Stephanie Soden

Professional experience Metro | Portland, 2008 - current

Chief of Staff, Council President Tom Hughes May 2016 - current

Serve as chief policy advisor to President of the Metro Council. Develop agency policy initiatives and federal/state/regional political strategies to further Metro’s mission. Collaborate with internal policy and implementation teams; represent Council President in official capacity as needed; manage and direct one employee.

Director of Communications and Strategic Development July 2008 – May 2016

Responsible for developing communication and policy strategies related to Metro’s visitor venues – Oregon Convention Center, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, Portland Expo Center and Oregon Zoo. Managed government, media and public relations, including lobbying elected officials, serving as media spokesperson and crisis communication lead, and building community coalitions to advance policy initiatives. Led venue re- branding efforts and website updates; served on the venues executive team; represented General Manager of Visitor Venues in official capacity when necessary. Managed a team of staff ranging from 1 to 12 people.

Oregon Department of Justice | Salem, Oregon 2006 - 2008

Public Affairs Director

Served as media spokesperson and legislative lobbyist for Attorney General Hardy Myers. Managed the advocacy, communication, tracking and reporting on 300+ bills each legislative session. Handled multiple media inquiries on a daily basis, developed key messages and gave on-camera/air interviews weekly. Coached and trained technical spokespeople, managed a team of two, developed website content, handled constituent communication and represented the Attorney General in official capacity when necessary.

Multnomah County | Portland, Oregon 1999 - 2006

Senior Public Affairs Coordinator January 2004 – April 2006

Developed state and local legislative strategies and managed federal lobbyist contractor. Served as media spokesperson and state lobbyist on a portfolio of county issues including land use, transportation, criminal justice, PERS and taxation. Coordinated community coalition building and public events. Trained staff on media relations and legislative advocacy. Managed graphic designer position. Served as Public Affairs Director in official capacity when necessary. Public Affairs Coordinator November 1999 – April 2006

Served as media spokesperson and state lobbyist on a portfolio of county issues including land use, transportation, criminal justice, PERS and taxation. Coordinated community coalition building and public events. Trained staff on media and public relations and legislative advocacy.

Office of the Governor, State of Oregon | Salem, Oregon 1998 - 1999

Community Outreach Coordinator

Led outreach and communication strategies in the areas of healthcare, human services and labor in Governor John A. Kitzhaber’s office. Coordinated community meetings, developed engagement plans and presented key policy initiatives and positions to state legislators and local elected officials.

Office of the Treasurer, State of Oregon | Salem, Oregon 1997 - 1998

Public Affairs Coordinator

Conducted research, wrote key messages and legislative testimony, and implemented legislative strategy aimed to further the policy initiatives of Treasurer Jim Hill. Coordinated special projects including the planning and presentation of the Everywoman Money Conference, a one-day, statewide conference intended to teach, encourage and inspire women to save for retirement.

Oregon Legislative Assembly | Salem and Eugene, Oregon 1997

Legislative Assistant

Managed daily operations in capitol and district offices for State Senator Susan Castillo. Tracked legislation, developed position papers and talking points, collaborated with legislators and lobbyists to advance key priorities and handled constituent correspondence. Monitored the Senator’s two committee assignments: Senate Education and Senate Health and Human Services.

Education

Concordia University B.S., Elementary Education B.A., Political Science, minor in Planning, Public Policy & Management

Volunteer Experience

Friends of Trees volunteer University of Oregon Alumni Association Board of Directors Former NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon Executive Board and PAC Board member