About Us

Jeanne Kojis

Board Chair, Consultant

Since serving on her first nonprofit board at 16, Jeanne has been engaged as a volunteer with nonprofits in education, the arts, environment, and social services. She co-founded a local school district foundation, our state-wide nonprofit association, and a regional capacity building organization. Also as a volunteer she served on the Washington Secretary of State Charity Advisory Council, as well as an advisory to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. She’s worn nametags as paid staff with titles of executive director, office manager, bookmobile staff, and consultant among others.

Her greatest joy is her family and being at home in rural Clark County. If not talking with her children or grandchildren, she most loves talking with people about their ideas to do something for the common good. And helping them think through how they can do that.

Megan Dixon, CAP®

Board Vice Chair, Consultant

Megan Dixon is the Director of Community Investments & Relationships at Johnson Bixby. Prior to helping launch RINW, she spent 14 years working with nonprofits across the Pacific Northwest with a focus on philanthropy – first as a grant writer, then a development director, and the last four years were dedicated to capital campaign consulting. With a dual degree in Sociology and English from WSUV, Megan approaches community work with an abundance-based philosophy, believing there is always enough of what is needed.

Anne Vitort

Board Member

Anne is a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) and former owner of UpBeat Music Therapy Services in Vancouver, WA. She has received additional training in Neurological Music Therapy (NMT) with Dr. Michael Thaut and Hospice and Palliative Care Music Therapy with Dr. Russell Hilliard. Anne earned her Bachelor of Music Therapy from Marylhurst University in Portland, OR. She also holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Music Education from Southern Illinois University. She is also a certified K-12 vocal/general music teacher in the State of Washington. Anne is a member of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), the Oregon Association for Music Therapy (OAMT) and Music Therapy Association of Washington (MTAW).

Anne cares deeply about her community and has been involved in several organizations. She has been instrumental in founding two area giving circles, including launching the Ripple Impact Giving Circles.

Nancy Pionk, JD

Board Member

Nancy comes to us with incredible experience as a mediator, facilitator, trainer and executive coach. She is an adjunct instructor with the Carson School of Business at Washington State University Vancouver, teaching Negotiations and Principles of Leadership. Prior to this, she served in several leadership roles with Community Mediation Services (CMS), an agency providing conflict resolution services and training to the Southwest Washington community.
Nancy’s work is rooted in the values of service, collaboration, and authenticity. She is excited about the abundant opportunities to inspire and serve the community as part of Ripple Impact NW’s Board of Directors.

Kate Altenhof-Long

Board Member

Kate, a Washington native, has called Vancouver home for 30 years. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art History from the University of Pittsburgh and interned at the Carnegie Museum of Art. With over two decades of volunteering in the Evergreen Public Schools’ Art Discovery Program, Kate is committed to community enrichment through education and creativity. She has worked in the Evergreen Public Schools, served as Outreach Ministries Leader for Church of the Good Shepherd, and held volunteer roles with the Longview Library Foundation, Children’s Center, and her neighborhood association. Through her church, Kate has led various nonprofit projects with organizations including Share Vancouver, Council for the Homeless, and Open House Ministries. In her free time, she enjoys travel, the outdoors, reading, and attending plays and musicals with her husband. Kate also has three adult children.

Ellen Rogers

Board Member

Ellen has been on the board of Ripple Impact NW since January 2024.  She currently serves on the Clark County Commission on Aging and has served in the Clark County Telecommunications Commission.  Ellen is an adjunct professor of political science at Clark College and has also taught at Washington State University. 

Ellen joined the board of RINW because she recognized the valuable contribution the organization can make in connecting various organizations and stakeholders in our community.

 When not teaching, working, farming, or connecting, Ellen is at home in Ridgefield WA where she lives with her husband and her dog Tiny.  In their spare time they enjoy hiking and exploring the beautiful PNW.  Ellen loves cooking and baking and rock climbing with her adult son.