While my dream job was to be a news anchor, I ended up living rurally, hours away from any TV news station. Fortunately, my can-do growth mindset helped me get creative in the journalism profession. I studied public relations in the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communications and I knew how to write a compelling news release and develop a powerful PR plan. I started my own PR agency. When living in a place with little employment options, I learned I’d need to create my own career. Starting as a publicist for another PR agency, I represented internationally-acclaimed authors, doctors and entrepreneurs. I discovered a love for community. I turned my PR focus toward serving entrepreneurs, businesses and non-profits across a variety of industries, from manufacturing and construction, to travel and tourism, food and beverage, health and wellness. When social media joined the scene, I became quickly proficient in all kinds of social media platforms to ensure my clients reached their audiences. Soon, we began offering integrated PR campaigns, bringing together social media, digital media and traditional media best practices. While I kept my professional life busy, I also found my passion for community service and philanthropy. A few of my heart projects include:• Public Relations of Society of America (PRSA), national and local chapter member• Ford Institute for Community Building graduate• Gates-Mill City Leadership Action Team• Gates Fire District Emergency Services Support chair• Citizen Emergency Response Team member• Financial Peace University Coordinator, Mill City First Christian Church• North Santiam Chamber of Commerce executive director• GROW EDC fundraising chair and member• Sublimity School Parent Teacher Club board member• North Santiam School District, long-range facilities planning committee member• Oregon Capitol Chapter of the PRSA board chair• Oregon Community Foundation, Northern Willamette Valley Leadership Council member• Stayton/Sublimity Chamber of Commerce member• Family Building Blocks stepping stone monthly sustainer• Liberty House Child Abuse Assessment Center monthly sustainer• Stayton Public Library Crown Jewel Society member• Santiam Service Integration Team SIT Mobile volunteerI believe that clear, consistent, thoughtful communication is the foundation of strong relationships. I feel fortunate to lead a team of incredible professionals who share the common values of honesty, integrity, accountability, fairness and giving back to the world in which we live.