three votes for Johnson and two for rival nominee Valerie Fowler.
The internal election began after nominations. Commissioner Carina Miller nominated Alex Johnson; another commissioner nominated Fowler. Each candidate gave brief remarks about experience and priorities. Fowler highlighted her county representation and prior leadership roles, saying, "I represent Clickitack County" and emphasizing her years of service on commission committees. Johnson said he would bring "seasoned leadership" and a strategic focus to the executive committee.
The vote was conducted by roll call among members present. The clerk recorded three votes for Johnson and two for Fowler; Johnson was declared the 2026 executive committee chair. Committee members then asked Fowler whether she would accept the vice-chair role; with no other nominees and Fowler's assent, the committee approved her as vice chair by voice acclamation.
Why it matters: Executive committee officers set agendas and priorities for the commission's work between full meetings. Several speakers said they wanted the executive committee to move beyond rubber-stamp duties and take a more strategic role in coordinating committee work and preparing items for the full commission.
In their remarks, both nominees signaled interest in strengthening committee planning and in ensuring the commission is prepared for policy and funding discussions coming this year. Johnson said he would work with staff and committee chairs to identify decision points and presentations to prioritize; Fowler stressed the importance of county and tribal relationships in leadership.
Next steps: Chair Johnson will lead the executive committee as it finalizes the March draft commission meeting agenda, which includes presentations on climate-related executive orders and an annual Climate Change Action Plan report from staff.
