She leads the team that provides in-home and community-based rehabilitation training and counseling services to adults not seeking employment in order to help them live as independently as possible.
Previously, she worked for Guide Dogs for the Blind for 27 years as a Guide Dog Orientation and Mobility Instructor. For the last 16 years of her work at Guide Dogs she traveled nationally supporting Guide Dog teams in their home areas as well as presenting nationally and internationally on subjects related to traveling with dog guides and orientation and mobility.
Malinda holds a master's degree in Orientation and Mobility.
Jim Portillo - Director of Orientation and Career Center
for the Blind
Jim Portillo joined the Commission for the Blind in 2024 as the Director of the Orientation and Career Center where he leads a comprehensive training program for adults who are blind so they may obtain the necessary skills that will allow them to find employment and live successful and full lives. With a lifelong journey of navigating blindness, Jim has always believed that it should never be a hindrance to realizing one's potential.
Jim's career in the field of blindness rehabilitation spans more than two decades, primarily at Washington Department of Services for the Blind's Orientation and Training Center (Seattle, WA). He began as a Rehabilitation Teacher, specializing in teaching computers and adaptive technology and has also facilitated group seminars on adjustment to blindness. In his most recent role as Program Lead, Jim actively contributed to new projects and programs.
A staunch advocate for the blind community for nearly three decades, Jim has played a vital role in local, regional, and national events. His passion for advocacy is matched by his creative and innovative approach to program development, materials creation, and leadership in the field. Jim's ability to foster collaboration, coupled with his active listening, patience, and compassion, sets him apart as a leader. Jim is fluent in English and Spanish, something he sees as valuable for communicating and interacting with a wider range of people.
Jim is proud to lead his team's efforts to provide skills training that empower Oregonians who are Blind to fully engage in life. Jim is eager to continue his professional growth and work alongside the training center's staff to empower
blind Oregonians with the skills and confidence needed to lead successful and productive lives.
Ron Stewart - Director of Business Enterprise Program
As a seasoned professional in the Food Service industry, Ron Stewart honed his skills through extensive experience as a successful Restaurateur, Corporate Executive Chef, Caterer for high-profile clientele, Private Chef in Beverly Hills, and Restaurant Business Consultant.
In 2001, Ron founded Mare Blu – an upscale Italian/Mediterranean restaurant and catering business that featured local, organic fare from Central California. In the seven years running his restaurant, Chef Ron received accolades from Gourmet Magazine and was featured on Sunset Magazine's “Best of California." His culinary prowess has been personally requested by Josh Brolin, Diane Lane, and Barbara Streisand (to share a few names).
Recently, Chef Ron has served as a Restaurant Consultant in the Pacific Northwest, where he has lent his expertise to companies such as Tillamook Creamery and
Bob's Red Mill. His portfolio also includes managing multi-unit and multi-outlet contract food service operations at globally recognized brands including Intel and Rogue Ales & Spirits.
He received his education at the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America in
Hyde Park, New York.
Jonathan Scrimenti - Workforce Innovation Manager 
Jonathan Scrimenti joined OCB as the Director of the Orientation and Career Center in 2021 and was promoted to the position of Workforce Innovation Manager in 2023.
At the Career Center, he supervised all curriculum and instructors, working hand-in-hand with our Vocational Rehabilitation program to ensure that OCB's clients gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to reach their employment and life goals.
Jonathan came to OCB from Willamette University's Atkinson Graduate School of Management, where he worked on the Career Management team since 2017. As the Assistant Director there he focused on student advising, student organizations, graduate employment tracking, and employer relations. Prior to that, Jonathan served as the Director of Student Services at a career-focused college in Portland.
Jonathan has a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and a master's in student development administration
Michael Wolff - Business Operations Manager
Michael Wolff joined OCB in 2021 as the Business Operations Manager, also supervising the agency's health service assistants throughout Oregon.
Prior to joining the agency, Michael worked as a VP/Operations at Basics Market/Wild Rose Foods (Tualatin) and for over 15 years with New Seasons Market (Portland) as a Staff Resources Manager, Store Manager and additional roles.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology from the University of California at Davis.