Pam Treece has spent her career bringing people together, solving problems, and getting results — as a teacher, business leader, economic development executive, and Washington County Commissioner.

A lifelong Oregonian, Pam grew up in Portland’s Parkrose neighborhood. Her parents met in the military, and their commitment to service helped shape Pam’s belief that we all have a responsibility to contribute to our communities.

Pam began her career as a public school teacher after earning her bachelor’s degree from Portland State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Lewis & Clark College. That experience — listening, communicating, and helping people with different needs succeed — has stayed with her throughout her career.

She went on to work for the YMCA, where she helped develop innovative health and wellness programs, before beginning a more than 20-year career focused on issues that directly affect Oregon families, workers, and communities. Pam served as Vice President of Oregon External Affairs for Pacific Power, where her work included worker safety, reliable and affordable service, economic development, and partnerships with communities across Oregon.

Pam later brought that private-sector experience to economic development. She helped launch a nonprofit focused on attracting investment and supporting businesses before becoming executive director of the Westside Economic Alliance. For nine years, she brought together businesses, labor, nonprofits, educational institutions, and local governments to find common ground and strengthen Washington County’s economy.

In 2018, Pam ran for Washington County Commissioner, challenging a two-term incumbent and winning decisively with 58% of the vote.

Since taking office, she has worked to bring the same practical, collaborative approach to county government. She has helped expand access to affordable housing and shelter, championed investments in behavioral health and addiction treatment, supported public safety and essential community services, and worked closely with local employers and small businesses.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, just over a year after she took office, Pam worked with county staff and community partners to expand access to vaccines, support struggling businesses, and help Washington County navigate an unprecedented crisis.

Throughout her time on the Commission, Pam has remained focused on a simple principle: county government should listen to the people it serves, work with partners across the community, use taxpayer dollars responsibly, and deliver results people can see.

Now, Pam is running for Washington County Chair to bring together her leadership experience in the public, private, nonprofit, and education sectors at a time when the county faces significant decisions about affordability, homelessness and behavioral health, public safety, economic vitality, responsible growth, and the future of essential county services.

Pam believes Washington County’s next Chair must be able to bring people with different perspectives to the same table, make difficult decisions, and keep the county focused on delivering for the people who live and work here.

That is the work Pam has done throughout her career — and the leadership she will bring as County Chair.

Beyond the Commission

Pam’s commitment to Washington County extends well beyond elected office. Over the years, she has served in leadership roles with organizations focused on economic development, transportation, workforce development, public health, education, equity, emergency preparedness, and community services.

She has served with organizations and regional bodies including Worksystems, the Metro Policy Advisory Committee, the Regional Disaster Preparedness Organization, Community Action, Centro Cultural de Washington County, Planned Parenthood of the Columbia-Willamette, the ODOT Region 1 Area Commission on Transportation, and the Beaverton School District Bond Advisory Committee.

Pam is also an American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow.

Most importantly, Pam is a mom and grandmother. She has two children and four grandchildren and loves spending time with her family. When she isn’t working, you might find her exploring Washington County by bike or kayak, frequenting local farmers markets or reading the latest bestseller.