Lois Gibson, Executive Director
As Executive Director of ORA, Lois embodies a servant leadership approach. Her background as a provider gives her a particular affinity for supporting and advocating for people who do this important, passionate work. Her collaborative style has elevated the voice of community providers and ORA has seen unprecedented success in their legislative advocacy under Lois’ leadership.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Lois loves spending time with her family and shares a passion for rock hunting with her spouse and dogs. She also enjoys gardening, reading, playing video games, and traveling with her grandkids.
In addition to general oversight of ORA, Lois’ specific areas of responsibility include:
- Serving as policy expert and advocate
- Acting as an information resource - answering inquiries, and disseminating knowledge and information on rules, policy, etc.
- Facilitating ORA’s Service Specific Discussion Groups
- Providing mentorship to new Executives
- Exercising leadership in legislative initiatives
Debra Edwards, Accounting and Projects Manager
Debra has been a part of ORA since September 2019. Her primary role involves overseeing the daily financial operations of the organization. This includes managing, billing, invoicing and payments, administering payroll, ensuring legal and tax compliance on fiscal matters, generating financial reports and preparing documentation for audits and budgeting.
Beyond her fiscal responsibilities, Debra is the conference co-coordinator for ORA’s quarterlies and annual NW Conference. Her role involves venue research, contract negotiations, and event coordination and management. She also helps maintain the Oregon Forward program’s contract database.
Here are some of Debra’s responsibilities:
- Accounts payable and receivable
- Budget and audit preparation
- Fiscal compliance
- Oregon Forward contracts data management
- Conference event planning and management
In her free time Debra enjoys all things gardening. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and 4 cats on their 1 acre property.
Marcos (Marc) Goodman, Member Services Director
Marc is happily married and a new father, enjoying the journey that both roles bring. His academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Communication, and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. Beyond his professional life, he's an avid collector of comic books and enjoys video games. He also keeps up with the latest in technology, a passion that influences his approach to life and work.
Roles:
- Membership Recruitment and Retention
- Assist Oregon Forward Members
- Plan and Produce Social Media/Engagement
Corey Jeppesen, Employment Services Director
The longest-tenured employee at ORA, Corey has nearly three decades of experience as an advocate and subject matter expert on employment services for people with disabilities. He is the organizational lead on Oregon Forward (a state procurement program that employs nearly 2,000 people with disabilities) and works closely with members and agency personnel on community employment and day activities. He is also a past-president and current board member of the State Use Programs Association. In 2017, he led the movement that updated the Oregon Forward Program and phased out subminimum wage in Oregon.
A bit of a geek, Corey keeps ORA's tech in tip-top, bleeding-edge shape (as well as his own at home), and after a long hiatus has just gotten back into Dungeons and Dragons. A bit of a music buff, he enjoys concerts and plays multiple instruments (poorly). A bit of an outdoors-man, he recently stepped down from nine years as the Scoutmaster of a Scouts BSA Troop but will continue hiking and backpacking as much as possible with his three children (not, however, with his wife, who eschews wilderness activities for inside dining and flush toilets).
Among Corey's responsibilities:
- Oregon Forward Support and Advocacy
- Committee lead for Oregon Forward, Employment, and DSA
- IT Management and Support
Kim Mintrone, Training Coordinator and Legislative Liaison
As ORA's Training Director, Kim brings a fun and artistic flair to all of ORA's events and activities. Her organizational skills and creativity have helped ORA's training programs to flourish even during the pandemic. As ORA's legislative liaison, Kim has utilized those same skills to greatly increase the scope of ORA's advocacy at the Oregon Legislature.
From her home in Wisconsin, Kim is the pet mom to Appa the Great Pyrenees and to Ash the cat and eagerly looks forward to her August, 2024 wedding. She loves to travel and currently serves on her city's Sustainability Committee.
Among Kim's key tasks and roles:
- Training Coordinator and Facilitator
- Legislative Liaison (Grassroots Advocacy)
- NW Conference Lead
- HR & Manager’s Cadre Oversight
- Committee Lead for Training, NW Conference, and Legislative
Scott Neal, Property Specialist
Scott Neal, originally from Dallas, Oregon, pursued Manufacturing Engineering at Chemeketa Community College.
With nearly 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Scott is passionate about building and remodeling homes for seniors and people with disabilities.
Scott's been working with ORA since 2004 performing home maintenance and project construction and is thrilled in his new role as Property Specialist.
Scott lives in SE Salem with his wife Angela and their four dogs.
His responsibilities include:
- All property management activities
- Verifying and approving invoices
- Billing and invoicing
Eryn Starck, Executive Assistant, NADSP Liaison
Eryn has been an integral part of ORA since July 2010, serving as the Executive Assistant to the Director. In this capacity, her primary focus is on providing comprehensive support to Lois and her colleagues by managing various projects and tasks. Her responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities, including but not limited to assisting in the coordination of ORA Quarterlies, conferences, and Board meetings, as well as handling other special events.
Eryn also takes charge of managing Lois's calendar, scheduling meetings, offering administrative assistance, and addressing the needs of both staff and members. Her role is crucial in ensuring the seamless functioning of ORA and in providing essential support to Lois and the entire team as they carry out their respective responsibilities.
Some of Eryn’s Responsibilities Include:
- Organizing meetings, including scheduling and gathering necessary documents
- Taking minutes for various ORA meetings
- Managing staff calendars and scheduling
- Managing ORA Member Inquiries
- Directing member calls and emails
- Staff Lead on Excellence & Works of Heart Awards