Our leadership team ensures that everything we do as an organization aligns toward and supports the goal of a public square where Oregonians can come together across differences to create what we all want: communities that support everyone to be happy, healthy, and to thrive. Meet the individuals that provide direction and focus on our mission and vision, and uphold our responsibilities to our bylaws and our members.
Board of Governors
Mark Stephan
Past President
Mark is a professor of political science at Washington State University. His research and teaching focus on American politics, with a specific focus on governance and environmental policy.
Amira Streeter
President
Amira comes with an extensive background in Portland public policy. She’s excited to be a part of the next chapter for City Club and provide a more inclusive public square for discussions on civics in Portland.
Jon Stride
President-Elect
Following a few years teaching high school civics and history, Jon became a lawyer, practicing commercial and intellectual property litigation. In addition to his service on nonprofit boards, Jon has served on numerous City Club research committees. He is currently Chair of the Research Board.
Chris Howard
Secretary
Chris has been on City Club’s Finance Committee since 2018 and served as treasurer from 2021-2022. He brings over 10 years of experience in financial analysis, budgeting, auditing, accounting, and reporting. As a lifelong Oregonian, he is passionate about making Portland a better place.
Ted Kaye
Treasurer
Ted is a former tech CFO with a broad career spanning banking, nonprofit administration, software, and telecommunications. He has served as City Club Treasurer twice, led several committees, and managed City Club’s finances alongside Chris Howard for the past three years.
Bobbie Regan
Governor to 2025
Bobbie Regan is a Marketing and Communications consultant and former long-time member of the Portland School Board. As a City Club member for 10-plus years, she has served on the Board of Directors and has chaired the Programming Committee. She was named City Club Member of the Year in 2016. She is currently Co-Chair of the Program Committee.
Colleen Shoemaker
Governor to 2025
Colleen has more than 30 years experience in public and independent schools and civic engagement. She joined City Club in 2010 and has served on research and advocacy committees (2011-2016) and the Membership Committee (2016-2019). She is currently Chair of the Membership Committee.
Robin Denburg
Governor to 2025
Robin Denburg has over 30 years’ experience in local and state-wide civic and political engagement. Professionally a realtor, he enjoys helping individuals and small businesses buy and sell residential and commercial Portland properties, as well as making a positive impact in the community.
Jordan Cox
Governor to 2025
Jordan is a seasoned project manager with a diverse client portfolio spanning telecommunications, healthcare, and software development sectors. He’s been a City Club member since 2014. As his children get older, Jordan is becoming increasingly invested in contributing his skills to enhance Portland’s quality of life.
Jonathan Konkol
Governor to 2026
Jonathan Konkol is a 30-year resident of Portland who’s active in his community and volunteers with numerous organizations serving Portland. He’s trained as a planner and architect and practices urban design. Jonathan is currently Co-Chair of Issue Committees and Chair of the Built Environment Issue Subcommittee.
Wynne Wakkila
Governor to 2026
Wynne Wakkila had a long career in government fiscal administration, with accomplishments including writing the ordinance to fund the Oregon Convention Center, managing $800M+ in tax revenue, and serving as executive director of FAST – Fight Against Sex Trafficking. A City Club member since 1985, Wynne has organized 100+ events and contributed to several research studies. She is currently Co-Chair of Issue Committees and Chair of the Health & Public Safety Issue Subcommittee.
Mary Nichols
Governor to 2026
Mary is the Executive Director of Client Services for Murmur Creative, a branding agency located in Portland, OR. She is also the Chief Domestic Officer of the Nichols family, an impressive eight member organization with six direct reports (who are trying to unionize).
Ramsay Weit
Governor to 2026
Ramsay Weit practiced as a Legal Aid lawyer for 11 years, then served as chief of staff and in other roles to members of Portland City Council and the Multnomah County Commission, with a particular focus on affordable housing policy and practice. He created a non-profit housing trust fund in Washington County, raising millions to assist in the financing of developments by non-profit corporations. He chaired City Club’s Research Board and served on the Board of Governors; he is now active with several non-profit boards.
Sam Metz
Governor to 2027
Sam actively participates in healthcare reform through legislative work groups and contributions to organizations like the Oregon Medical Association and Physicians for a National Health Program (Oregon chapter). He’s also been involved with City Club’s Friday Forum Committee and the Health & Public Safety Issue Subcommittee. Sam is currently Co-Chair of the Program Committee.
Carla Kelley
Governor to 2027
Carla Kelley is a retired attorney; she served as in-house counsel for Northwest Natural and general counsel for the Port of Portland. A long-time City Club member, she was honored as Member of the Year in 2006 and served on the Friday Forum Committee and the Board of Governors. She currently serves on the boards of the Black United Fund and Oregon Repertory Singers.
Jordan Cole
Governor to 2027
Jordan Cole has a diverse public policy background, including teaching policy analysis and public administration. A policy analyst at the Association of Oregon Counties, he believes City Club can lead with evidence-based solutions for Portland’s communities, and that his dedication to informed decision-making will benefit the organization. Jordan is currently a member of the Research Board and advisor to the Oregon Ranked Choice Voting Ballot Measure Study Committee.
Paddy Tillett
Governor to 2027
An architect and urban designer, Paddy served as City Club President in 2000-2001 and received the City Club Award in 2004. His civic involvement extends to advising on the Central City plans, the Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge Project, and Parks board service.
Staff
Kayla Kennett
Communications Manager
Joining the team in fall 2021, Kayla has already made significant contributions, supporting education and advocacy efforts for city government reform, providing marketing and technical support for debates and forums, and managing organization-level communications. Kayla is a proud first-generation graduate of Wheaton College (MA) with ten years of experience in nonprofit administration. A Portland resident since 2016, Kayla is dedicated to making her first adult home in the city.