Past President:  Michele Van Grieken, City of Springfield

Hi I’m Michele, Past  President for the OPTA.  Being new as a Permit Technician in 2016, I’ve thrown myself in to learn as much as possible.  Having spent the last 20 years in kitchen and bathroom design in Northern California’s Bay Area, I was burnt out and needed change. That led me and my family to move to Eugene, Oregon. I found that building codes included all of the things I enjoyed. After graduating from Chemeketa’s Building Inspection Technology program in 2021,  took me from Residential Plans Examiner to  Commercial Plans Examiner for City of Springfield.  With two kids, two dogs and cats we are busy with our free time. We love everything Oregon has to offer.

President:  Serena Locke, Jackson County

Hello, I am Serena Locke, President for OPTA.  I have worked for Jackson County as a Permit Technician since September 2016.  This is my first foray into this kind of field, and I love it.  My first OPTA conference was in November 2016, and I really support this organization and the passion behind it.  I became an ICC Certified Permit Technician in September 2018 with a lot of help from the classes offered by OPTA.  I thought the best way to give back to an organization that helped me is to join it.  I want to encourage and empower permit technicians to continue their learning experiences.  I think that continued education leads keeping us engaged in our lives and our jobs.  When I am not at work, I am a wife and mother.  In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, in nature, watching movies, or reading.  I am also the President of PermitTechNation. 

President Elect:  Regan Trapp, City of Ashland

Hi! I’m Regan Trapp, President-Elect for the OPTA.  I have worked for the City of Ashland Community Development Department since 2014.  I had ONLY “customer service” experience when they took a chance on me back then.  Since then, I have grown in my career and have obtained my Permit Technician Certificate as well as doing what I can with OPTA. In my spare time I enjoy reading, wine tasting, and traveling.  I have 2 sons (15 and 20) and have been married to my husband for 22 years.  I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!

Treasurer:  Melany Klemmer, City of Cottage Grove

Hello! I’m Melany and I work for the City of Cottage Grove as their Sr. Permit Specialist and Residential Inspector and Plans Examiner. I’ve worked there since March 2018 and love what I do and who I work with. Before switching over into the public sector, I worked for an HVAC company for 16 years. In my free time I love spending time at home with my handsome boyfriend and adorable cat Julius. I also love getting outdoors hiking, biking, paddle boarding & camping (just to list a few). 

Secretary:  Cailin Tang, Northwest Code Professionals

Hi, I’m Cailin and I work for Northwest Code Professionals as the supervising Permit Technician. I’ve been a certified Permit Technician since 2018. I graduated from the University of Oregon in 2007 with a bachelor’s in art, but never really found a career that I enjoyed until I started working as a permit technician. I was recently awarded Employee of the Year with my fantastic company and couldn’t be prouder to work for a Third-Party Building services company. I get the privilege of working with several jurisdictions around Oregon and Washington which helps me diversify my knowledge of how building departments work. I never have two days alike working for so many jurisdictions.

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family. I have three children (ages 13, 6 and 4) and a husband who keep me super busy all the time! I’m super excited to work with OPTA to gain more knowledge about our field and to have a community I can help support as well as grow from.

Director at Large:  Alyssa Nichols, City of Woodburn

Hey there, my name is Alyssa and I am a Permit Technician for the City of Woodburn.  I got my degree from Linfield College studying business and sports management, which eventually led me to Woodburn running youth and adult sports in the recreation department until 2020.  During the pandemic, I moved into a new role in a new department – Permit Technician in Community Development.  I had zero experience or knowledge in what this role was, but I found so many resources from organizations like OPTA, that helped make my transition successful.  In 2021, I received certifications from the state for residential plans examiner and building inspector, and in 2022 I became an ICC Certified Permit Technician.  I got married in May of 2023 and soon after we bought our first house.  My husband and I like to keep busy with house projects, hiking and camping with our dog Tallulah, gardening, cooking, and more house projects. Of course we get permits for everything!

Director at Large:  Devon Linebaugh, Josephine County

Hello, I’m Devon, and I work for Josephine County as a Permit Tech and Plans Examiner. After 10 years in banking, I took a job with City of Eagle Point in the Utility and Accounting Department but soon had the opportunity to cross train in the Building Department and fell in love with it. In 2018 I accepted a position in the Community Development Department as a Permit Technician, in January of 2022 I got my ICC Permit Tech Certification, later that year I also obtained my Oregon Residential Structural Inspector and Plans Examiner Certificates. In December of 2023 I joined the team at Josephine County with an opportunity to gain experience as a plans examiner.  I am excited to learn from our exceptional leaders and contribute to the education and resources that OPTA provides to code officials throughout the State and beyond.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband and 2 amazing kids (ages 15 & 9), we love to visit the Oregon coast and the kids keep us busy with sports and activities.

Director at Large:  Katherine Denight, State Building Codes Division 

Cheers! I'm Katherine, and since 2015, I've been working as a Permit Technician with state BCD, based out of the Pendleton office. Moving here from Guam marked the beginning of a job I truly love, where every day offers new learning opportunities. I firmly believe that understanding the human element of our work is essential — we are not just a faceless entity, but a team dedicated to bringing community projects to life, contributing to the places where we live and grow with our families. Outside of work, I cherish traveling and reconnecting with friends and family around the world. What brings me joy is my daughter, my dogs, my cat, and the spicy delight of Nashville hot chicken sandwiches.

Director at Large:  Angela Keppler, City of Creswell

Director at Large:  Heather Burkhart, Jackson County

Hello, I am Heather Burkhart, and I have been a Permit Technician for almost 8 years.  I found this job by accident, and I really like being part of the Jackson County Development Services team.  I love spending time with my husband and 3 dogs.  I love to be outside on our Side X Side, hiking with our dogs, or with my children and grandchildren.  If I am not at work, I am out camping, running, gardening, or just enjoying the great outdoors!