ABOUT TLF

RON SAUER

Chairman of the Board

Ron and his wife Cheryl have four children and eight grandchildren. With over five decades of experience in Youth Ministry and Leadership Development, Ron holds a B.S. and M.A. in Education from the University of Oregon, as well as a Certificate in Transformational Coaching from Western Seminary. He has been accredited as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) by the International Coaching Federation. His career includes roles as a Middle School teacher, High School coach, and a 35-year tenure with Young Life Staff. Currently Ron volunteers as a Young Life Leader, Coaches Community Leaders, serves as Vice President of Sunrise International Ministries and is Board Chair for the Thurston Life Foundation. He enjoys investing time in his family, networking in the community, being a sports fan and building collaborative relationships.

Bob Scroggins

Bob grew up in Springfield and is a graduate of Thurston High School.  Upon graduation Bob went to Southern Oregon University for a year of teachers training before transferring the following year to Bushnell University, formerly known as Northwest Christian College where he graduated in 1974.  He served as a youth and associate pastor in the Springfield community before going to New Zealand in 1985 to train and serve as a missionary.

After serving for twenty years with Youth With A Mission in New Zealand, including as the National Director, Bob returned to Springfield to pastor his home church and teach Spiritual Formation at New Hope Bible College, formerly known as Eugene Bible College.

Bob currently serves on both local and international non-profit boards and is a founding member of the Thurston Life Foundation.  For the last 15 years Bob has been a Life & Leadership Coach.  Bob currently resides in Phoenix, AZ and is actively involved in his local community.

Bob and his wife Lisa have five grown children and seven grandchildren.  In his spare time he enjoys travel, reading, sport, landscaping and being with his family.

JIM CHRISTIAN

Treasurer

Jim Christian was born and raised in Springfield, graduated from Thurston High School and attended Southern Oregon State College, earning a degree in Business/Accounting.

After graduation, he spent several years working for his family’s logging business before turning to a career in public accounting.  In 2000,he retired as a partner at Jones & Roth, CPA’s.

Jim has held numerous positions with other nonprofits, including the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and Riverview Center for Growth.

Jim and his wife Heidi have three sons ranging in age from 30 to 35 and two grandchildren (one more on the way).  His new pass-time is spoiling the grandkids.

Jim loves spending time with his family and most days you can find him caring for a small tree farm a few miles from his childhood home or running on the paths around town.

KURTIS BONAR

Vice-Chair

Kurtis grew up in the Thurston community attending Walterville Elementary, Thurston Mid, and Thurston High.  His earliest childhood memories include many evenings watching sporting events at Thurston High.  After high school he attended the University of Oregon for two years before transferring to Pacific Lutheran University to finish his undergraduate work and continue playing football.

After college he worked for a year at a finance company and then returned to school (Pacific University) to get his teaching certification and master’s degree.  Since then, he has been an educator and coach of various sports in the Thurston schools and has had the privilege of helping many kids here navigate life as a child, teen, and young adult.

He and his wife Cindy have three sons who have grown up in this community, and these schools.  The family enjoys spending time together at ball games, doing all types of outdoor activities, and relaxing at home.

BRIAN MEGERT

Brian Megert has dedicated the past 25 years to advancing special education, driven by a passion for empowering students with diverse needs. He holds both a Master’s and Doctoral degree from the University of Oregon, in Special Education and Educational Leadership. Currently serving as the Special Programs Director for the Springfield School District, Brian oversees critical areas such as special education, Federal Title Programs, Health Services, and collaborations with local mental health agencies.

His work focuses on supporting students with special needs, adjudicated youth, and those facing mental health challenges, striving to uplift families and students who often feel disenfranchised. As a longtime resident of the Eugene/Springfield area since moving here for school in 1992, he is deeply connected to his community.

Outside of his professional commitments, he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and practicing jujitsu. He is also a devoted husband to Raina and a proud father to their daughter, Sofia, finding joy in family adventures and outdoor activities. Brian is excited to bring his expertise and passion for education and mental health to the non-profit board, fostering positive change in the community.

SCOT WILLIAMS

Scot and his wife have two children and three grandchildren. For 30 years he was involved in full-time ministry: for 20 years as a youth pastor and then the final 10 as a lead pastor. Growing up in Canada, Scot attended Ambrose college and graduated with a BA and then attended grad school in Chicago receiving an MA in adolescent development. Since 2010 Scot has transitioned into real estate/property management, providing housing for approximately 100 people who have chosen to live a life of sobriety after being addicted to drugs and alcohol. Currently, Scot is committee chair for Springfield Young Life and volunteers his time at Springfield High school announcing varsity football games and being a lunchroom monitor.  In his spare time, Scot loves to play hockey with his friends three times a week.

OUR MISSION

To seek the well being of the community through Initiatives and Strategic Partnerships that contributes to the Social, Emotional and Spiritual Health of our Community