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For more than 25 years, graduates from the PPPM department and its predecessor programs have gone into successful careers and leadership positions locally, regionally and globally. The profiles below demonstrate the variety of ways our alumni have made significant contributions to solving some of the most difficult issues and problems facing society today.

Kristin Diane Bonner (MCRP, 1999)

Growing up in Connecticut, Kristin did her undergraduate work in business at Marymount University. Afterwards, she studied International Development at the School or International Training in Vermont, and then came to Oregon, working with Resource Assistance to Rural Environments (RARE) and the McKenzie River Watershed Council. Since receiving her Masters in Community and Regional Planning, Kristin worked with Metaphor as a community advisor – advising and consulting different companies on sustainable business practices.

Kirstin A. Greene (MCRP, 1997)

Kirstin graduated from the Masters program in Community and Regional Planning program with a minor in Asian Studies. She is a past recipient of the National Public Education Award from the American Planning Association. Furthermore, she also received the Chapter Merit Award from the Association’s Oregon chapter. As a certified planner, Kirstin is a senior associate at Cogan Owens Cogan LLC, working as a planner and public process facilitator specializing in public involvement, land use and natural resource planning.

Cynthia van Zelm (MPA, 1995)

After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York; Cynthia received her Masters degree in Public Administration in 1995 from our department. Upon receiving her degree here, she landed a job as an executive director in “Historic Silverton,” an economic redevelopment group. Later on, she worked as a senior planner for Lane Council of Governments.

Scott Courtland Derickson (MPA, 1995)

Scott received both his graduate and undergraduate degrees from the PPPM department. Since his graduation, he has worked as County Administrator of Clatsop County – Oregon and as a city manager for Warrenton – Oregon. Later on, he would serve as a senior management analyst for the Umpqua Regional Council of Governments. He is known to be resourceful, innovative, and an entrepreneurial leader with strong service ethic.

Greg Pulliam (PPPM, 1994)

Graduating with a Bachelors degree from our department, Greg started working with inner city youths in several of the poorest countries in Africa. His main focus was on the practical challenges of developing the human environment. Following this, he held a variety of positions with the local government and nonprofits in Portland. Later on, Greg entered graduate school at the Lyndon Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas to earn his M.P.A. in 2000. After graduation, he worked with ExxonMobil Development Company as public affairs adviser; leading to other projects throughout Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Julia Ann Demichelis (MCRP, 1991)

Julia graduated with a Masters in Community and Regional Planning from our department. In applying her knowledge learned here, she has created community reconciliation and reconstruction mechanisms within conflict and post-conflict societies around the world. These places include: Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Yugoslav Successor States, Albania, Cote d’Ivoire, Burundi, and Iraq. For 15 years, her work has focused on rebuilding physical structures, public service, and governance infrastructure at community and state levels.

Wes Hare (MSPA, 1988)

After earning his M.S. in public affairs from our department in 1988, Wes worked as a city manager for La Grande to do work on local government reconstruction in Iraq. Moreover, he assisted with projects and has given lectures in democracy and management in Karbala (a city near Bagdad). His work in Iraq resembles his lifelong passion for local democracy. In 2001, Wes received the Herman Kehrli Award from the League of Oregon Cities for his great work and contributions to the Oregon local government.

Greg Kantor (MCRP, 1981)

Greg earned his Masters in Community and Regional Planning from our department following his Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and geography from the University of California – Santa Barbara. After graduation, he worked as: a governmental affairs specialist for Bonneville Power Administration, as communication director for Governor Neil Goldschmidt, and as manager of community development for Portland General Electric. After running his own public affairs firm, Kantor and Associates, Gregg joined Northwest Natural Gas as a vice president for public and regulatory affairs.

Steven J. Wright (MSPA, 1981)

Graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Journalism, Steve pursued the M.S. in Public Affairs from PPPM. Upon graduation, Steve worked for an agency that markets power from the second-largest power generating system in the United States, The Federal Columbia Power System. He was officially sworn in as the 13th Chief Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration. Currently, Steve and his wife, Kathleen, reside in Portland and have three wonderful children.

Stephen Bryant (CSPA, 1970)

Stephen graduated from our department prior to its current title Planning, Public Policy and Management. With a B.S. in Community Service and Public Affairs (CSPA), Steve dedicated his professional life as a city planner for his home town, Albany – Oregon. Through successive promotions, he became the city’s planning director, city’s interim manager, and Albany’s city manager. Under his leadership, the City of Albany won numerous awards for citizen participation and collaboration. And as a result, the City of Albany is a model of how to form effective urban renewal districts and restore neighborhoods. After all his hard work and passion to improve his home town, Steve retired with his wife, JoLee in 2005.