Board of Directors
Steve Bade, Board President
Favorite Tool: Our longest level.
Favorite DIY Project: The door on the family countertop convection/toaster oven wouldn't stay closed. I Googled, took the oven apart, and put it back together, without finding a fix. A heat-safe ceramic super magnet solved the problem, and has been keeping the door closed for years.
Why I wanted to get involved with the ToolBox Project: I used the tool lending library that's part of the public (conventional/traditional) public library when I lived in Berkeley California, and got to know one of its long time employees a little when he and I were next-door neighbors in Oakland. (Yo, Adam!) Sharing resources just make sense.
My Background: I am an over 15-year resident of Eugene. I hold a Masters Degree in Library and Information Science, plus a certificate in Systems Analysis, and have volunteered, worked for, and in libraries of all types over the last thirty years, including a corporate legal department law library, a theological library, the DataCenter in Oakland, California, the library at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, the California Digital Library, and I worked for a library software company for a time. In addition to yardening, bike mechanicking, and maintaining and fixing and making stuff around my South Eugene suburban homestead, I served two terms on the City's Active Transportation Committee, and currently serve on the Board of Directors of Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation, or BEST. I and my family leave home for work, recreation, and errands mostly on foot or by bike.
Favorite Tool: Our longest level.
Favorite DIY Project: The door on the family countertop convection/toaster oven wouldn't stay closed. I Googled, took the oven apart, and put it back together, without finding a fix. A heat-safe ceramic super magnet solved the problem, and has been keeping the door closed for years.
Why I wanted to get involved with the ToolBox Project: I used the tool lending library that's part of the public (conventional/traditional) public library when I lived in Berkeley California, and got to know one of its long time employees a little when he and I were next-door neighbors in Oakland. (Yo, Adam!) Sharing resources just make sense.
My Background: I am an over 15-year resident of Eugene. I hold a Masters Degree in Library and Information Science, plus a certificate in Systems Analysis, and have volunteered, worked for, and in libraries of all types over the last thirty years, including a corporate legal department law library, a theological library, the DataCenter in Oakland, California, the library at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, the California Digital Library, and I worked for a library software company for a time. In addition to yardening, bike mechanicking, and maintaining and fixing and making stuff around my South Eugene suburban homestead, I served two terms on the City's Active Transportation Committee, and currently serve on the Board of Directors of Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation, or BEST. I and my family leave home for work, recreation, and errands mostly on foot or by bike.
Daniel Mundra, Board Secretary
Favorite Tool: Tiny screwdrivers for tiny screws.
Favorite DIY Project: Installing a motion sensor switch in the garage to have the lights go on automatically.
Why I wanted to get involved with the ToolBox Project: I saw a tool library (tool bank) shown on Ask This Old House, and I said we should have one in Eugene. My spouse told me there was one already, and I went, WHAT?! Next thing I did was sign up to volunteer as a librarian that same week. I have now been volunteering for the last 3 years, and have enjoyed discussing projects with members and connecting them to the tools in the library.
My Background: I came to Eugene in 2006, got a couple of degrees from the University of Oregon, and now I am a web developer by trade.
Favorite Tool: Tiny screwdrivers for tiny screws.
Favorite DIY Project: Installing a motion sensor switch in the garage to have the lights go on automatically.
Why I wanted to get involved with the ToolBox Project: I saw a tool library (tool bank) shown on Ask This Old House, and I said we should have one in Eugene. My spouse told me there was one already, and I went, WHAT?! Next thing I did was sign up to volunteer as a librarian that same week. I have now been volunteering for the last 3 years, and have enjoyed discussing projects with members and connecting them to the tools in the library.
My Background: I came to Eugene in 2006, got a couple of degrees from the University of Oregon, and now I am a web developer by trade.
Paul Wilson, Treasurer
Favorite Tool: Soldering iron. Without my trusty, baby blue, 25-watt Weller iron, repair projects—from planers and accordions, to clocks and music synthesizers—would be impossible.
Favorite DIY Project: My all purpose AC/DC work bench power supply.
Why I wanted to get involved with the ToolBox Project: In my retirement, I wanted to be involved in something that adds value to the community and to the physical environment. The ToolBox Project does both by providing our community with access to good quality tools at low cost, and by giving the earth a break from the endless resource extraction required for the manufacture of new tools for every consumer. As an adherent to the reduce/reuse/recycle philosophy, I feel like the ToolBox Project is an integral piece of the 3R puzzle.
My Background: After a childhood on an Oklahoma farm, I studied Aeronautical Engineering Technology at Oklahoma State University, a field in which I was never employed. A somewhat short first career in radiopharmaceutical manufacturing (Texas) was followed by a second and longer career in radiological environmental remediation (New Mexico), and finally, a 21-year career as Facilities Manager for a large local biotech company. After retirement and volunteer stints at Ophelia’s Place and ShelterCare, I finally landed at the ToolBox Project. Besides my term on the ToolBox Project board, I am a member of the Operations Team, and work intermittently as a tool librarian and tool repairman.
Favorite Tool: Soldering iron. Without my trusty, baby blue, 25-watt Weller iron, repair projects—from planers and accordions, to clocks and music synthesizers—would be impossible.
Favorite DIY Project: My all purpose AC/DC work bench power supply.
Why I wanted to get involved with the ToolBox Project: In my retirement, I wanted to be involved in something that adds value to the community and to the physical environment. The ToolBox Project does both by providing our community with access to good quality tools at low cost, and by giving the earth a break from the endless resource extraction required for the manufacture of new tools for every consumer. As an adherent to the reduce/reuse/recycle philosophy, I feel like the ToolBox Project is an integral piece of the 3R puzzle.
My Background: After a childhood on an Oklahoma farm, I studied Aeronautical Engineering Technology at Oklahoma State University, a field in which I was never employed. A somewhat short first career in radiopharmaceutical manufacturing (Texas) was followed by a second and longer career in radiological environmental remediation (New Mexico), and finally, a 21-year career as Facilities Manager for a large local biotech company. After retirement and volunteer stints at Ophelia’s Place and ShelterCare, I finally landed at the ToolBox Project. Besides my term on the ToolBox Project board, I am a member of the Operations Team, and work intermittently as a tool librarian and tool repairman.
Mark Harvey, Board Member
Favorite Tool: Cider press. I am originally from England and grew up in the southwest of the country, known for its cider.
Favorite DIY Project: I like small projects of various kinds, fixing things and avoiding the need to replace them.
Why I wanted to get involved with the ToolBox Project: Initially, I lived directly across the street from the tool library and wanted to get involved in something that contributed to my neighborhood and the surrounding area. I have enjoyed seeing the benefits of community tool sharing in bringing the community together, providing low cost access to tools and reducing consumption. As someone who has lived most of his life in apartments, I also appreciate knowing tools of all kinds are available to those with limited options for storage.
My Background: I spent my childhood in Wiltshire, England. After gaining a psychology degree, I worked with adults and children with cognitive disabilities and severe challenging behavior for many years. I then spent almost a decade working on a large-scale, longitudinal study of twins assisting the director with administration, logistics, and grant applications. Life led me to Eugene, where I became a real estate agent with Hybrid Real Estate. I have served as a volunteer tool librarian, on various teams, and am currently both a board member and member of the fundraising team. I am also a Supporter of this amazing community resource.
Favorite Tool: Cider press. I am originally from England and grew up in the southwest of the country, known for its cider.
Favorite DIY Project: I like small projects of various kinds, fixing things and avoiding the need to replace them.
Why I wanted to get involved with the ToolBox Project: Initially, I lived directly across the street from the tool library and wanted to get involved in something that contributed to my neighborhood and the surrounding area. I have enjoyed seeing the benefits of community tool sharing in bringing the community together, providing low cost access to tools and reducing consumption. As someone who has lived most of his life in apartments, I also appreciate knowing tools of all kinds are available to those with limited options for storage.
My Background: I spent my childhood in Wiltshire, England. After gaining a psychology degree, I worked with adults and children with cognitive disabilities and severe challenging behavior for many years. I then spent almost a decade working on a large-scale, longitudinal study of twins assisting the director with administration, logistics, and grant applications. Life led me to Eugene, where I became a real estate agent with Hybrid Real Estate. I have served as a volunteer tool librarian, on various teams, and am currently both a board member and member of the fundraising team. I am also a Supporter of this amazing community resource.
Paul Wagner, Board Member
Favorite tool: The post puller, it can make a really hard job so much easier.
Favorite DIY project: I like almost any DIY project except plumbing and electricity. Carpentry projects are my favorite.
Why I wanted to get involved with the ToolBox Project: I wanted to plug into an organization that was in my neighborhood, was focused on community building, and supporting and helping people with self sufficiency. It is also a great opportunity to meet your neighbors.
My background: I am currently retired but spent the past 35 years as a Registered Nurse with the majority of my career spent in the Emergency department. Prior to becoming a nurse, I spent 10 years working as a carpenter, and somewhere in there helped to open a food coop and worked there for a year.
Favorite tool: The post puller, it can make a really hard job so much easier.
Favorite DIY project: I like almost any DIY project except plumbing and electricity. Carpentry projects are my favorite.
Why I wanted to get involved with the ToolBox Project: I wanted to plug into an organization that was in my neighborhood, was focused on community building, and supporting and helping people with self sufficiency. It is also a great opportunity to meet your neighbors.
My background: I am currently retired but spent the past 35 years as a Registered Nurse with the majority of my career spent in the Emergency department. Prior to becoming a nurse, I spent 10 years working as a carpenter, and somewhere in there helped to open a food coop and worked there for a year.
Darin Tennesen, Board Member
Favorite tool: I do love my plasma arc cutter, but really, the best thing is finding the perfect tool for the job.
Favorite DIY project: DIY is my life's passion. That's one of the great things about living in Eugene and volunteering at TBP. I meet so many like-minded folks. One of my favorite DIY projects is making artsy clocks out of salvaged junk. See one hanging inside the ToolBox Project tool lending library.
Why I wanted to get involved with the ToolBox Project: In trying to find a way to support my new home town of Eugene, I first worked for the Red Cross. Then a friend told me about becoming a ToolBox Project volunteer. It is a perfect fit for me. I feel right at home here.
My background: I obtained a BFA in 1980 in Broadcast Journalism and Communication Theory. I then spent a part of my life working in property and casualty insurance as an underwriter. I decided to promote myself to self-employed artist. Leaving corporate life as a "filling station" on my highway to adventure.
Favorite tool: I do love my plasma arc cutter, but really, the best thing is finding the perfect tool for the job.
Favorite DIY project: DIY is my life's passion. That's one of the great things about living in Eugene and volunteering at TBP. I meet so many like-minded folks. One of my favorite DIY projects is making artsy clocks out of salvaged junk. See one hanging inside the ToolBox Project tool lending library.
Why I wanted to get involved with the ToolBox Project: In trying to find a way to support my new home town of Eugene, I first worked for the Red Cross. Then a friend told me about becoming a ToolBox Project volunteer. It is a perfect fit for me. I feel right at home here.
My background: I obtained a BFA in 1980 in Broadcast Journalism and Communication Theory. I then spent a part of my life working in property and casualty insurance as an underwriter. I decided to promote myself to self-employed artist. Leaving corporate life as a "filling station" on my highway to adventure.
Anya Dobrowolski
Board Member, April 2025-Present
Favorite tool: I love the cider press! I think of it as "the tool that builds community" because, in my experience, pressing cider is best done amongst friends and neighbors.
Favorite DIY project: Our garden! Over the past 8 years, we've been converting our yard from lawn with little ecological benefit to a garden full of native, edible, and herbal plants (plus some ornamentals thrown in for delight). Everyday it gives me something to be thankful for.
Why I wanted to get involved with the ToolBox Project: Ten years ago, I co-founded the ToolBox Project with one of my best friends, Beth Sweeney. Since I left a leadership role in 2018, it's been amazing to watch the tool library grow and thrive. I asked to join the board because I see resources like the ToolBox Project to be more critical now than at any point in my life, and I'd like to be part of building the organization's strategic planning for the coming years.
My background: I grew up on the east coast and moved to Eugene in 2006 to study landscape architecture at the UofO. Since graduating I have worked as a park planner/designer and a sustainability consultant, as well as working in administrative capacities for a few local non-profits. In 2021 I started my own garden design and maintenance business, and have been doing that full-time since then. I sharpen knives and hand tools as a side-hustle. In my free time, I love working in my own garden, knitting and weaving, and exploring the neighborhood and surrounding landscape with my partner and our rowdy dog.
Board Member, April 2025-Present
Favorite tool: I love the cider press! I think of it as "the tool that builds community" because, in my experience, pressing cider is best done amongst friends and neighbors.
Favorite DIY project: Our garden! Over the past 8 years, we've been converting our yard from lawn with little ecological benefit to a garden full of native, edible, and herbal plants (plus some ornamentals thrown in for delight). Everyday it gives me something to be thankful for.
Why I wanted to get involved with the ToolBox Project: Ten years ago, I co-founded the ToolBox Project with one of my best friends, Beth Sweeney. Since I left a leadership role in 2018, it's been amazing to watch the tool library grow and thrive. I asked to join the board because I see resources like the ToolBox Project to be more critical now than at any point in my life, and I'd like to be part of building the organization's strategic planning for the coming years.
My background: I grew up on the east coast and moved to Eugene in 2006 to study landscape architecture at the UofO. Since graduating I have worked as a park planner/designer and a sustainability consultant, as well as working in administrative capacities for a few local non-profits. In 2021 I started my own garden design and maintenance business, and have been doing that full-time since then. I sharpen knives and hand tools as a side-hustle. In my free time, I love working in my own garden, knitting and weaving, and exploring the neighborhood and surrounding landscape with my partner and our rowdy dog.