History of the OACO
The Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office (OACO) was established by statute in 2005 to serve what had previously been 4 separately staffed Commissions focused on growing equity, leadership and success among Black, Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic Oregonians and Women. This was done in order to more efficiently serve the Commissions during tight economic times and grow collaboration between the Commissions on their statutory missions improving the economic, social, legal, and political equity of their constituent populations. The OACO was initiated in 2006 and staffed at the beginning of 2008 with an Administrator and Executive Assistant. In 2010, the OACO moved its offices from Salem to Portland to allow ease of access to the Commissions’ main constituencies and to grow its reach in several key areas: Growing future leaders with internships and leadership development for students of color and women; building expertise and resources affecting poverty, health, education and justice; and partnering in policy research and projects focused on priority areas. In 2015, a permanent .5 position of a Policy Research Analyst was added to the OACO staff, and in 2021 this position became full-time. A permanent full-time Public Affairs Specialist was also added. In 2023 HB 2995 extended the work of the Health Equity Task Force and three positions were added until June 2026.
Staff
Interim Executive Director – Terrence Saunders
Executive Support – Ava Stevens
Policy Research Advocate - Kyl Myers, PhD
HB 4052 Team Lead - Mika Ingram
Public Affairs Specialist - Saba Saleem
Project Facilitator - Kaj Jensen