A Warm Welcome to 2025’s New Board Members

We are pleased to introduce our newest Restore Oregon board members: Chris Tackett-Nelson, John Goodenberger, and Ben Wyckoff.

Through the short introductions below, you will quickly see the incredibly diverse expertise these new board members bring to our organization. Additionally, as a statewide organization, Restore Oregon strives to achieve as much geographic representation as possible, so we are excited to welcome board members who will help deepen our connections throughout the state.

Finally, we are saying a fond farewell to three board members, each of whom provided six years of service and have now “termed out” – Paul Abbott, Brett Estes, and Shawn Morgan. In addition, Doug Decker is transitioning to full retirement and has stepped down as Board Secretary. We cannot thank each of you enough for your leadership and dedication! We know you will continue to support and help us, and the entire historic preservation community in Oregon.

Chris Tackett-Nelson

Attorney, WarrenAllen LLP – Portland, OR

Christopher L. Tackett-Nelson obtained his double major Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and History from Portland State University and his Doctor of Jurisprudence and Certificate in Sustainable Environmental, Energy & Resources Law from Willamette University College of Law. Mr. Tackett-Nelson is the head of Warren Allen LLP’s land use law department and his practice also includes a strong emphasis on real estate law and a strong background in landlord-tenant law.

Prior to joining Warren Allen LLP, Mr. Tackett-Nelson gained a wealth of experience in a variety of legal areas while clerking for the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals, Reeve Kearns PC, the Clackamas County Counsel, and the Port of Portland. Before beginning his career as an attorney, Mr. Tackett-Nelson conducted historical research for the Port of Portland as part of the Port’s involvement with the Portland Harbor Superfund, and also worked with Portland Energy Conservation, Inc. (now CLEAResult) on a program designed to incentivize residential homeowners to implement energy efficiency upgrades to their homes. Throughout Mr. Tackett-Nelson’s life, he has spent a large amount of time working with his family to renovate and rehabilitate single-family homes in order to make them habitable for residential tenancies.

John Goodenberger

Historic Preservation Consultant – Astoria, OR)

John Goodenberger has advocated for the appreciation and preservation of Astoria’s historic architecture and its context for more than 30 years. He has done this through the inventorying of properties and the nomination of National Register Historic Districts. He has provided design and technical assistance as Senior Designer in Ecola Architects, PC., and through his role as City Historian. Goodenberger helped form the Lower Columbia Preservation Society to advocate for the protection, promotion and preservation of historic buildings and sites in the Lower Columbia Region.

Realizing that education was the key to valuing the area’s history, Goodenberger produced a heavily researched newspaper column on Astoria’s notable architecture and its ever-changing environs. He also does public history lectures featuring civic projects and the life of Astoria’s most eccentric, frequently unknown characters. And, for more than 30 years, Goodenberger has worked with 5th graders, teaching them architectural styles, history, and hand drawing.

When it became evident that a lack of preservation craftspeople prevented people from restoring their structures, Goodenberger helped found Clatsop Community College’s Historic Preservation program. A hands-on focused program, Goodenberger teaches historic preservation theory and law, hand-drafting, and the history of Northwest architecture. In 2018, he was given an Oregon Heritage Excellence Award for “extraordinary dedication to preserving the physical and cultural heritage of Astoria.”

A Warm Welcome to 2025’s New Board Members