Krista Irene Koehl ’99

Krista Irene Koehl ’99, an accomplished attorney and advocate for balancing the environment, the economy, and the arts, died September 6, 2013, while on vacation in Italy. She spent her last days in a place that she loved, doing what she loved, with the love of her life, husband Ray Hendricks.

Krista was born on August 23, 1973. Valedictorian of her high school class, she graduated summa cum laude with a BS in environmental policy from Ohio University in 1995. Krista earned her JD magna cum laude.

Krista served as an associate attorney at Stoel Rives before joining the Port of Portland in 2004 as assistant general counsel. There, she led the critical Portland Harbor Superfund efforts, becoming the first general manager of Portland harbor environmental issues, before being promoted to general counsel in December 2012.

Krista was widely recognized as a rising star and leader both at the Port of Portland and in larger legal communities. She was a mentor to many, cultivating the best in her employees, colleagues, and friends. She took her leadership duties seriously and was relentless in her efforts to increase professional opportunities for women.

Krista founded Women in the Environment and served on its board, as well as on the boards of the Freshwater Trust, and the Classroom Law Project. She was also a member of the Lewis & Clark Law School Alumni Board of Directors.

A talented watercolor painter who served on the governance committee for the Right Brain Initiative, Krista prided herself on being down-to-earth, hard-working, organized, fun-loving, and passionate about life. She met Ray in 2006 and instantly fell in love with him and his family, especially his son Cortland. Krista also cherished her relationships with her mother, Mary; sister Megan; brother James Matthew; and extended family, whether spending time with them in Ohio or in Oregon.

Krista Koehl Scholarship

Krista loved her experience at Lewis & Clark Law School. Armed with her law degree, an incredible intellect, and her amazing spirit, she achieved her dreams while making a profound impact on the lives of those around her. She was a constant source of support for friends, colleagues, law students, and fellow alumni.

To honor Krista’s memory and to pave the road for future generations of female attorneys, family and friends have established the Krista Koehl Scholarship. As of May 2014, the law school has received more than $75,000 in gifts and pledges for an endowed fund that will provide a scholarship for a female student in perpetuity. We invite you to help preserve Krista’s legacy by making a gift.

All donations are tax-deductible.

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