Pam's Story
Pam's Story
Starting out as a public school teacher, Pam never imagined she would run for office. But in 2017, following the first election of Trump to office, Pam saw the urgent need for experienced and effective leadership in the face of uncertainty and division at the federal level. She took the bold step to take on a two-term male incumbent and won. By a lot.
Here's how it all began..
A lifelong Oregonian, Pam grew up in the Parkrose neighborhood of Portland. Her parents met while both serving in World War II, instilling in Pam a dedication to public service early on in her life.
It was that dedication that led Pam to become a public school teacher. After graduating from Lewis and Clark College and getting a teaching degree from PSU, she began teaching – primarily at Clackamas High School.
Following her time as a teacher, Pam worked for the YMCA, helping to open the Metro YMCA at Duniway Center. In connection with a research project at OHSU, Pam created the first pregnancy-fitness program in the Pacific Northwest. Pam then designed the first wellness program, “Wellness Works” at St. Vincents, which won the Oregon Governor’s Award for Most Innovative New Health Program.
Pam was then recruited to create training programs to increase worker safety at a local utility company. Pam worked there for over 20 years, retiring as the Vice President of Oregon External Affairs. Throughout her time there, Pam was focused on safe, equitable, and reliable electric service, working to keep rates affordable for customers.
Pam transitioned to serving the community, helping launch a nonprofit that brings together government and industry to support businesses and attract investment to the region. She was then selected to lead Westside Economic Alliance, bringing together businesses, nonprofits, unions, and local governments to find common ground and shared solutions to boost the local economies in Washington County. She served for 9 years as their Executive Director.
Since winning election in 2018, Pam has found that even with decades of experience in the private sector, public service is her true calling. Just a year after taking office, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Pam took decisive action, working with her colleagues, county staff, and community partners, to limit the spread of the virus, launch vaccine access points, and support local businesses experiencing hardship.
As a Commissioner, Pam also championed passage of a historic equity resolution, supported efforts to successfully increase access to shelter beds and affordable housing, and worked closely with partners to support our libraries, public safety agencies, and local businesses.
A lifelong Oregonian, Pam grew up in the Parkrose neighborhood of Portland. Her parents met while both serving in World War II, instilling in Pam a dedication to public service early on in her life.
It was that dedication that led Pam to become a public school teacher. After graduating from Lewis and Clark College and getting a teaching degree from PSU, she began teaching – primarily at Clackamas High School.
Following her time as a teacher, Pam worked for the YMCA, helping to open the Metro YMCA at Duniway Center. In connection with a research project at OHSU, Pam created the first pregnancy-fitness program in the Pacific Northwest. Pam then designed the first wellness program, “Wellness Works” at St. Vincents, which won the Oregon Governor’s Award for Most Innovative New Health Program.
Pam was then recruited to create training programs to increase worker safety at a local utility company. Pam worked there for over 20 years, retiring as the Vice President of Oregon External Affairs. Throughout her time there, Pam was focused on safe, equitable, and reliable electric service, working to keep rates affordable for customers.
Pam transitioned to serving the community, helping launch a nonprofit that brings together government and industry to support businesses and attract investment to the region. She was then selected to lead Westside Economic Alliance, bringing together businesses, nonprofits, unions, and local governments to find common ground and shared solutions to boost the local economies in Washington County. She served for 9 years as their Executive Director.
Since winning election in 2018, Pam has found that even with decades of experience in the private sector, public service is her true calling. Just a year after taking office, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Pam took decisive action, working with her colleagues, county staff, and community partners, to limit the spread of the virus, launch vaccine access points, and support local businesses experiencing hardship.
As a Commissioner, Pam also championed passage of a historic equity resolution, supported efforts to successfully increase access to shelter beds and affordable housing, and worked closely with partners to support our libraries, public safety agencies, and local businesses.
“Pam is uniquely qualified to lead our County through the challenges we face today. She has a deep record of executive experience across the public and private sectors and has the expertise we need right now. ”
“Pam is uniquely qualified to lead our County through the challenges we face today. She has a deep record of executive experience across the public and private sectors and has the expertise we need right now. ”
Pam enjoys spending time with her two children (on both coasts), four grandchildren, and her golden retriever, Ben. She loves exploring Washington County’s nature (often on a bike or kayak), knitting hats and sweaters for her loved ones, and reading the newest bestsellers.
Community Service and Leadership
- Appointed by the Governor to Regional Solutions
- Regional Disaster Preparedness Organization
- PSU Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies Board
- Worksystems Inc. Executive Board
- Metro Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC)
- Regional Waste Advisory Committee (RWAC)
- Urban Road Maintenance District Advisory Committee (URMDAC)
Community Service and Leadership
- Appointed by the Governor to Regional Solutions
- Regional Disaster Preparedness Organization
- PSU Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies Board
- Worksystems Inc. Executive Board
- Metro Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC)
- Regional Waste Advisory Committee (RWAC)
- Urban Road Maintenance District Advisory Committee (URMDAC)
Former Community Service Roles
- Co-Chair of Region-Wide Transportation Funding Task Force 2019-2020
- Centro Cultural de Washington County Board
- Community Action Board
- Washington County Policy Advisory Board for Community Development Block Grants & HOMES loans
- Public Health Advisory Council
- Vice Chair and Chair of the Association of Oregon County for the metro region
- Chair of Beaverton School District Bond Advisory Committee
- Member of Oregon Metro Equity Strategy Advisory Committee
- Worksystems Inc. Executive Committee
- Workforce Investment Board
- Planned Parenthood of the Columbia-Willamette Board
- ODOT Region 1 Area Commission on Transportation
- Washington County Fairground Advisory Committee
- PCC Forward Bond Steering Committee
- American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow, Class XIII
- Sports Authority Board
- Rose Festival Board
- BTA Board (Street Trust)
- Co-Chair of Region-Wide Transportation Funding Task Force 2019-2020
- Centro Cultural de Washington County Board
- Community Action Board
- Washington County Policy Advisory Board for Community Development Block Grants & HOMES loans
- Public Health Advisory Council
- Vice Chair and Chair of the Association of Oregon County for the metro region
- Chair of Beaverton School District Bond Advisory Committee
- Member of Oregon Metro Equity Strategy Advisory Committee
- Worksystems Inc. Executive Committee
- Workforce Investment Board
- Planned Parenthood of the Columbia-Willamette Board
- ODOT Region 1 Area Commission on Transportation
- Washington County Fairground Advisory Committee
- PCC Forward Bond Steering Committee
- American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow, Class XIII
- Sports Authority Board
- Rose Festival Board
- BTA Board (Street Trust)
