Our Board
OUR MISSION: TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF THOSE WE SERVE
Columbia Basin Care was founded in 1964, and stands as the only nonprofit, community-owned care facility in the region. We are an independent company with local control and decision-making, operating with a volunteer Board of Directors that is comprised of long-standing active members of the community.
John Byers
BOARD MEMBER
John is a founding member of Columbia Basin Care and currently serves as chairman of the Board of Directors.
Born and raised in The Dalles, John started Byers Orchards in 1970 with 20 acres in Mill Creek Valley. Today, John’s son and wife operate what is now a 205-acre orchard that produces 17 varieties of cherries. Along with farming, John worked as an accountant for over 60 years. He recently retired and sold his well-established firm.
John Hutchison
BOARD MEMBER
For nearly 30 years, John has served in a variety of executive leadership positions in both public and private sector health and insurance organizations.
He served in the active and reserve forces of the United States, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He holds a master’s degree in social work from Portland State University, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
Linda Omeg
BOARD MEMBER
A founding member of the Board of Directors, Linda has been active in the community for 40 years serving as an advocate for the underserved, particularly children and the elderly.
She has worked as an educator in The Dalles, Hood River, and at the local community college. Her family owns Omeg Orchards, a “century farm” operated by several generations over the past 100 years, including Linda’s children today. She and her husband, Mel, have two children and six grandchildren.
Mike Courtney
BOARD MEMBER
Mike is a founding member of Columbia Basin Care. He has 40 years experience in the insurance industry — as an employee and as head of an independent insurance firm.
He and his wife own and operate Courtney Insurance Agency. In addition, Mike has served on the Port of The Dalles Commission since 1996, and previously served as its president.
Linda Trautz
BOARD MEMBER
A seasoned health care professional, Linda worked nearly 40 years as a floor nurse and discharge planner at Mid Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles. She retired in 2015. For 11 years she volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
In her free time, she enjoys gardening, yoga, flyfishing, and spending time with her husband, son, daughter and grandchildren.
