Over the course of her career, Kim has led a variety of public and nonprofit organizations. Prior to coming to Willamette Workforce Partnership she served as the Chief of Staff of the Department of Education’s Early Learning Division. Earlier, she served as the Assistant Director for Business and Employment Services of the Oregon Employment Department (OED). In that capacity, she led more than 400 staff charged with serving Oregonians at over 36 WorkSource offices across the State.

Prior to her work for the State, Kim served as Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Council of Clackamas County. While in that position, she also served as Executive Director of the Clackamas County Business Alliance. Earlier in her career, Kim was the Executive Director of the North Willamette Valley Habitat for Humanity affiliate; she began her professional life serving in a variety of leadership roles in early childhood learning. Kim has a son and daughter in their early twenties and she and her husband Salvador enjoy travel, camping, music, wine tasting and watching sports. Kim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Willamette University.

After many years in lead financial positions at a variety of private sector industries, Gary moved into the non-profit world as Willamette Workforce Partnership’s Director of Finance shortly after its inception in 2007. He took a break from WWP in 2015 to work with Oregon’s four newest Workforce Boards setting up fiscal systems, developing policies, and recruiting and training permanent financial leadership. Gary returned to WWP in March of 2017 to assume an expanded role that includes the administrative functions of the organization as well as the financial work. Outside of work, he spends his time playing music, updating his house, and cross fit training. Gary holds a BS in Business Administration/Finance from Colorado State University.

Dean’s, journey to Willamette Workforce Partnership began more than 16 years ago when he was recruited from his role as Operations Manager for a manufacturing company by a local staffing agency where he spent over 15 years as the regional manager.

Shortly after starting his position as regional manager, Dean became introduced to Workforce Development when a friend “tricked” him into attending a Youth Council meeting: less than a year later he was a board member and chair of that council.

Being a board member for nearly 14 years and past board chair, coupled with his years of experience helping customers of his staffing agency with workforce issues makes him uniquely qualified for the position of Director of Business Services. Dean has a powerful desire to be of value to everyone he comes in contact with and a real passion for business.

Dean lives in a rural area between Silverton and Molalla with his wife Jodi, their rescued animals Dog Uma and two cats, Tally and Stella.  He has five adult children and seven grandchildren.

His message to everyone is one he learned from his father; Work hard to be the best at whatever you do; do it with the integrity as if your grandmother was watching and yearn to learn and never stop, but do so with discernment.

Ami started at Willamette Workforce Partnership as an Essential Skills Specialist focused on recruiting and retention for the Career Achievement Network. She came to us with a background in social work and a passion to help others struggling with homelessness and poverty. Ami has more than ten years experience in problem-solving around the issues of impoverished lifestyles and advocates for teaching self-sustainability and tools to combat community issues. Originally from Modesto, California, Ami moved up to the Portland, Oregon area early in her career and received her Bachelors of Science in Social Work. She is one of the original founders of the Cherry City Derby Girls and is a proud mama of a little boy and two Boston terriers.

Suzie has worked 10 years as a recruiter prior to being hired to Willamette Workforce Partnership as a business training specialist in 2009. Suzie is now our On-the-Job Training (OJT) Specialist and has brought the program up over the years from accommodating 1 OJT per month at the start of 2009 to 50 currently. Off the job, Suzie says that she’s very busy with her teenage kids and spends a lot of her free time cleaning up after them and their 3 dogs, a macaw, and a bunny!

Veronica originally interned for Willamette Workforce Partnership in 2009. She came from one of our youth programs at that time. She holds an Associates degree in General Studies and also a certificate in Juvenile Corrections from Chemeketa Community College. Veronica is considering pursuing further education in Business Management. Outside of work she enjoys spending quality time with her son Damian and husband Salvador. She also really enjoys shopping!

Kathy joins the team with a passion around building strong communities and providing college and career opportunities to in school youth.  Her background includes over 20 years of experience in business, education, leadership, and workforce development.

Volunteering is at the top of Kathy’s to do list.  She serves on the Maps Credit Union board, the Maps Community Foundation board, Maps Insurance services and governance committee, the West Valley CTE Center advisory committee, the C3 Executive Council, and annually mentoring middle school and high school students.

Kathy and her husband Gary have a blended family of 8 children and are incredibly blessed to have 12 grandchildren. They cherish time with family and friends, spending time outdoors, camping, crabbing, traveling, gardening, and helping others.

Brand new to Willamette Workforce Partnership, Trina brings with her a broad range of skills from her time working in higher education. Her background in customer service, sales, organizational development, change management and detail-driven success will effectively support the team at Willamette Workforce Partnership. Trina’s family includes her spouse, two daughters, ages 8 and 10, and two fur babies. Trina likes hiking, reading, camping, and enjoying adult beverages on any patio. She is currently in a Master’s program at Western Oregon University pursuing an Organizational Leadership degree.

Amy recently joined WWP from the Agricultural Industry. She comes to us with over 20 years of accounting experience in the corporate world and is excited to work for a nonprofit organization which provides services that better our community. Amy was born in Southern Oregon, grew up and graduated college in Northern California, then lived in San Diego, California for 10 years before moving back to Oregon in 2008. She currently resides in the Willamette Valley and enjoys exploring all the natural beauty it has to offer. Some of her favorite activities are boating on Detroit Lake, floating on the Santiam River, hiking through the forest to see waterfalls, and watching the waves roll in from the ocean. She also loves animals and live music. Amy holds a BS In Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting.

Jenny brings with her to the team at WWP a wide range of skills and experience. She has served in both the Peace Corps in the Republic of Georgia and as an AmeriCorps VISTA in the Willamette Valley focusing on building workforce development programs, creating career readiness workshops, and building bridges between job seekers and local employers to meet their business needs in technology to help community members achieve greater economic mobility and opportunity. She enjoys getting involved in the hiking and biking communities and exploring new trails in the Willamette Valley!