About Duane
Representative Stark is a conservative Republican in Southern Oregon. He spent the past decade as a Pastor at River Valley Church in Grants Pass and Rogue River. Born and raised in Southern Oregon, Duane went on to complete a bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Oregon and a master's from Multnomah University. He is a community advocate and planner, coordinating volunteers and non-profit organizations to work with local governments.
Duane's professional background includes International Missions Pastor, Local Outreach Pastor, Community Service Supervisor for Josephine County Parks and Recreation, Inner-City At-Risk Youth Director for World Impact, Supervisor for Kairos Residential Psychiatric Treatment Center, a fitness club manager and sheet metal fabricator.
In the community, Duane has conducted seminars for Josephine County focusing on crime prevention and emergency preparedness. He was a Board Member for the Community Bridges Foundation and has served on the FireWise Advisory Committee in the Grants Pass area to prevent losses from wildfires. He was an organizer for a community wide program called SERVE GP. He helped establish A.C.T (Abolish Child Trafficking) Southern Oregon and K.I.D.S in Uganda to help rescue orphans. In addition, Duane coordinated the creation of CAFAY, the Community Alliance for At-risk Youth and help launch "Every Child" in Josephine County.
In the legislature, Duane has helped pass several important pieces of legislation for Jackson and Josephine County, including;
- New Judgeships for both Jackson & Josephine County
- Funding and other legislation for Sobering Centers
- Grant funding for local public safety
- Changes in the Foster Care System
- Anti-Sex Trafficking legislation
Duane has been married to his wife for more than 18 years. They are the proud parents of eight children and have been certified foster parents for over a decade. Duane focuses his time on pastoral ministry and bringing awareness to the plight of foster children around the nation.