From nonprofits to philanthropy to public service, I've devoted my career to creating a positive impact on the world, particularly in natural resources, climate change, suicide prevention, and disability rights.

From purpose-driven business owner to public sector leader: A new chapter at the Oregon State Treasury

I am pleased to announce that I am pursuing the next chapter in my career as the Chief of Staff for the Oregon State Treasurer.

This transition from running a values-driven small business to working in the public sector feels like a natural next step. In the past, I volunteered to be appointed by two Governors and was confirmed by the Oregon Senate to serve eight years on the Oregon Board of Forestry.

I also volunteered to serve on numerous additional task forces and commissions at the behest of past governors and agencies, as well as from select Oregon legislators and decision-makers who trust me to help them find resolutions on complex societal issues.

Leading with values: Supporting Oregon’s future through strategic public finance

When the new Treasurer was looking for someone to be her Chief of Staff, friends and colleagues pointed her to me as someone who could support the Treasurer’s priorities and help her lead this important agency. 

I am honored to be a part of an amazing team of people at the Oregon State Treasury (OST). OST manages over $140 billion in public funds for the beneficiaries of Oregon, is a bank for many customers (including all of Oregon’s state agencies), manages Oregon's Bonds, collects and returns unclaimed property to Oregonians, and promotes financial wellness for all Oregonians through college savings, ABLE, and retirement plans.

OST is currently working on how to effectively track climate risk in our investment portfolio-- a cause that is close to my heart. I previously helped philanthropists and nonprofits navigate this very issue when I ran my consulting business. The most recent plan at OST is here.

Strategic leadership for lasting change: Collaborating with philanthropists to support nonprofits

Before joining the OST, I worked with philanthropist foundations to support the essential work of nonprofits in environmental protection, climate change, and disability rights.

I helped donors give away over $45 million in donations large and small. I have worked with over seventeen philanthropic institutions over a career that spans more than two decades.

Highlights of my past experiences are below:

 Lazar Foundation

• I develop funding plans to create successful environmental campaigns of interest to the Trustees, which include action to tackle climate change and the protection of ocean, forests, deserts, and riverine ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest. For example, this includes standing up and funding a campaign that created the first network of marine reserves in Oregon.  I have provided advice over sixteen years for approximately $10 million in grantmaking.

 The Oregon Community Foundation

• I led an effort with staff and donors to create an environmental program that now has a pooled fund, called Climate Change and Healthy Habitats. As part of this work, I also proposed and created a community water solutions fund. In addition, I served as the connector between the Oregon Community Foundation and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation to co-develop a climate resilience land acquisition campaign.

 Roundhouse Foundation

• I helped a program officer create recommendations for the Trustees to fund nonprofits working on access to life-saving drugs in rural Oregon. I developed a white paper to offer solutions and next steps for Extreme Risk Protection Order implementation in Oregon. 

 Wianko Charitable Foundation

• I managed a climate change and healthy habitats fund that supported campaigns to promote climate resilience strategies in Oregon and Washington. I also managed a grant fund from 2016 to 2020 to protect national bedrock environmental laws. I have provided advice over an eight-year time horizon for approximately $4.4 million in grantmaking.

Jubitz Family Foundation

• I manage the environment program for the Trustees and staff. I offered funding recommendations and reviewed proposals on projects to protect and restore the Mount Hood ecosystem in Oregon. In addition, I offered recommendations for a special initiative, called Peacebuilding for the Earth. I have provided advice over an eight-year time horizon for approximately $1.6 million in grantmaking.

 Russell Family Foundation

• I offered support to staff in three distinct ways: (1) managed a docket on Puget Sound recovery while a staffer was on maternity leave, (2) conducted a feasibility review of the Puget Sound portfolio, and (3) meeting facilitation for a diverse community of color-led organizations in order to center the Puget Sound strategy with frontline community priorities.

Hewlett Foundation

• I wrote a feasibility review, which ultimately resulted in a philanthropic network on wildfire resilience. I interviewed over 40 philanthropists and surveyed 70 institutions. This served as the basis for the Wildfire Resilience Funders Network.

Fairview Trust

• I offered solutions to the Board of Advisors for restructuring the grantmaking process so that the Fairview Trust is effective at funding nonprofits dedicated to supporting people with disabilities.