Meet the Staff
Cheryl Ragar, Ph.D., Interim Executive Director cheryl@gorgediscovery.org
Office: 541.296.8600 ext. 245
Dr. Cheryl Ragar combines her lifelong love of history and learning with extensive experience in both nonprofit and academic settings to lead the team and programming at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum. A native o Kansas, Cheryl lived in the Midwest and in New Orleans before settling in the beautifu Columbia River Gorge with her husband. Her diverse experiences have given her a deep appreciation for place-based history, beauty, and unique stories that guides her vision for how we preserve and interpret the natural and cultural history and lived experience of this unique region. Cheryl holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas and earned a doctorate degree in American Studies from the same institution, where she worked on a major traveling exhibition centered on the life and work of artist Aaron Douglas.
Susan Buce, Collections Registrar, Designated NAGPRA Contact collections@gorgediscovery.org
Office: 541.296.8600 ext. 242
Susan manages the vast collection of artifacts donated to the museum. “I enjoy immersing myself in our Pacific Northwest history each day. Being a good steward of our cultural and historic resources through best practices is an honor. Helping researchers who share that passion is why we are here.”
Morgan Olson, Raptor Education Coordinator
morgan@gorgediscovery.org
Office: 541.296.8600 ext. 210
With a love of birds and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from OSU, Morgan leads our Raptor Department. She oversees day to day care of our six educational birds while also giving talks about the importance of raptors and what these birds can teach us about our environment. While she spends most of her time outside the building, she’s happy to answer any questions about birds you may have.
Linda Williams, Office Manager
linda@gorgediscovery.org
Office: 541.296.8600 ext. 212
Linda keeps things in the office organized and helps keep everything flowing smoothly. She handles the accounts receivable, accounts payable and oversees the management of our membership list.
Tiffany Bates, Events, Café & Catering Manager
events@gorgediscovery.org
Office: 541.296.8600 ext. 209
Reach out to Tiffany and our events team to help you coordinate your special event, large or small, from weddings to conferences to meetings.