main phone: 503-823-4120
Opinion line: 503-823-4127
1221 SW 4th Ave, Room 340, Portland, OR 97204
Staff
Michael Cox
Chief of Staff
michael.b.cox@portlandoregon.gov
Michael was previously Mayor Wheeler’s Communications Director at Oregon State Treasury. He has more than a decade of experience in campaigns and government in Oregon and California.
Kristin Dennis
Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Operations
kristin.dennis@portlandoregon.gov
Kristin most recently served as Mayor Wheeler’s Chief of Staff in the Oregon State Treasury, where she previously served as Policy Director. Earlier, she was an aide to Oregon State Senator Richard Devlin. She was elected to serve on the Lake Oswego City Council at the age of 22 from 2007 to 2010 and worked for a plastics recycling company in Portland. Kristin holds a law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law and is a member of the Oregon State Bar.
Kyle Chisek
Director of Bureau Relations
kyle.chisek@portlandoregon.gov
CURRENT ROLE: Igniting the bureaucracy to move the Mayor’s Agenda forward.
PAST: Mayor Potter’s Office and the Bureau of Transportation. I began my career in government as a Policy Manager in Mayor Potter’s office. By the end, my portfolio entailed the Office of Management & Finance, the budget process, infrastructure bureaus, and general problem solving. The most interesting moment was my stint as interim Chief of Staff while our Chief of Staff was on a Sister City delegation in Mutare, Zimbabwe in October 2008 and the economy began the Great Recession. I have a degree in political science and in history. And yet, I descended from the ivory tower of academia to take a stand and fight the good fight in the community.
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN PORTLAND: Shigezo Izakaya – excellent food and great atmosphere located in the heart of downtown on the South Park Blocks. Bacon wrapped quail eggs.
Jennifer Arguinzoni
Director of Strategic Partnerships
jennifer.arguinzoni@portlandoregon.gov
Jennifer serves as a key political strategist, managing and cultivating external relationships on behalf of Mayor Wheeler. She also coordinates community partnerships around key issues involving the mayor’s priorities. She previously worked as Ted Wheeler’s Transition Manager, leading policy discussions to help develop the mayor’s priority issues. She also served as Finance Director for Ted Wheeler’s mayoral campaign. Jennifer has more than a decade of state and federal legislative experience in Georgia and Washington, D.C. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Georgia State University.
Eileen Park
Communications Director
eileen.park@portlandoregon.gov
After working for more than a decade as a journalist - covering everything from military tensions in South and North Korea to devastating wildfires in Oregon and Washington - Eileen Park now serves as Communications Director for the Mayor's Office.
She graduated with honors from DePauw University with a major in Communications and a minor in Political Science, and began her journalism career at ABC News in New York. She most recently worked as a Reporter and Anchor for KOIN 6 CBS news.
Elisabeth Perez
Operations Director
elisabeth.perez@portlandoregon.gov
Elisabeth began working in the Mayor’s Office as a Hatfield Fellow focused on resiliency after graduating from Tulane University with a M.S. in Disaster Resilience Leadership. From there, she became the Mayor’s Senior Policy Advisor focused on Resiliency as the liaison to the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM), Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC), and leading Smart Cities initiatives throughout the City. As the liaison to BOEC, she worked with the Mayor to hire a new Director and is proceeding to work with the Mayor and Human Resources to hire a new PBEM Director. As the leader on Smart Cities efforts, Elisabeth successfully implemented a partnership with AT&T on transportation sensors and is engaging the private sector in partnerships.
As a Changemaker at the Phyllis M. Taylor Center for Social Innovation and Design Thinking, Elisabeth received The Victor C. Alvarez Spark Innovation Award as initial funding to start the MyNew Orleans Photo Project in 2016. The project aims to increase awareness and reduce stigma around homelessness in New Orleans.
Elisabeth hopes to transfer her skills working with both marginalized groups and disaster professionals to make communities more resilient through engagement, training, and community informed decision-making.
Berk Nelson
Senior Advisor
berk.nelson@portlandoregon.gov
Berk attended the University of California, Davis School of Law where he received his J.D. in 2005. Berk received his undergraduate degree from the Colorado College where he received his B.A. in Sociology in 2000. He comes to us from Perkins Coie where he did contract work in the commercial litigation department and was previously with Molina Healthcare, Inc. where he served as in-house counsel.
Michelle Plambeck
Legislative Director
michelle.plambeck@portlandoregon.gov
CURRENT ROLE: I am responsible for managing and implementing the Mayor’s legislative agenda.
PAST: State Legislature: Legislative Aide for then-Rep., now Sen., Michael Dembrow – NE/SE Portland, Legislative Aid for House Speaker Tina Kotek – North Portland; Policy and Constituent Relations Liaison for Multnomah County Commissioner Judy Shiprack, District 3. University of Oregon, History
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN PORTLAND: Little Bird
Cupid Alexander
Senior Advisor
Cupid.alexander@portlandoregon.gov
CURRENT ROLE: Policy development, engagement, oversight and implementation around housing, economic development and community involvement.
PAST: Portland Housing Bureau as a Senior Policy Analyst; Washington County Department of housing services as a program administrator of the shelter plus care program and occupancy specialist. Currently serves as National Association of Housing Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Pacific Northwest Regional Council Vice President, and President of the Urban League of Portland’s Young Professionals and Board Member. Recent Recipient of NAHRO’s National Emerging Leader award (2018). Executive Masters In Public Administration- Portland State University, Graduate Degree in Real Estate development – Portland State University, Bachelors In Business.
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN PORTLAND: Kee’s Loaded Kitchen
Nicole A. Grant
Senior Policy Advisor
nicole.grant@portlandoregon.gov
Nicole joins the Wheeler Administration as a Senior Policy Advisor after having served as the Senior Policy Analyst and Portland Police Bureau (PPB) Liaison for the Hales Administration. As Senior Policy Analyst, Nicole has primarily worked on public safety policy issues, particularly those falling under the DOJ settlement agreement. Nicole moved to Portland in May 2015 after practicing law in Baltimore, MD. Nicole is a Maryland native, and a graduate of Yale University and Columbia Law School.
Andrea Valderrama
Senior Policy Advisor
andrea.valderrama@portlandoregon.gov
CURRENT ROLE: Policy and administrative oversight in economic development, budget, housing, and equity issue areas.
PAST: Commissioner Novick's Office as a Policy Advisor; Voz Workers' Rights Education Project as the Development Director. Currently Vice Chair on the David Douglas School Board. Executive Masters of Public Administration, Portland State University; Bachelor of Arts, University of Oregon
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN PORTLAND: Taco truck on 122nd & Stark
Khahn Tran
Administrative Assistant
A native of Vancouver, WA and his passions are environmental sustainability and public policy. After graduating from high school, Khahn enlisted in the Army, where he served 5 years on active duty, including a tour in Afghanistan. It was his time in the service that ignited my passion for leadership and public service. After fulfilling his commitment to the military, he attended the University of Washington and graduated with a B.A. in Sustainable Urban Development in 2018.
Sophia June
Senior Writer
Sophia.June@portlandoregon.gov
CURRENT ROLE: I write talking points and social media content for the Mayor, policy staff and constituent services team. I also work on public records reform.
PAST: Web Editor for Willamette Week, Social Media Manager for KATU News. B.A. in Journalism from the University of Oregon.
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN PORTLAND: Saburo's Sushi House Restaurant in Sellwood
Seraphie Allen
Policy Advisor and Community Affairs Liaison
seraphie.allen@portlandoregon.gov
CURRENT ROLE: Policy and administrative oversight in homelessness, livability, housing, Portland Children’s Levy and education policy issues. I also servee as the Mayor’s liaison for issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.
PAST: B.A. in English and Gender Studies from Lewis & Clark College.
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN PORTLAND: Mizu Sushi
Amy Rathfelder
Environmental and Sustainability Policy Advisor
amy.rathfelder@portlandoregon.gov
Amy serves as a Policy Advisor to the Mayor on environmental, sustainability and climate issues. She also works as a liaison for the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. Prior to joining Mayor Wheeler’s staff, she worked as a Communications Director for Eric Burnette in Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District and in a communications-based position for Joe Trippi & Associates.
Amy has also worked in advocacy and outreach roles with the Oregon League of Conservation Voters and Renew Oregon, primarily on policy working to create clean energy jobs in Oregon. She also served briefly as a constituent liaison in Salem for the Kitzhaber administration. She earned a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Public Service/Civic Leadership from Portland State University, and will graduate with a Master’s in Political Communication from American University in Washington, D.C. in December of 2018.
In her spare time, Amy is an avid hiker and general outdoor enthusiast. She loves landscape photography and CrossFit, and is always game for an adventure.
Amber Frye
Community Relations Advisor
Amber worked as a Constituent Services intern for Mayor Ted Wheeler before being hired on as the Mayor’s Constituent Services Specialist and Community Relations Advisor. Amber’s roles include addressing the questions and concerns of Portlanders, informing constituents, assisting in planning community outreach events and supporting policy advisors. Amber was drawn to public service after years of experience in the hospitality industry. She is currently pursuing a B.S. degree in Political Science from Portland State University. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, cooking and travel.
Mustafa Washington
Constituent Services Manager
mustafa.washington@portlandoregon.gov
Mustafa has a Master’s of Science in Management and Organizational Leadership from Warner Pacific College, and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Warner Pacific College. Prior to joining Mayor Wheeler's staff, he was a staff member for Mayor Hales as the Constituent Service Specialist and later promoted to Executive Assistant. Among his proudest accomplishments: Mustafa is the first person in his immediate family to complete a Master’s degree program.
Amanda Watson
Policy Advisor
amanda.watson@portlandoregon.gov
CURRENT ROLE: I am a Hatfield Resident Fellow working on environmental and sustainability policy.
PAST: National Endowment for Democracy, on Asia Programs; Research Associate at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy. Master in Public Policy (focus on climate policy), Harvard Kennedy School; BSFS in International Politics, Georgetown University
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN PORTLAND: Toss-up between Aviv and Neza Taqueria (food truck on SE 33rd and Hawthorne)
Aja Blair
Executive Assistant to Mayor Wheeler
He grew up in Portland attending Portland Public Schools. Throughout his life, he has always had a deep love for the arts. Aja graduated from Portland State University with a major in Arts and Letters and a minor in Theatre. Aside from his interests in the arts he also has a deep affection for ancient Indian culture and philosophy which he studied intensely for three years in Mayapur, India.
Before serving on the Mayor's team, Aja was the Scheduler/Office Manager for Commissioner Nick Fish.
The last three years took Aja to India, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. He loved every minute of it but is more than ready to settle back in and call Portland home again.
Trevaun Myrie
Constituent Services Specialist
trevaun.myrie@portlandoregon.gov
As a Constituent Services Specialist, Trevaun supports policy staff and provides services to constituents nts and works on various community engagement projects, including Hip Hop Day 2018. Trevaun grew up in Jamaica and graduated from Jefferson High School-Middle College for Advanced Studies. Among his accomplishments: Trevaun has participated in the Nike Creation Project Experience (NPCE) program for two years. He is a big soccer fan and plays on a club team hosted by Timbers Army. In his free time, Trevaun is also known as DJ Myrie.
Lucy Sagoo
Constituent Services Specialist
As a lifelong Portlander, Lucy is thankful to be a part of the Mayor’s team where she helps to support the staff. Lucy believes that her work, and the work of the office, is constantly dedicated to make the City of Portland a more beautiful place for all its residents. Lucy has been a Rose Festival Princess for St. Mary’s Academy, as well as creating and teaching a film class for young women at Reynold’s Middle School. Lucy is a student at Reed College and is currently studying to be a Political Science major Her intent is to attend graduate school for law.
Antoinette Edwards
Director of the Office of Youth Violence Prevention
antoinette.edwards@portlandoregon.gov
Antoinette served as the first Diversity and Volunteer Services Director for the Oregon Trail Chapter for the American Red Cross. She has a Bachelors in education from Portland State University. She joins Mayor Wheeler's staff from working with Mayor Adams and Mayor Hales respective administrations. Among her proudest accomplishments: the Gladys McCoy Citizen Involvement Award in 2009, Social Justice Fund Northwest’s Jeanette Rankin Award for being a tireless lifelong activist in 2013, and the Equity Foundation's “Women Who Lead“ award in 2015. Antoinette founded the first Black PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) chapter in the nation. Antoinette lives in NE Portland and enjoys being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loves spoken word, reading, reading to children and the art of Feng Shui.
Tom Peavey
Policy Manager for the Office of Youth Violence Prevention
CURRENT ROLE: Policy Manager, Office of Youth Violence Prevention
PAST: City of Portland; Police Bureau (1973 – 2004), Office of Neighborhood Involvement (2004 – 2006), Office of Youth Violence Prevention (2006 – current). Washington State University, Bachelor’s of Science, Police Science Administration.
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN PORTLAND: Miss Delta Restaurant
Adam Thompson
Videographer
adam.thompson@portlandoregon.gov
Adam's career as a photojournalist has spanned more than ten years and has taken him from Southern Oregon, to Texas, Arizona, and back to Oregon
Since 2013, Adam has covered local news in the Portland area. During that time he has focused on daily news events, investigative journalism, and many other types of special project reporting.