One Team. One Mission. Stronger Together.

NWRRC strives to be the leading, most innovative, and successful model for providers of structured re-entry services and housing in the United States.

Our mission is to support, educate, and encourage our residents, while they do the work necessary toward successful transition from the criminal justice system back into their communities with improved life skills. We are committed to assuring effective supervision, providing structure, expecting accountability, and as a result protecting the community.

Director’s Message

Welcome to NWRRC. Since 1964, we have proudly provided transitional services for justice involved individuals, helping them reintegrate successfully into society while promoting community safety.

Our mission is guided by the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. Through the hard work of our dedicated team, we empower residents to rebuild their lives, fostering accountability and personal growth. Their success not only transforms individuals but also strengthens our community as a whole.

We invite you to learn more about the history and impact of NWRRC. Watch our welcome video to meet the people behind our mission and the transformative work we do every day.

Thank you for your support in helping us create safer, more compassionate communities.

Best regards,
Brian Martinek
Executive Director, NWRRC

NWRRC Welcome Video

Our History

60 Years of Impact and Community Re-entry Support

On October 22, 2024, NWRRC proudly marked 60 years of service, growth, and dedication to the community. Founded as the Oregon Halfway House (OHH) on October 22, 1964, NWRRC began with a vision to support men in the Portland area, offering a sober living environment under the guidance of the Catholic Archdiocese of Portland. Initially located in Southeast Portland, OHH provided critical support, inspiring hope and stability for those navigating the transition back into society.

In 1976, OHH renewed its mission with the steadfast support of Oregon’s federal courts. Under the leadership of Walter Evans, then-Chief Probation Officer for the District of Oregon, OHH secured its first contract with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). This pivotal partnership began a legacy of service that continues to this day. Over the years, the organization expanded its services and facilities, ultimately relocating in 2005 to its current Northeast Portland home. This move enabled growth from the original fifteen-bed program to a capacity of 150 beds, expanding services to women and widening the reach and impact of NWRRC’s mission.

Reflecting this growth, the organization rebranded in January 2011, adopting the name Northwest Regional Re-entry Center (NWRRC), better representing its expanded regional commitment and re-entry services. At that time, NWRRC served two primary client groups: justice involved individuals completing the final phases of their federal sentences and individuals on supervised release, as mandated by the Federal Probation system.

Since 2019, NWRRC’s role has further evolved to address mental health needs within Oregon. Partnering with the State of Oregon Health Authority, all 36 counties in Oregon and later with Multnomah County’s Department of Community Justice, NWRRC launched a community restoration program offering critical services for criminal defendants unable to aid and assist in their own defense. This program highlights NWRRC’s commitment to addressing complex, unmet needs within the re-entry community.

As NWRRC enters its seventh decade, its mission remains steadfast: to guide and support residents on their journey back to the community, foster positive behaviors, and ensure community safety through accountability and partnership. This vital work continues thanks to the ongoing support of our many partners, each of whom plays a crucial role in helping NWRRC create lasting change and provide hope to those re-entering society.

Our Team

At NWRRC, our dedicated team and Board of Directors work together to support individuals on their path to successful reintegration. United by a shared commitment to community well-being and public safety, each member brings unique expertise and passion to our mission. Learn more about the people behind NWRRC and the values guiding our work. Interested in joining our board? Reach out to us at [email protected] for more information.

Our Staff

Brian Martinek

Brian Martinek serves as NWRRC’s Executive Director, a role he’s held since September 2010. With extensive experience in law enforcement and re-entry services, Brian leads NWRRC’s efforts to support individuals transitioning from incarceration to community life.

Garrett Heming

Garrett Heming is NWRRC’s Facility Director. He has been with the organization for 27 years, bringing vast experience and commitment to his role in overseeing daily operations and ensuring a supportive, secure environment for residents and the community.

Jerry Quinn

Jerry Quinn is NWRRC’s Finance Manager. He shares operational and financial management experience from a long career at Nike. Additionally, Jerry has served as the past Board President of the Blanchet House & Farm, a nonprofit in Portland, OR.

Jessica Dietz

Jill Anderson

Jeff Spencer

Ben Percival

Michael Garcia

Joel Robison

Julie Olin

Jim Speciale

Mary Lindstrand

Lorenzo Leon Guerrero

Karen Bassett, MA, QMHPC

Daniel Stinea, LPC, CADC III

Kim Cunningham

Tom Werdmuller

Board of Directors

Chris Green

Chris has extensive experience in law enforcement, fire services, and ministry with a focus on emergency services. Most recently he has served with The Navigators in developing resources for first responders. He has also served on the Board of Directors of Public Safety Chaplaincy, President of Responder Life, and Chaplain for both the Sandy Police Department and Sandy Fire District.

Linda Dresser

Linda has extensive experience with the Department of Human Services (DHS), serving in family case management and as a DHS manager for 20+ years. She worked with families through DHS Self-Sufficiency Programs and set up critical supports for women released from Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. She has also served in the U.S. Army Reserves 104th Training Division.

Elizabeth Bingold

Elizabeth joined the NWRRC Board of Directors in 2017 and has witnessed its exceptional service and evolution. She credits its success to the dedication of leaders, staff, and Board Members. Elizabeth serves as General Counsel for Siltronic Corporation, a Portland-based silicon wafer manufacturer. Previously, she practiced law in private practice, served in-house, and clerked for two federal judges.

Dave Galt

Dave brings 40+ years of experience in insurance and risk management, helping nonprofit and for-profit organizations achieve their goals. A dedicated community member, he has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including three terms as Chair of Thomas Edison High School and, most recently, as Chair of the Mary’s Woods Continuing Care Retirement Community.

Tyece Okamura

Ty is President of the University of Washington Alumni Association, Portland Chapter. With 40+ years of service to cultural organizations and nonprofits, she has held leadership roles with the FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association and the Portland Youth Gangs Violence Task Force. Ty has also been an adjunct faculty member at Portland State University after serving as a counselor and administrator with Portland Public Schools.

Bill Bailey

Bill is a licensed Architect and Partner at Waterleaf Architecture, overseeing community and commercial projects. With 40+ years of experience in design, planning, and construction administration, he has served as Chair of the Gresham Planning Commission and a Board Member of the Gresham Design Commission. Bill currently serves on the City of Portland’s Building Code Board of Appeals.

Billy Williams

A former U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, Billy is now a partner at Best & Krieger LLP’s Environmental & Natural Resources practice group. With 20+ years at the Department of Justice and prior service as a senior deputy district attorney in Multnomah County, he is known for balanced, effective advocacy. Billy is deeply committed to community engagement and fostering understanding across diverse groups.

Brandon Roben

Brandon has 20+ years of professional experience in the attractions management industry, with over a decade in the non-profit sector. He currently serves as the CEO of the Oaks Park Association and was previously the Executive Director of Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. He has enjoyed helping to guide the strategic vision of the organizations he leads. Since 2003, Brandon has also served his community as a Soldier in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Brian Ford

Brian is a State of Washington employee and has been there for 30+ years. He currently holds a position with Washington’s Department of Corrections, where he’s been with that agency since 2000. Additionally, Brian has been assigned to the US Marshals Task Force in Vancouver since 2006. He also sits on the Board of Directors at Cascadia Technical Academy for the Criminal Justice program in Clark County, Washington since 2010.

Kent Robinson

Kent spent 30+ years as a criminal prosecutor for the US Department of Justice (DOJ) before retiring from federal service in 2015. During his DOJ service, Kent served in a variety of capacities, including Acting US Attorney and Chief of the Criminal Division in Oregon. He also was co-chair of a national advisory group that helped establish DOJ policies on reentry.

Michelle Sweet

For 20+ years Michelle has worked as an attorney with the Federal Public Defender’s Office representing indigent people charged with
federal crimes. One of her primary interests is working with clients who are reentering the community after the conclusion of their custodial sentence.

Past Board Members

Ken Bauman
Willie Blasher
Elizabeth Godfrey
Jeff Hawthorne
Lisa Hay
Ron Hoevet
Dave Looney
Steve Wax
Ken Thrasher

Dave Looney

Dave Looney began his career in 1970 as a correctional officer at Oregon State Penitentiary after military service. He transitioned to community corrections as a probation officer and became a federal probation officer in 1973, retiring as Chief in 2000. Active since the Oregon Halfway House’s founding in 1976, Dave also served as interim Director in 2006-2007 and remains deeply involved.

Lisa Hay

Lisa Hay served as the Federal Public Defender for the District of Oregon for nearly 25 years, where she led efforts to provide legal representation to individuals unable to afford private counsel. Lisa’s commitment to justice is evident in her work on re-entry programs and initiatives aimed at reducing recidivism.

Elizabeth Godfrey

Elizabeth Godfrey served as the Acting Field Office Director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), where she oversaw immigration, customs, and border enforcement operations. With extensive experience in federal law enforcement, Elizabeth contributed to ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws while supporting community safety and security.

Any Questions?

NWRRC is dedicated to supporting individuals in their transition back into the community, offering resources, guidance, and stability to help build successful futures. Our team is committed to reducing recidivism, fostering resilience, and creating a safer, stronger community for all. We welcome your interest—whether you’d like to learn more about our mission, explore career opportunities, or discover ways to get involved, please let us know how we can help. We look forward to connecting with you.