Two ECA leaders join Board of Directors

January 28, 2021

We are excited to announce two team leaders who have joined our board of directors, Derek Johnson and Kip Leonard.

Derek Johnson is well known at Civic Park. He has worked alongside Nancy Webber as ECA co-executive director since 2015 while also being a partner at Johnson Johnson Lucas & Middleton. He first became interested in the Civic Park project in 2014 when it looked like there was no viable option for keeping the property as a community resource.

“There is a lot of exciting work ahead of us,” said Johnson. “ECA has always had an engaged and hard-working board. I’m pleased to be a part of it.”

As a child, Johnson played on teams organized by the Eugene Boys Athletic Association (EBAA) which later became Emerald Kidsports. He says he looks forward to his new role on the board, bringing with him six years of institutional memory.

 

“Derek Johnson and Kip Leonard have proven to be valuable assets for the ECA team. “We look forward to seeing what they will bring to the Civic Park project in their new roles.” – Jon Anderson, Eugene Civic Alliance president.

Kip Leonard has served as the co-chair of our Campaign Leadership Team since 2016. He is a retired Lane County judge and serves as the president for both the Oregon Social Learning Center and the Center for Family Development.

“I reflect on how important it is for the community to help strengthen families and how vital youth sports can be in that effort,” said Leonard. “Civic Park shares the importance of providing positive opportunities for kids and families. The park provides a place that fosters the health and well-being of all.”

Leonard also grew up in Eugene and played sports in the EBAA. As an adult, he coached several youth teams. Leonard says he is excited to assist Eugene Civic Alliance in any way he can. His investment in the younger generation led him to serve on several boards in the past aimed at making a positive impact in the lives of children.

“Eugene Civic Alliance has done a tremendous job of pulling together community support to rebuild the site of the iconic Civic Stadium,” said Leonard. “Civic Park provides a place that fosters the health and well being of all.”

We are excited to have Johnson and Leonard transition to the board of directors as we move towards completing Phase 1 of Civic Park.