My name is Jon Elias, and I am a Vancouver/Portland native. I'm an outdoor enthusiast with a love for the arts, especially music. I finished my time at Washington State University with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and hit the ground running with local start-up Portland Pedal Power. While I was there, I applied my knowledge of Search Engine Optimization, media strategy, and grassroots advertising as an intern and was invited to stay on as a Marketing Specialist. I wore multiple hats as a sales person, copywriter, and even a delivery rider from time to time.I also worked independently as a Marketing Consultant with several local small businesses in the Vancouver area. I created marketing strategies from the ground up, maintained website content, and learned of the joys and challenges of self employment. I am currently the Director of Marketing Communications at Oregon Manufacturing Innovaten Center, Research and Development (OMIC R&D) where I am responsible for driving our marketing plan forward. This position advises and directs OMIC leadership in establishing goals, developing suitable strategies and tactics, implementing programs, and evaluating results to reach OMIC’s goals. I also oversee messaging and communications with external stakeholders while working collaboratively with the leadership team.I have had the good fortune to travel across the globe, visiting countries such as (and in no particular order) Japan, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the UK, Costa Rica, and even places as far away as Canada! My time exploring also includes substantial domestic travel exploring the west coast of the US. I have had the opportunity to visit 18 states, and plan on visiting more when I have the opportunity. Most notably, I had the chance to travel the 2,500 miles from Portland Oregon to Kenai Alaska, which was a breathtaking adventure. During my free time, I play the ukulele, drums, vibraphone, bass guitar, mandolin, and have started teaching myself the 5-string banjo.