Oregon insiders: Who’s who in and around state government

Published 4:00 pm Thursday, November 23, 2023

Shana McConville Radford

After more than two years as communications director for the Oregon House Majority Office, Hannah Kurowski is leaving as of Dec. 4. Applications to fill her role are being accepted through Dec. 8.

Matt Friesen, who worked for Sen. Dick Anderson, R-Lincoln City, joined the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay as director of external affairs.

Sarah Settimo is back at the Oregon Capitol as chief of staff for Sen. Jeff Golden, D-Ashland.

Damon Sidur is the new communications director for U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-2nd District. He most recently was digital director for a Virginia congressman and deputy communications director for the Colorado House Republican Conference.

Tara Wasiak is the OLCC’s new deputy director. She was interim director and deputy director at the Portland Bureau of Transportation and before that worked for the Washington (D.C.) Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Kelsey Gleeson is equity and engagement coordinator at the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. She previously worked for seven-plus years at the Department of Human Services, including as service equity policy analyst.

Torrey Sims is now diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging manager at the Department of Administrative Services.

Lamar Wise is now political director at Oregon AFSCME Council 75.

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