EUGENE AIKIKAI BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jeff Hogg - Board President
After moving to Eugene in 1991, Jeff Hogg studied Environmental Planning & Non-profit work at University of Oregon. He dove into forest activism and volunteering with & working at environmental non-profits. In 2001 he shifted his focus, training aikido and studying herbal medicine. This eventually led to his current career in Nursing. Jeff was originally drawn to aikido for its spiritual and non-violent aspects. He continues to grow through training and somehow finds the time to balance aikido, family and work.
Jessica Zink - Board Vice President
Jessica Zink was born and raised in Northern California and she has lived in the Eugene, Oregon area since 1993. She lives with her husband David, two kids and a golden retriever. Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Oregon State University. Jessica has studied Aikido at Eugene Aikikai since 2014.
David Metz - Board Treasurer
David Metz was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and immigrated the United States when he was 8 years old and eventually became a citizen when he was 15. He moved to Eugene, Oregon in 1997 where he now lives with his wife Jessica, two kids and a dog. He has a degree in Philosophy from California State University in Chico and runs his own business. David has 12 years of experience in Aikido.
Elizabeth Goward - Board Member
Elizabeth began training at Eugene Aikikai in 2013. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with non-profit organizations in multiple capacities. She is mama to Josephine, and when not training can be found managing marketing and communications for a local environmental non-profit and a teaching women’s self-defense classes in the Eugene community.
Billie Meckel - Board Member
As he has yet to provide us bio information, we’ll tell you that Billie is a bad ass aikidoka and iaido practitioner. He promises that he’s a nice guy, and if he is pushing you in your training, it means he likes you.
Chantel Saban - Board Member
Chantel Saban has spent most of her life in Eugene, Oregon. She is married, received a masters degree in archaeology from Oregon State University and is currently a doctoral candidate in paleoecology at the University of Oregon. Chantel has been with Eugene Aikikai since 2006.