Click each photo to learn more about our Board members.
Janet Soto Rodriguez
Deputy Director, Foundations for a Better Oregon
she/her/hers
Janet Soto Rodriguez is the Deputy Director of Foundations for a Better Oregon, where she works to bring community, policymakers, and philanthropy together to realize a shared long-term vision for Oregon’s children. She was previously a chief architect of the Rural Opportunity Initiative (ROI) for Business Oregon, which employs community-driven strategies to ensure rural communities benefit from state economic development initiatives. Prior to Business Oregon, Janet served as a Business Equity Policy Advisor to Governor Kate Brown. As a Latina immigrant to the United States, a former field laborer and service industry employee, and a first generation college graduate, Janet has firsthand experience with displacement, anti-immigrant policies, and poverty. She is a champion for racial economic justice because she has lived this work, professionally and personally.
Quin Collins
Executive Director, Josephine County Educational Fund
she/her/hers
Quin is the Executive Director of the Josephine County Educational. Quin has nearly a decade of experience in nonprofit administration and is passionate about developing opportunities for the community to invest in students. She received a Bachelor of Science from Oregon State University and a Master’s in Management from Southern Oregon University. Quin has nearly a decade of experience in nonprofit administration and is passionate about developing opportunities for the community to invest in students. In addition to her leadership role at JCEF, Quin serves on the Board of Directors of the Nonprofit Association of Oregon, Grants Pass Rotary Club, and Three Rivers Community Orchestra and is a member of the Grants Pass School District #7 Budget Committee.
Robert Le
Robert Le Attorney, PC
he/him/his
Robert is originally from Los Angeles, California. The son of immigrant parents, Robert understands the challenges of community members who face barriers and is committed to serving their legal needs in an assertive, and accessible manner. Robert understands when it’s one person versus an organization, resources are limited, but their story needs to be told.
Albert Passadore Jr.
Relationship Manager, The Commerce Bank of Oregon
he/him/his
Albert Passadore is a Commercial Banker with The Commerce Bank of Oregon, who specializes in working with closely held, multi-generational businesses in the manufacturing, transportation, and distribution sectors of our community. He has been in the financial services industry for over 20-years. Albert received his undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University and went on to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Finance focus from Portland State University. Albert has served in various capacities for local nonprofits that primarily focus on housing and economic stability.
Adam Stein
CRA Officer, Columbia Bank
he/him/his
Adam is a compliance manager and CRA officer at Columbia Bank, overseeing regulations that ensure financial institutions do their share in the communities they are part of. Adam has been in banking for over 15 years, working previously at Umpqua Bank and the former West Coast Bank. Before beginning his career in banking, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mongolia from 2004 to 2006 as a community and economic development adviser, supporting Mercy Corps Gobi Initiative program. Adam is also a big supporter of the Bank On Initiative and Asset Building Networks, serving in an advisory role for a number of coalitions throughout the Pacific Northwest. In his free time, Adam likes to pursue long term investing strategies that lead to compound growth.
Amy Nelson
CEO, Point West Credit Union
she/her/hers
Amy Nelson is the CEO Point West Credit Union, a CDFI based in the Portland-Metro area with a focus on bringing access and affordable capital to microenterprise businesses, immigrants, minority groups and unbanked consumers. She also engages in credit union regulatory and political advocacy work via the Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA) and the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS). Amy received her B.A. in Journalism and Communication from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. She started her career in credit unions as an executive assistant, later specializing in human resources. She holds an HR Management Certificate from Linfield College, and is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
In her spare time, Amy is Choreographer for youth community theatre productions, raving hockey fan, and Co-Foodie with husband Garrett.
Jaclyn Eaton
Program Design Manager, Home Forward
she/her/hers
Jaclyn Eaton is driven by relentless optimism and a passion for public service. She is currently the Program Design Manager at Home Forward, where she is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative solutions designed to improve outcomes for program participants and staff. Her 14 years of Home Forward service includes leadership roles in rent assistance administration, homeless systems partnership, and grant management. Jaclyn’s career has also included data management and advocate positions at several community non-profits. Jaclyn loves to be outdoors, preferably in the water or around a campfire.
Joel Madsen
Executive Director, Mid-Columbia Housing Authority & Columbia Cascade Housing Corp.
he/him/his
Joel Madsen’s career has been dedicated to public service and the affordable housing industry. Mr. Madsen serves as the Executive Director of the Mid-Columbia Housing Authority (MCHA) and Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation (CCHC). Since January of 2014, he has led MCHA and CCHC in promoting and administering affordable housing solutions throughout the Mid-Columbia region which includes Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties in Oregon as well as Klickitat and Skamania Counties in Washington. In addition to his leadership role at MCHA and CCHC Mr. Madsen serves as a Director on the Housing Authority Risk Retention Pool Board, Chair of Neighborhood Partnerships and President of the Housing Authorities of Oregon. In his spare time Joel loves to get outside with his wife and two daughters, often enjoying the sports and natural beauty the Columbia River Gorge area offers.
Katia Selezneva
Community Organizer, Human Solutions
she/her/hers
Katia Selezneva is a Community Organizer with Human Solutions. Her interest lies in advancing public policy that promotes more equitable, culturally-responsive, housing programs for low-income households. Since moving to Portland in 2015, she has been working with the city’s growing homeless population and advocating for families and individuals dealing with housing instability. She currently organizes with tenants living in affordable housing through public outreach and by lobbying elected officials. Katia holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters of Public Policy from Portland State University.
Maralea Lutino, MPA, Secretary
Community Investment Officer, Corporation for Supportive Housing
she/her/hers
Maralea Lutino is a Community Investment Officer in the New Market Tax Credit division of Corporation for Supportive Housing’s (CSH) Community Investment department. Corporation for Supportive Housing is a national CDFI with a focus on bringing access and affordable capital to underserved communities. CSH uses New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocations to support the innovative financing of mixed use projects that include supportive housing or non-residential projects like community health facilities that are either co-located with supportive housing or in the community, providing critical services to both our target populations and residents of supportive housing. To date, CSH has received $320M in NMTC allocation.
Lynne McConnell
Housing Director, City of Bend
she/her/hers
Lynne currently serves as Affordable Housing Manager for the City of Bend. Previously, she was NeighborImpact’s Deputy Director of Community Services, overseeing 5 major programs that serve 50,000 individuals annually. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Oregon and a JD from Lewis and Clark. Lynne has accrued a wide spectrum of experience including working for Outward Bound as a wilderness guide, to lawyering with a pro bono emphasis in Portland, to operations manager (i.e. cowgirl) for a remote ranch in Northern California, and believes in jumping in to each opportunity wholeheartedly. She has an extensive volunteer history, formerly serving on the Residential Advisory Committee to the Bend urban growth boundary expansion and on the Central Oregon City Club programs committee, among others. She can often be found digging in her garden, cooking for a crowd, or exploring the wilds near her home in Bend, Oregon, with her family in tow.
Akasha Lawrence Spence
she/her/hers
Akasha Lawrence Spence is an innovator, change agent, and intuitive strategist who puts community first. Akasha proudly serves NW and SW Portland and The City of Tigard as Oregon State Senator for District 18. She is also the Founder & Principal Designer of Fifth Element—a conscientious community development firm fortifying historically undercapitalized communities through decision making power and real property ownership. Everything Akasha does, whether as an entrepreneur, advocate, designer, writer, artist, policy maker, civic activist, or embodied being is an act of liberation rooted in economic justice that is reparative, intersectional, and generative.
Akasha Lawrence Spence
she/her/hers
Akasha Lawrence Spence is an innovator, change agent, and intuitive strategist who puts community first. Akasha proudly serves NW and SW Portland and The City of Tigard as Oregon State Senator for District 18. She is also the Founder & Principal Designer of Fifth Element—a conscientious community development firm fortifying historically undercapitalized communities through decision making power and real property ownership. Everything Akasha does, whether as an entrepreneur, advocate, designer, writer, artist, policy maker, civic activist, or embodied being is an act of liberation rooted in economic justice that is reparative, intersectional, and generative.
Lynne McConnell
Housing Director, City of Bend
she/her/hers
Lynne currently serves as Affordable Housing Manager for the City of Bend. Previously, she was NeighborImpact’s Deputy Director of Community Services, overseeing 5 major programs that serve 50,000 individuals annually. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Oregon and a JD from Lewis and Clark. Lynne has accrued a wide spectrum of experience including working for Outward Bound as a wilderness guide, to lawyering with a pro bono emphasis in Portland, to operations manager (i.e. cowgirl) for a remote ranch in Northern California, and believes in jumping in to each opportunity wholeheartedly. She has an extensive volunteer history, formerly serving on the Residential Advisory Committee to the Bend urban growth boundary expansion and on the Central Oregon City Club programs committee, among others. She can often be found digging in her garden, cooking for a crowd, or exploring the wilds near her home in Bend, Oregon, with her family in tow.
Akasha Lawrence Spence
she/her/hers
Akasha Lawrence Spence is an innovator, change agent, and intuitive strategist who puts community first. Akasha proudly serves NW and SW Portland and The City of Tigard as Oregon State Senator for District 18. She is also the Founder & Principal Designer of Fifth Element—a conscientious community development firm fortifying historically undercapitalized communities through decision making power and real property ownership. Everything Akasha does, whether as an entrepreneur, advocate, designer, writer, artist, policy maker, civic activist, or embodied being is an act of liberation rooted in economic justice that is reparative, intersectional, and generative.
Lynne McConnell
Housing Director, City of Bend
she/her/hers
Lynne currently serves as Affordable Housing Manager for the City of Bend. Previously, she was NeighborImpact’s Deputy Director of Community Services, overseeing 5 major programs that serve 50,000 individuals annually. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Oregon and a JD from Lewis and Clark. Lynne has accrued a wide spectrum of experience including working for Outward Bound as a wilderness guide, to lawyering with a pro bono emphasis in Portland, to operations manager (i.e. cowgirl) for a remote ranch in Northern California, and believes in jumping in to each opportunity wholeheartedly. She has an extensive volunteer history, formerly serving on the Residential Advisory Committee to the Bend urban growth boundary expansion and on the Central Oregon City Club programs committee, among others. She can often be found digging in her garden, cooking for a crowd, or exploring the wilds near her home in Bend, Oregon, with her family in tow.
Akasha Lawrence Spence
she/her/hers
Akasha Lawrence Spence is an innovator, change agent, and intuitive strategist who puts community first. Akasha proudly serves NW and SW Portland and The City of Tigard as Oregon State Senator for District 18. She is also the Founder & Principal Designer of Fifth Element—a conscientious community development firm fortifying historically undercapitalized communities through decision making power and real property ownership. Everything Akasha does, whether as an entrepreneur, advocate, designer, writer, artist, policy maker, civic activist, or embodied being is an act of liberation rooted in economic justice that is reparative, intersectional, and generative.
Maralea Lutino, MPA, Secretary
Community Investment Officer, Corporation for Supportive Housing
she/her/hers
Maralea Lutino is a Community Investment Officer in the New Market Tax Credit division of Corporation for Supportive Housing’s (CSH) Community Investment department. Corporation for Supportive Housing is a national CDFI with a focus on bringing access and affordable capital to underserved communities. CSH uses New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocations to support the innovative financing of mixed use projects that include supportive housing or non-residential projects like community health facilities that are either co-located with supportive housing or in the community, providing critical services to both our target populations and residents of supportive housing. To date, CSH has received $320M in NMTC allocation.
Lynne McConnell
Housing Director, City of Bend
she/her/hers
Lynne currently serves as Affordable Housing Manager for the City of Bend. Previously, she was NeighborImpact’s Deputy Director of Community Services, overseeing 5 major programs that serve 50,000 individuals annually. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Oregon and a JD from Lewis and Clark. Lynne has accrued a wide spectrum of experience including working for Outward Bound as a wilderness guide, to lawyering with a pro bono emphasis in Portland, to operations manager (i.e. cowgirl) for a remote ranch in Northern California, and believes in jumping in to each opportunity wholeheartedly. She has an extensive volunteer history, formerly serving on the Residential Advisory Committee to the Bend urban growth boundary expansion and on the Central Oregon City Club programs committee, among others. She can often be found digging in her garden, cooking for a crowd, or exploring the wilds near her home in Bend, Oregon, with her family in tow.
Akasha Lawrence Spence
she/her/hers
Akasha Lawrence Spence is an innovator, change agent, and intuitive strategist who puts community first. Akasha proudly serves NW and SW Portland and The City of Tigard as Oregon State Senator for District 18. She is also the Founder & Principal Designer of Fifth Element—a conscientious community development firm fortifying historically undercapitalized communities through decision making power and real property ownership. Everything Akasha does, whether as an entrepreneur, advocate, designer, writer, artist, policy maker, civic activist, or embodied being is an act of liberation rooted in economic justice that is reparative, intersectional, and generative.
Katia Selezneva
Community Organizer, Human Solutions
she/her/hers
Katia Selezneva is a Community Organizer with Human Solutions. Her interest lies in advancing public policy that promotes more equitable, culturally-responsive, housing programs for low-income households. Since moving to Portland in 2015, she has been working with the city’s growing homeless population and advocating for families and individuals dealing with housing instability. She currently organizes with tenants living in affordable housing through public outreach and by lobbying elected officials. Katia holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters of Public Policy from Portland State University.
Maralea Lutino, MPA, Secretary
Community Investment Officer, Corporation for Supportive Housing
she/her/hers
Maralea Lutino is a Community Investment Officer in the New Market Tax Credit division of Corporation for Supportive Housing’s (CSH) Community Investment department. Corporation for Supportive Housing is a national CDFI with a focus on bringing access and affordable capital to underserved communities. CSH uses New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocations to support the innovative financing of mixed use projects that include supportive housing or non-residential projects like community health facilities that are either co-located with supportive housing or in the community, providing critical services to both our target populations and residents of supportive housing. To date, CSH has received $320M in NMTC allocation.
Lynne McConnell
Housing Director, City of Bend
she/her/hers
Lynne currently serves as Affordable Housing Manager for the City of Bend. Previously, she was NeighborImpact’s Deputy Director of Community Services, overseeing 5 major programs that serve 50,000 individuals annually. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Oregon and a JD from Lewis and Clark. Lynne has accrued a wide spectrum of experience including working for Outward Bound as a wilderness guide, to lawyering with a pro bono emphasis in Portland, to operations manager (i.e. cowgirl) for a remote ranch in Northern California, and believes in jumping in to each opportunity wholeheartedly. She has an extensive volunteer history, formerly serving on the Residential Advisory Committee to the Bend urban growth boundary expansion and on the Central Oregon City Club programs committee, among others. She can often be found digging in her garden, cooking for a crowd, or exploring the wilds near her home in Bend, Oregon, with her family in tow.
Akasha Lawrence Spence
she/her/hers
Akasha Lawrence Spence is an innovator, change agent, and intuitive strategist who puts community first. Akasha proudly serves NW and SW Portland and The City of Tigard as Oregon State Senator for District 18. She is also the Founder & Principal Designer of Fifth Element—a conscientious community development firm fortifying historically undercapitalized communities through decision making power and real property ownership. Everything Akasha does, whether as an entrepreneur, advocate, designer, writer, artist, policy maker, civic activist, or embodied being is an act of liberation rooted in economic justice that is reparative, intersectional, and generative.
Joel Madsen
Executive Director, Mid-Columbia Housing Authority & Columbia Cascade Housing Corp.
he/him/his
Joel Madsen’s career has been dedicated to public service and the affordable housing industry. Mr. Madsen serves as the Executive Director of the Mid-Columbia Housing Authority (MCHA) and Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation (CCHC). Since January of 2014, he has led MCHA and CCHC in promoting and administering affordable housing solutions throughout the Mid-Columbia region which includes Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties in Oregon as well as Klickitat and Skamania Counties in Washington. In addition to his leadership role at MCHA and CCHC Mr. Madsen serves as a Director on the Housing Authority Risk Retention Pool Board, Chair of Neighborhood Partnerships and President of the Housing Authorities of Oregon. In his spare time Joel loves to get outside with his wife and two daughters, often enjoying the sports and natural beauty the Columbia River Gorge area offers.
Katia Selezneva
Community Organizer, Human Solutions
she/her/hers
Katia Selezneva is a Community Organizer with Human Solutions. Her interest lies in advancing public policy that promotes more equitable, culturally-responsive, housing programs for low-income households. Since moving to Portland in 2015, she has been working with the city’s growing homeless population and advocating for families and individuals dealing with housing instability. She currently organizes with tenants living in affordable housing through public outreach and by lobbying elected officials. Katia holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters of Public Policy from Portland State University.
Maralea Lutino, MPA, Secretary
Community Investment Officer, Corporation for Supportive Housing
she/her/hers
Maralea Lutino is a Community Investment Officer in the New Market Tax Credit division of Corporation for Supportive Housing’s (CSH) Community Investment department. Corporation for Supportive Housing is a national CDFI with a focus on bringing access and affordable capital to underserved communities. CSH uses New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocations to support the innovative financing of mixed use projects that include supportive housing or non-residential projects like community health facilities that are either co-located with supportive housing or in the community, providing critical services to both our target populations and residents of supportive housing. To date, CSH has received $320M in NMTC allocation.
Lynne McConnell
Housing Director, City of Bend
she/her/hers
Lynne currently serves as Affordable Housing Manager for the City of Bend. Previously, she was NeighborImpact’s Deputy Director of Community Services, overseeing 5 major programs that serve 50,000 individuals annually. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Oregon and a JD from Lewis and Clark. Lynne has accrued a wide spectrum of experience including working for Outward Bound as a wilderness guide, to lawyering with a pro bono emphasis in Portland, to operations manager (i.e. cowgirl) for a remote ranch in Northern California, and believes in jumping in to each opportunity wholeheartedly. She has an extensive volunteer history, formerly serving on the Residential Advisory Committee to the Bend urban growth boundary expansion and on the Central Oregon City Club programs committee, among others. She can often be found digging in her garden, cooking for a crowd, or exploring the wilds near her home in Bend, Oregon, with her family in tow.
Akasha Lawrence Spence
she/her/hers
Akasha Lawrence Spence is an innovator, change agent, and intuitive strategist who puts community first. Akasha proudly serves NW and SW Portland and The City of Tigard as Oregon State Senator for District 18. She is also the Founder & Principal Designer of Fifth Element—a conscientious community development firm fortifying historically undercapitalized communities through decision making power and real property ownership. Everything Akasha does, whether as an entrepreneur, advocate, designer, writer, artist, policy maker, civic activist, or embodied being is an act of liberation rooted in economic justice that is reparative, intersectional, and generative.
Jaclyn Eaton
Program Design Manager, Home Forward
she/her/hers
Jaclyn Eaton is driven by relentless optimism and a passion for public service. She is currently the Program Design Manager at Home Forward, where she is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative solutions designed to improve outcomes for program participants and staff. Her 14 years of Home Forward service includes leadership roles in rent assistance administration, homeless systems partnership, and grant management. Jaclyn’s career has also included data management and advocate positions at several community non-profits. Jaclyn loves to be outdoors, preferably in the water or around a campfire.
Joel Madsen
Executive Director, Mid-Columbia Housing Authority & Columbia Cascade Housing Corp.
he/him/his
Joel Madsen’s career has been dedicated to public service and the affordable housing industry. Mr. Madsen serves as the Executive Director of the Mid-Columbia Housing Authority (MCHA) and Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation (CCHC). Since January of 2014, he has led MCHA and CCHC in promoting and administering affordable housing solutions throughout the Mid-Columbia region which includes Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties in Oregon as well as Klickitat and Skamania Counties in Washington. In addition to his leadership role at MCHA and CCHC Mr. Madsen serves as a Director on the Housing Authority Risk Retention Pool Board, Chair of Neighborhood Partnerships and President of the Housing Authorities of Oregon. In his spare time Joel loves to get outside with his wife and two daughters, often enjoying the sports and natural beauty the Columbia River Gorge area offers.
Katia Selezneva
Community Organizer, Human Solutions
she/her/hers
Katia Selezneva is a Community Organizer with Human Solutions. Her interest lies in advancing public policy that promotes more equitable, culturally-responsive, housing programs for low-income households. Since moving to Portland in 2015, she has been working with the city’s growing homeless population and advocating for families and individuals dealing with housing instability. She currently organizes with tenants living in affordable housing through public outreach and by lobbying elected officials. Katia holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters of Public Policy from Portland State University.
Maralea Lutino, MPA, Secretary
Community Investment Officer, Corporation for Supportive Housing
she/her/hers
Maralea Lutino is a Community Investment Officer in the New Market Tax Credit division of Corporation for Supportive Housing’s (CSH) Community Investment department. Corporation for Supportive Housing is a national CDFI with a focus on bringing access and affordable capital to underserved communities. CSH uses New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocations to support the innovative financing of mixed use projects that include supportive housing or non-residential projects like community health facilities that are either co-located with supportive housing or in the community, providing critical services to both our target populations and residents of supportive housing. To date, CSH has received $320M in NMTC allocation.
Lynne McConnell
Housing Director, City of Bend
she/her/hers
Lynne currently serves as Affordable Housing Manager for the City of Bend. Previously, she was NeighborImpact’s Deputy Director of Community Services, overseeing 5 major programs that serve 50,000 individuals annually. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Oregon and a JD from Lewis and Clark. Lynne has accrued a wide spectrum of experience including working for Outward Bound as a wilderness guide, to lawyering with a pro bono emphasis in Portland, to operations manager (i.e. cowgirl) for a remote ranch in Northern California, and believes in jumping in to each opportunity wholeheartedly. She has an extensive volunteer history, formerly serving on the Residential Advisory Committee to the Bend urban growth boundary expansion and on the Central Oregon City Club programs committee, among others. She can often be found digging in her garden, cooking for a crowd, or exploring the wilds near her home in Bend, Oregon, with her family in tow.
Akasha Lawrence Spence
she/her/hers
Akasha Lawrence Spence is an innovator, change agent, and intuitive strategist who puts community first. Akasha proudly serves NW and SW Portland and The City of Tigard as Oregon State Senator for District 18. She is also the Founder & Principal Designer of Fifth Element—a conscientious community development firm fortifying historically undercapitalized communities through decision making power and real property ownership. Everything Akasha does, whether as an entrepreneur, advocate, designer, writer, artist, policy maker, civic activist, or embodied being is an act of liberation rooted in economic justice that is reparative, intersectional, and generative.
Amy Nelson
CEO, Point West Credit Union
she/her/hers
Amy Nelson is the CEO Point West Credit Union, a CDFI based in the Portland-Metro area with a focus on bringing access and affordable capital to microenterprise businesses, immigrants, minority groups and unbanked consumers. She also engages in credit union regulatory and political advocacy work via the Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA) and the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS). Amy received her B.A. in Journalism and Communication from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. She started her career in credit unions as an executive assistant, later specializing in human resources. She holds an HR Management Certificate from Linfield College, and is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
In her spare time, Amy is Choreographer for youth community theatre productions, raving hockey fan, and Co-Foodie with husband Garrett.
Jaclyn Eaton
Program Design Manager, Home Forward
she/her/hers
Jaclyn Eaton is driven by relentless optimism and a passion for public service. She is currently the Program Design Manager at Home Forward, where she is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative solutions designed to improve outcomes for program participants and staff. Her 14 years of Home Forward service includes leadership roles in rent assistance administration, homeless systems partnership, and grant management. Jaclyn’s career has also included data management and advocate positions at several community non-profits. Jaclyn loves to be outdoors, preferably in the water or around a campfire.
Joel Madsen
Executive Director, Mid-Columbia Housing Authority & Columbia Cascade Housing Corp.
he/him/his
Joel Madsen’s career has been dedicated to public service and the affordable housing industry. Mr. Madsen serves as the Executive Director of the Mid-Columbia Housing Authority (MCHA) and Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation (CCHC). Since January of 2014, he has led MCHA and CCHC in promoting and administering affordable housing solutions throughout the Mid-Columbia region which includes Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties in Oregon as well as Klickitat and Skamania Counties in Washington. In addition to his leadership role at MCHA and CCHC Mr. Madsen serves as a Director on the Housing Authority Risk Retention Pool Board, Chair of Neighborhood Partnerships and President of the Housing Authorities of Oregon. In his spare time Joel loves to get outside with his wife and two daughters, often enjoying the sports and natural beauty the Columbia River Gorge area offers.
Katia Selezneva
Community Organizer, Human Solutions
she/her/hers
Katia Selezneva is a Community Organizer with Human Solutions. Her interest lies in advancing public policy that promotes more equitable, culturally-responsive, housing programs for low-income households. Since moving to Portland in 2015, she has been working with the city’s growing homeless population and advocating for families and individuals dealing with housing instability. She currently organizes with tenants living in affordable housing through public outreach and by lobbying elected officials. Katia holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters of Public Policy from Portland State University.
Maralea Lutino, MPA, Secretary
Community Investment Officer, Corporation for Supportive Housing
she/her/hers
Maralea Lutino is a Community Investment Officer in the New Market Tax Credit division of Corporation for Supportive Housing’s (CSH) Community Investment department. Corporation for Supportive Housing is a national CDFI with a focus on bringing access and affordable capital to underserved communities. CSH uses New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocations to support the innovative financing of mixed use projects that include supportive housing or non-residential projects like community health facilities that are either co-located with supportive housing or in the community, providing critical services to both our target populations and residents of supportive housing. To date, CSH has received $320M in NMTC allocation.
Lynne McConnell
Housing Director, City of Bend
she/her/hers
Lynne currently serves as Affordable Housing Manager for the City of Bend. Previously, she was NeighborImpact’s Deputy Director of Community Services, overseeing 5 major programs that serve 50,000 individuals annually. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Oregon and a JD from Lewis and Clark. Lynne has accrued a wide spectrum of experience including working for Outward Bound as a wilderness guide, to lawyering with a pro bono emphasis in Portland, to operations manager (i.e. cowgirl) for a remote ranch in Northern California, and believes in jumping in to each opportunity wholeheartedly. She has an extensive volunteer history, formerly serving on the Residential Advisory Committee to the Bend urban growth boundary expansion and on the Central Oregon City Club programs committee, among others. She can often be found digging in her garden, cooking for a crowd, or exploring the wilds near her home in Bend, Oregon, with her family in tow.
Akasha Lawrence Spence
she/her/hers
Akasha Lawrence Spence is an innovator, change agent, and intuitive strategist who puts community first. Akasha proudly serves NW and SW Portland and The City of Tigard as Oregon State Senator for District 18. She is also the Founder & Principal Designer of Fifth Element—a conscientious community development firm fortifying historically undercapitalized communities through decision making power and real property ownership. Everything Akasha does, whether as an entrepreneur, advocate, designer, writer, artist, policy maker, civic activist, or embodied being is an act of liberation rooted in economic justice that is reparative, intersectional, and generative.
Adam Stein
CRA Officer, Columbia Bank
he/him/his
Adam is a compliance manager and CRA officer at Columbia Bank, overseeing regulations that ensure financial institutions do their share in the communities they are part of. Adam has been in banking for over 15 years, working previously at Umpqua Bank and the former West Coast Bank. Before beginning his career in banking, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mongolia from 2004 to 2006 as a community and economic development adviser, supporting Mercy Corps Gobi Initiative program. Adam is also a big supporter of the Bank On Initiative and Asset Building Networks, serving in an advisory role for a number of coalitions throughout the Pacific Northwest. In his free time, Adam likes to pursue long term investing strategies that lead to compound growth.
Amy Nelson
CEO, Point West Credit Union
she/her/hers
Amy Nelson is the CEO Point West Credit Union, a CDFI based in the Portland-Metro area with a focus on bringing access and affordable capital to microenterprise businesses, immigrants, minority groups and unbanked consumers. She also engages in credit union regulatory and political advocacy work via the Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA) and the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS). Amy received her B.A. in Journalism and Communication from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. She started her career in credit unions as an executive assistant, later specializing in human resources. She holds an HR Management Certificate from Linfield College, and is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
In her spare time, Amy is Choreographer for youth community theatre productions, raving hockey fan, and Co-Foodie with husband Garrett.
Jaclyn Eaton
Program Design Manager, Home Forward
she/her/hers
Jaclyn Eaton is driven by relentless optimism and a passion for public service. She is currently the Program Design Manager at Home Forward, where she is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative solutions designed to improve outcomes for program participants and staff. Her 14 years of Home Forward service includes leadership roles in rent assistance administration, homeless systems partnership, and grant management. Jaclyn’s career has also included data management and advocate positions at several community non-profits. Jaclyn loves to be outdoors, preferably in the water or around a campfire.
Joel Madsen
Executive Director, Mid-Columbia Housing Authority & Columbia Cascade Housing Corp.
he/him/his
Joel Madsen’s career has been dedicated to public service and the affordable housing industry. Mr. Madsen serves as the Executive Director of the Mid-Columbia Housing Authority (MCHA) and Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation (CCHC). Since January of 2014, he has led MCHA and CCHC in promoting and administering affordable housing solutions throughout the Mid-Columbia region which includes Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties in Oregon as well as Klickitat and Skamania Counties in Washington. In addition to his leadership role at MCHA and CCHC Mr. Madsen serves as a Director on the Housing Authority Risk Retention Pool Board, Chair of Neighborhood Partnerships and President of the Housing Authorities of Oregon. In his spare time Joel loves to get outside with his wife and two daughters, often enjoying the sports and natural beauty the Columbia River Gorge area offers.
Katia Selezneva
Community Organizer, Human Solutions
she/her/hers
Katia Selezneva is a Community Organizer with Human Solutions. Her interest lies in advancing public policy that promotes more equitable, culturally-responsive, housing programs for low-income households. Since moving to Portland in 2015, she has been working with the city’s growing homeless population and advocating for families and individuals dealing with housing instability. She currently organizes with tenants living in affordable housing through public outreach and by lobbying elected officials. Katia holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters of Public Policy from Portland State University.
Maralea Lutino, MPA, Secretary
Community Investment Officer, Corporation for Supportive Housing
she/her/hers
Maralea Lutino is a Community Investment Officer in the New Market Tax Credit division of Corporation for Supportive Housing’s (CSH) Community Investment department. Corporation for Supportive Housing is a national CDFI with a focus on bringing access and affordable capital to underserved communities. CSH uses New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocations to support the innovative financing of mixed use projects that include supportive housing or non-residential projects like community health facilities that are either co-located with supportive housing or in the community, providing critical services to both our target populations and residents of supportive housing. To date, CSH has received $320M in NMTC allocation.
Lynne McConnell
Housing Director, City of Bend
she/her/hers
Lynne currently serves as Affordable Housing Manager for the City of Bend. Previously, she was NeighborImpact’s Deputy Director of Community Services, overseeing 5 major programs that serve 50,000 individuals annually. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Oregon and a JD from Lewis and Clark. Lynne has accrued a wide spectrum of experience including working for Outward Bound as a wilderness guide, to lawyering with a pro bono emphasis in Portland, to operations manager (i.e. cowgirl) for a remote ranch in Northern California, and believes in jumping in to each opportunity wholeheartedly. She has an extensive volunteer history, formerly serving on the Residential Advisory Committee to the Bend urban growth boundary expansion and on the Central Oregon City Club programs committee, among others. She can often be found digging in her garden, cooking for a crowd, or exploring the wilds near her home in Bend, Oregon, with her family in tow.
Akasha Lawrence Spence
she/her/hers
Akasha Lawrence Spence is an innovator, change agent, and intuitive strategist who puts community first. Akasha proudly serves NW and SW Portland and The City of Tigard as Oregon State Senator for District 18. She is also the Founder & Principal Designer of Fifth Element—a conscientious community development firm fortifying historically undercapitalized communities through decision making power and real property ownership. Everything Akasha does, whether as an entrepreneur, advocate, designer, writer, artist, policy maker, civic activist, or embodied being is an act of liberation rooted in economic justice that is reparative, intersectional, and generative.
Albert Passadore Jr.
Relationship Manager, The Commerce Bank of Oregon
he/him/his
Albert Passadore is a Commercial Banker with The Commerce Bank of Oregon, who specializes in working with closely held, multi-generational businesses in the manufacturing, transportation, and distribution sectors of our community. He has been in the financial services industry for over 20-years. Albert received his undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University and went on to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Finance focus from Portland State University. Albert has served in various capacities for local nonprofits that primarily focus on housing and economic stability.
Adam Stein
CRA Officer, Columbia Bank
he/him/his
Adam is a compliance manager and CRA officer at Columbia Bank, overseeing regulations that ensure financial institutions do their share in the communities they are part of. Adam has been in banking for over 15 years, working previously at Umpqua Bank and the former West Coast Bank. Before beginning his career in banking, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mongolia from 2004 to 2006 as a community and economic development adviser, supporting Mercy Corps Gobi Initiative program. Adam is also a big supporter of the Bank On Initiative and Asset Building Networks, serving in an advisory role for a number of coalitions throughout the Pacific Northwest. In his free time, Adam likes to pursue long term investing strategies that lead to compound growth.
Amy Nelson
CEO, Point West Credit Union
she/her/hers
Amy Nelson is the CEO Point West Credit Union, a CDFI based in the Portland-Metro area with a focus on bringing access and affordable capital to microenterprise businesses, immigrants, minority groups and unbanked consumers. She also engages in credit union regulatory and political advocacy work via the Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA) and the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS). Amy received her B.A. in Journalism and Communication from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. She started her career in credit unions as an executive assistant, later specializing in human resources. She holds an HR Management Certificate from Linfield College, and is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
In her spare time, Amy is Choreographer for youth community theatre productions, raving hockey fan, and Co-Foodie with husband Garrett.
Jaclyn Eaton
Program Design Manager, Home Forward
she/her/hers
Jaclyn Eaton is driven by relentless optimism and a passion for public service. She is currently the Program Design Manager at Home Forward, where she is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative solutions designed to improve outcomes for program participants and staff. Her 14 years of Home Forward service includes leadership roles in rent assistance administration, homeless systems partnership, and grant management. Jaclyn’s career has also included data management and advocate positions at several community non-profits. Jaclyn loves to be outdoors, preferably in the water or around a campfire.
Joel Madsen
Executive Director, Mid-Columbia Housing Authority & Columbia Cascade Housing Corp.
he/him/his
Joel Madsen’s career has been dedicated to public service and the affordable housing industry. Mr. Madsen serves as the Executive Director of the Mid-Columbia Housing Authority (MCHA) and Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation (CCHC). Since January of 2014, he has led MCHA and CCHC in promoting and administering affordable housing solutions throughout the Mid-Columbia region which includes Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties in Oregon as well as Klickitat and Skamania Counties in Washington. In addition to his leadership role at MCHA and CCHC Mr. Madsen serves as a Director on the Housing Authority Risk Retention Pool Board, Chair of Neighborhood Partnerships and President of the Housing Authorities of Oregon. In his spare time Joel loves to get outside with his wife and two daughters, often enjoying the sports and natural beauty the Columbia River Gorge area offers.
Katia Selezneva
Community Organizer, Human Solutions
she/her/hers
Katia Selezneva is a Community Organizer with Human Solutions. Her interest lies in advancing public policy that promotes more equitable, culturally-responsive, housing programs for low-income households. Since moving to Portland in 2015, she has been working with the city’s growing homeless population and advocating for families and individuals dealing with housing instability. She currently organizes with tenants living in affordable housing through public outreach and by lobbying elected officials. Katia holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters of Public Policy from Portland State University.
Maralea Lutino, MPA, Secretary
Community Investment Officer, Corporation for Supportive Housing
she/her/hers
Maralea Lutino is a Community Investment Officer in the New Market Tax Credit division of Corporation for Supportive Housing’s (CSH) Community Investment department. Corporation for Supportive Housing is a national CDFI with a focus on bringing access and affordable capital to underserved communities. CSH uses New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocations to support the innovative financing of mixed use projects that include supportive housing or non-residential projects like community health facilities that are either co-located with supportive housing or in the community, providing critical services to both our target populations and residents of supportive housing. To date, CSH has received $320M in NMTC allocation.
Lynne McConnell
Housing Director, City of Bend
she/her/hers
Lynne currently serves as Affordable Housing Manager for the City of Bend. Previously, she was NeighborImpact’s Deputy Director of Community Services, overseeing 5 major programs that serve 50,000 individuals annually. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Oregon and a JD from Lewis and Clark. Lynne has accrued a wide spectrum of experience including working for Outward Bound as a wilderness guide, to lawyering with a pro bono emphasis in Portland, to operations manager (i.e. cowgirl) for a remote ranch in Northern California, and believes in jumping in to each opportunity wholeheartedly. She has an extensive volunteer history, formerly serving on the Residential Advisory Committee to the Bend urban growth boundary expansion and on the Central Oregon City Club programs committee, among others. She can often be found digging in her garden, cooking for a crowd, or exploring the wilds near her home in Bend, Oregon, with her family in tow.
Akasha Lawrence Spence
she/her/hers
Akasha Lawrence Spence is an innovator, change agent, and intuitive strategist who puts community first. Akasha proudly serves NW and SW Portland and The City of Tigard as Oregon State Senator for District 18. She is also the Founder & Principal Designer of Fifth Element—a conscientious community development firm fortifying historically undercapitalized communities through decision making power and real property ownership. Everything Akasha does, whether as an entrepreneur, advocate, designer, writer, artist, policy maker, civic activist, or embodied being is an act of liberation rooted in economic justice that is reparative, intersectional, and generative.
Robert Le
Robert Le Attorney, PC
he/him/his
Robert is originally from Los Angeles, California. The son of immigrant parents, Robert understands the challenges of community members who face barriers and is committed to serving their legal needs in an assertive, and accessible manner. Robert understands when it’s one person versus an organization, resources are limited, but their story needs to be told.
Albert Passadore Jr.
Relationship Manager, The Commerce Bank of Oregon
he/him/his
Albert Passadore is a Commercial Banker with The Commerce Bank of Oregon, who specializes in working with closely held, multi-generational businesses in the manufacturing, transportation, and distribution sectors of our community. He has been in the financial services industry for over 20-years. Albert received his undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University and went on to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Finance focus from Portland State University. Albert has served in various capacities for local nonprofits that primarily focus on housing and economic stability.
Adam Stein
CRA Officer, Columbia Bank
he/him/his
Adam is a compliance manager and CRA officer at Columbia Bank, overseeing regulations that ensure financial institutions do their share in the communities they are part of. Adam has been in banking for over 15 years, working previously at Umpqua Bank and the former West Coast Bank. Before beginning his career in banking, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mongolia from 2004 to 2006 as a community and economic development adviser, supporting Mercy Corps Gobi Initiative program. Adam is also a big supporter of the Bank On Initiative and Asset Building Networks, serving in an advisory role for a number of coalitions throughout the Pacific Northwest. In his free time, Adam likes to pursue long term investing strategies that lead to compound growth.
Amy Nelson
CEO, Point West Credit Union
she/her/hers
Amy Nelson is the CEO Point West Credit Union, a CDFI based in the Portland-Metro area with a focus on bringing access and affordable capital to microenterprise businesses, immigrants, minority groups and unbanked consumers. She also engages in credit union regulatory and political advocacy work via the Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA) and the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS). Amy received her B.A. in Journalism and Communication from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. She started her career in credit unions as an executive assistant, later specializing in human resources. She holds an HR Management Certificate from Linfield College, and is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
In her spare time, Amy is Choreographer for youth community theatre productions, raving hockey fan, and Co-Foodie with husband Garrett.
Jaclyn Eaton
Program Design Manager, Home Forward
she/her/hers
Jaclyn Eaton is driven by relentless optimism and a passion for public service. She is currently the Program Design Manager at Home Forward, where she is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative solutions designed to improve outcomes for program participants and staff. Her 14 years of Home Forward service includes leadership roles in rent assistance administration, homeless systems partnership, and grant management. Jaclyn’s career has also included data management and advocate positions at several community non-profits. Jaclyn loves to be outdoors, preferably in the water or around a campfire.
Joel Madsen
Executive Director, Mid-Columbia Housing Authority & Columbia Cascade Housing Corp.
he/him/his
Joel Madsen’s career has been dedicated to public service and the affordable housing industry. Mr. Madsen serves as the Executive Director of the Mid-Columbia Housing Authority (MCHA) and Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation (CCHC). Since January of 2014, he has led MCHA and CCHC in promoting and administering affordable housing solutions throughout the Mid-Columbia region which includes Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties in Oregon as well as Klickitat and Skamania Counties in Washington. In addition to his leadership role at MCHA and CCHC Mr. Madsen serves as a Director on the Housing Authority Risk Retention Pool Board, Chair of Neighborhood Partnerships and President of the Housing Authorities of Oregon. In his spare time Joel loves to get outside with his wife and two daughters, often enjoying the sports and natural beauty the Columbia River Gorge area offers.
Katia Selezneva
Community Organizer, Human Solutions
she/her/hers
Katia Selezneva is a Community Organizer with Human Solutions. Her interest lies in advancing public policy that promotes more equitable, culturally-responsive, housing programs for low-income households. Since moving to Portland in 2015, she has been working with the city’s growing homeless population and advocating for families and individuals dealing with housing instability. She currently organizes with tenants living in affordable housing through public outreach and by lobbying elected officials. Katia holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters of Public Policy from Portland State University.
Maralea Lutino, MPA, Secretary
Community Investment Officer, Corporation for Supportive Housing
she/her/hers
Maralea Lutino is a Community Investment Officer in the New Market Tax Credit division of Corporation for Supportive Housing’s (CSH) Community Investment department. Corporation for Supportive Housing is a national CDFI with a focus on bringing access and affordable capital to underserved communities. CSH uses New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocations to support the innovative financing of mixed use projects that include supportive housing or non-residential projects like community health facilities that are either co-located with supportive housing or in the community, providing critical services to both our target populations and residents of supportive housing. To date, CSH has received $320M in NMTC allocation.
Lynne McConnell
Housing Director, City of Bend
she/her/hers
Lynne currently serves as Affordable Housing Manager for the City of Bend. Previously, she was NeighborImpact’s Deputy Director of Community Services, overseeing 5 major programs that serve 50,000 individuals annually. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Oregon and a JD from Lewis and Clark. Lynne has accrued a wide spectrum of experience including working for Outward Bound as a wilderness guide, to lawyering with a pro bono emphasis in Portland, to operations manager (i.e. cowgirl) for a remote ranch in Northern California, and believes in jumping in to each opportunity wholeheartedly. She has an extensive volunteer history, formerly serving on the Residential Advisory Committee to the Bend urban growth boundary expansion and on the Central Oregon City Club programs committee, among others. She can often be found digging in her garden, cooking for a crowd, or exploring the wilds near her home in Bend, Oregon, with her family in tow.
Akasha Lawrence Spence
she/her/hers
Akasha Lawrence Spence is an innovator, change agent, and intuitive strategist who puts community first. Akasha proudly serves NW and SW Portland and The City of Tigard as Oregon State Senator for District 18. She is also the Founder & Principal Designer of Fifth Element—a conscientious community development firm fortifying historically undercapitalized communities through decision making power and real property ownership. Everything Akasha does, whether as an entrepreneur, advocate, designer, writer, artist, policy maker, civic activist, or embodied being is an act of liberation rooted in economic justice that is reparative, intersectional, and generative.
Quin Collins
Executive Director, Josephine County Educational Fund
she/her/hers
Quin is the Executive Director of the Josephine County Educational. Quin has nearly a decade of experience in nonprofit administration and is passionate about developing opportunities for the community to invest in students. She received a Bachelor of Science from Oregon State University and a Master’s in Management from Southern Oregon University. Quin has nearly a decade of experience in nonprofit administration and is passionate about developing opportunities for the community to invest in students. In addition to her leadership role at JCEF, Quin serves on the Board of Directors of the Nonprofit Association of Oregon, Grants Pass Rotary Club, and Three Rivers Community Orchestra and is a member of the Grants Pass School District #7 Budget Committee.
Robert Le
Robert Le Attorney, PC
he/him/his
Robert is originally from Los Angeles, California. The son of immigrant parents, Robert understands the challenges of community members who face barriers and is committed to serving their legal needs in an assertive, and accessible manner. Robert understands when it’s one person versus an organization, resources are limited, but their story needs to be told.
Albert Passadore Jr.
Relationship Manager, The Commerce Bank of Oregon
he/him/his
Albert Passadore is a Commercial Banker with The Commerce Bank of Oregon, who specializes in working with closely held, multi-generational businesses in the manufacturing, transportation, and distribution sectors of our community. He has been in the financial services industry for over 20-years. Albert received his undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University and went on to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Finance focus from Portland State University. Albert has served in various capacities for local nonprofits that primarily focus on housing and economic stability.
Adam Stein
CRA Officer, Columbia Bank
he/him/his
Adam is a compliance manager and CRA officer at Columbia Bank, overseeing regulations that ensure financial institutions do their share in the communities they are part of. Adam has been in banking for over 15 years, working previously at Umpqua Bank and the former West Coast Bank. Before beginning his career in banking, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mongolia from 2004 to 2006 as a community and economic development adviser, supporting Mercy Corps Gobi Initiative program. Adam is also a big supporter of the Bank On Initiative and Asset Building Networks, serving in an advisory role for a number of coalitions throughout the Pacific Northwest. In his free time, Adam likes to pursue long term investing strategies that lead to compound growth.
Amy Nelson
CEO, Point West Credit Union
she/her/hers
Amy Nelson is the CEO Point West Credit Union, a CDFI based in the Portland-Metro area with a focus on bringing access and affordable capital to microenterprise businesses, immigrants, minority groups and unbanked consumers. She also engages in credit union regulatory and political advocacy work via the Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA) and the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS). Amy received her B.A. in Journalism and Communication from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. She started her career in credit unions as an executive assistant, later specializing in human resources. She holds an HR Management Certificate from Linfield College, and is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
In her spare time, Amy is Choreographer for youth community theatre productions, raving hockey fan, and Co-Foodie with husband Garrett.
Jaclyn Eaton
Program Design Manager, Home Forward
she/her/hers
Jaclyn Eaton is driven by relentless optimism and a passion for public service. She is currently the Program Design Manager at Home Forward, where she is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative solutions designed to improve outcomes for program participants and staff. Her 14 years of Home Forward service includes leadership roles in rent assistance administration, homeless systems partnership, and grant management. Jaclyn’s career has also included data management and advocate positions at several community non-profits. Jaclyn loves to be outdoors, preferably in the water or around a campfire.
Joel Madsen
Executive Director, Mid-Columbia Housing Authority & Columbia Cascade Housing Corp.
he/him/his
Joel Madsen’s career has been dedicated to public service and the affordable housing industry. Mr. Madsen serves as the Executive Director of the Mid-Columbia Housing Authority (MCHA) and Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation (CCHC). Since January of 2014, he has led MCHA and CCHC in promoting and administering affordable housing solutions throughout the Mid-Columbia region which includes Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties in Oregon as well as Klickitat and Skamania Counties in Washington. In addition to his leadership role at MCHA and CCHC Mr. Madsen serves as a Director on the Housing Authority Risk Retention Pool Board, Chair of Neighborhood Partnerships and President of the Housing Authorities of Oregon. In his spare time Joel loves to get outside with his wife and two daughters, often enjoying the sports and natural beauty the Columbia River Gorge area offers.
Katia Selezneva
Community Organizer, Human Solutions
she/her/hers
Katia Selezneva is a Community Organizer with Human Solutions. Her interest lies in advancing public policy that promotes more equitable, culturally-responsive, housing programs for low-income households. Since moving to Portland in 2015, she has been working with the city’s growing homeless population and advocating for families and individuals dealing with housing instability. She currently organizes with tenants living in affordable housing through public outreach and by lobbying elected officials. Katia holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters of Public Policy from Portland State University.
Maralea Lutino, MPA, Secretary
Community Investment Officer, Corporation for Supportive Housing
she/her/hers
Maralea Lutino is a Community Investment Officer in the New Market Tax Credit division of Corporation for Supportive Housing’s (CSH) Community Investment department. Corporation for Supportive Housing is a national CDFI with a focus on bringing access and affordable capital to underserved communities. CSH uses New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocations to support the innovative financing of mixed use projects that include supportive housing or non-residential projects like community health facilities that are either co-located with supportive housing or in the community, providing critical services to both our target populations and residents of supportive housing. To date, CSH has received $320M in NMTC allocation.
Lynne McConnell
Housing Director, City of Bend
she/her/hers
Lynne currently serves as Affordable Housing Manager for the City of Bend. Previously, she was NeighborImpact’s Deputy Director of Community Services, overseeing 5 major programs that serve 50,000 individuals annually. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Oregon and a JD from Lewis and Clark. Lynne has accrued a wide spectrum of experience including working for Outward Bound as a wilderness guide, to lawyering with a pro bono emphasis in Portland, to operations manager (i.e. cowgirl) for a remote ranch in Northern California, and believes in jumping in to each opportunity wholeheartedly. She has an extensive volunteer history, formerly serving on the Residential Advisory Committee to the Bend urban growth boundary expansion and on the Central Oregon City Club programs committee, among others. She can often be found digging in her garden, cooking for a crowd, or exploring the wilds near her home in Bend, Oregon, with her family in tow.
Akasha Lawrence Spence
she/her/hers
Akasha Lawrence Spence is an innovator, change agent, and intuitive strategist who puts community first. Akasha proudly serves NW and SW Portland and The City of Tigard as Oregon State Senator for District 18. She is also the Founder & Principal Designer of Fifth Element—a conscientious community development firm fortifying historically undercapitalized communities through decision making power and real property ownership. Everything Akasha does, whether as an entrepreneur, advocate, designer, writer, artist, policy maker, civic activist, or embodied being is an act of liberation rooted in economic justice that is reparative, intersectional, and generative.