People

John was named Trustee on September 15, 1995, to succeed his late father, founding Trustee, Jim Castles. After careers in commercial banking, investment management and angel investing, John currently enjoys volunteering with several nonprofit organizations and coaching their leaders. He has served as a founder, director or officer of numerous emerging companies in the Pacific Northwest. His passions include his family – wife, Sarah, two grown sons and daughters-in-law plus three grandsons and one granddaughter – flying and tennis. He has been a pilot, an interest he credits to Jack Murdock, who took him flightseeing as a young boy.

Jeff Grubb has been a Trustee at the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust since 2010. He retired from corporate life in 2017 after 35 years in financial services working for Progressive Insurance, U.S. Bank, U.S. Trust and Wells Fargo. He has also served on the advisory board of several private companies. In addition to his business career, Jeff has been active in nonprofits, currently serving on the Generous Giving board. He is a former chairman for the Oregon Young Presidents Organization, Social Venture Partners Portland and the Portland Angel Network, vice chairman for the Oregon Symphony, and secretary of Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette. He has also served on boards of the Portland Art Museum, the World Affairs Council of Oregon, Junior Achievement, the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, Vision Fund Rwanda, and the Palau Foundation for World Evangelism. Jeff is a graduate of Stanford University with a B.A. in economics and an MBA. Jeff and his wife, Sandy, enjoy spending time with their three adult sons, two daughters-in-law, three grandsons, and two granddaughters.

Jeff came to the Trust in 2016 following his retirement as president and CEO of Medical Teams International. Previous to Medical Teams International, Jeff served 29 years with Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, nine years as president and CEO of Horizon. In addition to his corporate and nonprofit leadership experience, Jeff has served on a number of boards and advisory committees, including Seattle Pacific University School of Business, Washington State University School of Business, Pacific Continental Bank, and the Seattle Hospitality Group.

As Chief Executive Officer, Romanita oversees all program activities of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. An accomplished team builder, convener, and leader, Romanita draws on more than two decades of experience in the nonprofit (World Vision), for profit (Microsoft), philanthropic (Murdock Trust), and board service (Global Women, India Partners, Urban Alliance, Urban Impact, Impact Latin America) sectors to help steward the mission of the foundation. A graduate of the University of Washington, Romanita earned her MBA from Eastern University.

Elmer leads the investment team and works with the Trustees in managing the Trust’s investment portfolio. Previously Elmer held various financial advisory roles with EY, Barclays Capital, and Morgan Stanley. Elmer graduated with honors from Columbia University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, an M.S. in Industrial Engineering, and an M.B.A. in international finance. Elmer has served on the board of a number of nonprofits and other organizations focused on strategy, sustainability, and leadership development.

Mike brings a rich understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities present for nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. A Certified Public Accountant who previously served as the CFO for the Historic Trust of Fort Vancouver before assuming the role of President and CEO, Mike graduated from George Fox University with degrees in accounting and business administration. Prior to his time with the Historic Trust, Mike served on the accounting staff at Moss-Adams and has also served as a board member and chair with Leadership Clark County.

As Chief Program & Impact Officer, Pauline oversees the grants and programming efforts of the Murdock Trust. In addition, Pauline leads the Education & Leadership Development area of the Trust's work. She brings to this role a unique background of nonprofit and philanthropic experience, having joined the Trust in 2016 as a Program Director and having directed the Murdock Trust Women in Leadership Program since 2017, after over 20 years serving the nonprofit space working with young adults and leaders. Pauline is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley, holds a master of arts degree from Fuller Theological Seminary and a doctoral degree in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. She is a frequent speaker and trainer and has extensive experience working cross-culturally (both domestically and overseas).

As Vice President of External Affairs & Strategy, Colby oversees all communications and events for the Murdock Trust, with added responsibilities in strategy, planning, business processes, and developing the Trust’s values framework. A Portland native, Colby began his career in communications in the early 2000s and brings to his work at the Murdock Trust a unique blend of expertise working with local, regional, and national brands in the consumer tech, enterprise, homebuilding, and healthcare spaces. Passionate about the nonprofit sector, Colby has supported a number of local and regional organizations as a consultant, volunteer, and board member through his career. Colby earned his degree from a University of Oregon Honors College and a Master’s in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University. He is happily married to a woman far out of his league and father to a brilliant daughter.

Stefanie serves as the manager of the executive office and trustee relations. She joined the Trust in 2012 after working 17 years at a nonprofit in Portland, Oregon, where she gained extensive experience in nonprofit business administration, development, and event planning.

As Senior Director for Artistic & Cultural Expression, Lorin oversees the Trust’s grants and programming for nonprofits providing vital community services through performing and non-performing arts programs, museums, media, youth development, private K-12, informal education like zoos and aquariums, and more. Lorin came to the Trust with a diverse background in the arts, education, and criminal justice. She began her career in grants administration in Washington, D.C. before moving to Oregon. A graduate of the University of Nebraska, she studied art history and international affairs, and studied abroad at the University of Paris-Sorbonne. Lorin has been involved in the nonprofit community for 30 years and is a volunteer in her community and parish.

As Senior Program Officer for Artistic & Cultural Expression, Michelle helps facilitate grants and programming for nonprofits providing vital community services through performing and non-performing arts programs, museums, media, youth development, private K-12, informal education like zoos and aquariums, and more. Michelle comes to the Trust with seven years of experience in philanthropic leadership at The Oregon Community Foundation, with the last five as Program Officer for Arts and Culture. Prior to this role, Michelle served as Founding Artistic Director of Ethos Music Center in Portland, OR, where she designed and implemented programming for rural and urban communities throughout the state. Michelle has taught ethnomusicology at Portland State University, and regularly presented on the arts as service and on creating equitable arts access for diverse communities. She has served on several non-profit boards and advisory councils in Oregon and received awards and recognitions for her community service. Michelle holds a B.A. in English and Music from the University of Portland and an M.A. in Ethnomusicology from the University of Washington, where she also completed coursework towards her Ph.D. Outside of her professional life she loves volunteering at her children’s school, playing music, and spending time with family.

As Associate Program Officer for Artistic & Cultural Expression, Jason provides program and grants management support to nonprofits providing vital community services that inspire creativity, honors diverse cultures, advances innovative learning, and enables youth development. Jason joined the Trust in 2014 and has two decades of experience serving nonprofits domestically and overseas. He holds a bachelor’s degree in theatrical production from the University of California, Santa Cruz that led him to several professional theater companies in the Bay Area. His focus then expanded to strengthening system structures while serving as an educator at the Beijing Language & Culture University and as programs director for Firefly, a youth development organization for emerging youth leaders.

As Vice President for Civic Engagement and Community Services, Rudy oversees grants and programming for nonprofits that support community development, strengthen our democracy, serve through faith-based ministry, and help transform the lives of people with immigrant/refugee, unhoused, and low-income backgrounds. A graduate of Stanford University, Rudy held roles at Harambee Christian Family Center and Partners Worldwide prior to joining the Murdock Trust in 2018. A widely published author and frequent keynote speaker, Rudy has a natural gift for helping organizations identify the most efficient and productive use of their resources.

As Senior Program Officer for Civic Engagement and Community Services, Jeremy supports grants and programming for nonprofits that support community development, strengthen our democracy, serve through faith-based ministry, and help transform the lives of people with immigrant/refugee, unhoused, and low-income backgrounds. He brings an extensive background helping create partnerships between community and faith-based organizations, corporate groups, and government agencies through community engagement, diversity and inclusion support, and thought leadership. A graduate of Princeton University, Jeremy began his career at The Brookings Institute and went on to hold roles with Prison Fellowship Ministries and Unique Learning Center as well as serving as Director of Outreach for the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives under George W. Bush. Prior to joining the Trust, he spent 14 years building the capacity of community organizations around the country as nonprofit management consultant and speaker.

As Senior Program Officer for Civic Engagement & Community Services, Jennifer helps facilitate grants and programming for nonprofits that support community development, strengthen our democracy, serve through faith-based ministry, and help transform the lives of people with immigrant/refugee, unhoused, and low-income backgrounds. Jennifer comes to the Trust following a position as Director of Policy & Partnerships at Rural Development Initiatives, where she developed and led programs to increase resources to rural places and build skills in civic engagement and public policy advocacy. Jennifer’s past experience includes work with Coos County Airport District, Coos Bay Schools Community Foundation, City of Coos Bay, and Boys & Girls Club of Southwestern Oregon, and she served in board leadership for several nonprofits. She has an M.P.A. from the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University and a B.A. from Kansas State University, and has won multiple awards for her civic and community service in Oregon.

As Program Director for the Civic Engagement & Community Services sector of the Murdock Trust, John supports grantmaking and programming in the sector’s work around faith formation. He joined the Trust in October 2012, following 32 years on the staff of Young Life, his last four as Senior Vice President of the Western Division. John has been involved with numerous nonprofits in the Northwest and is a frequent speaker and consultant with organizations around the country. He is a graduate of the University of Oregon and earned his master’s degree at Fuller Theological Seminary.

As Associate Program Officer for Civic Engagement & Community Services, Camrynne provides sector analysis and grant processing support to nonprofits that support community development, strengthen our democracy, serve through faith-based ministry, and help transform the lives of people with immigrant/refugee, unhoused, and low-income backgrounds. Camrynne joined the Trust in 2022 after an extensive career overseeing operations in the educational space. A graduate of Northwest Nazarene University with a degree in business administration and finance, Camrynne most recently served as the Director of Operations at St. Stephen’s Academy.

Sarah manages the Murdock Trust programs that fall within the Civic Engagement & Community Services sector. She began her career in the region as a Portland Fellow with the Trust in 2019 and went on to work in marketing and development at Medical Teams International. In 2021, Sarah was delighted to return to the Trust’s programming work to strengthen nonprofit fundraising and leadership at all levels. Sarah graduated from the University of Virginia with a double major in Religious Studies and Youth and Social Innovation and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Leadership and Culture from Portland Seminary.

As Vice President for Grants Management & Training, Jill oversees the grants management team and onboarding and training for all program officers. In addition, she leads the Health & Environmental Stewardship sector, overseeing grantmaking and programming for nonprofits promoting healthy people and lands, including clinics, hospitals, mental health support services, organizations improving quality of life for those with disabilities, and conservation efforts. Jill has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology and has done extensive graduate work in counseling psychology. Prior to her work at the Trust, she taught math and science at the college and high school levels.

As Senior Program Officer for Health & Environmental Stewardship, Kim supports grantmaking and programming for nonprofits promoting healthy people and lands, including clinics, hospitals, mental health support services, organizations improving quality of life for those with disabilities, and conservation efforts. Since joining the Trust in 2018, Kim has led our Partners in Science Program, drawing on several years of prior experience in the program as a participant and coach. She brings a unique perspective on STEM education following several years molding young minds at both private and public institutions, most recently at Camas High School where she taught biology and technology. She also helped lead the “Camas Girls in STEM Conference.” A graduate of Stanford University where she played on the women’s basketball team, Kim went on to earn her Master’s degree from George Fox University.

As Associate Program Officer for Health & Environmental Stewardship, Francesca provides administrative and grant processing support to nonprofits promoting healthy people and healthy lands, including clinics, hospitals, mental health support services, organizations improving quality of life for those with disabilities, and conservation efforts. Francesca joined the Trust in 2018 after graduating from Western Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology. She enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and throwing on the wheel at her home pottery studio.

As Chief Program & Impact Officer, Pauline oversees the grants and programming efforts of the Murdock Trust. In addition, Pauline leads the Education & Leadership Development area of the Trust's work. She brings to this role a unique background of nonprofit and philanthropic experience, having joined the Trust in 2016 as a Program Director and having directed the Murdock Trust Women in Leadership Program since 2017, after over 20 years serving the nonprofit space working with young adults and leaders. Pauline is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley, holds a master of arts degree from Fuller Theological Seminary and a doctoral degree in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. She is a frequent speaker and trainer and has extensive experience working cross-culturally (both domestically and overseas).

As Senior Program Officer for Education & Leadership Development, Elaine helps facilitate grants for the Trust’s work investing in education, leadership, and development across the Pacific Northwest. Elaine came to the Trust following 12 years at In4All, an education nonprofit in Oregon that brings educators and business leaders together to engage students who are historically underserved, increasing interest and relevancy in key subjects. For the last seven of these 12 years, Elaine was Executive Director, overseeing the strategic growth and vision of the nonprofit, as well as managing board and committee leadership, partnerships and advocacy, fundraising, corporate and financial management, and more. Elaine has served on a number of boards and committees in Oregon and has her doctorate in educational leadership from Lewis & Clark College, a master’s in social work from Portland State University, and a bachelor’s in social work from Pacific University Oregon.

As Vice President for Scientific Research, Aaron leads the Trust’s work supporting the scientific community of the Pacific Northwest. This includes strategic grants, initiative grants, convenings, and science-focused programs such as the Murdock College Science Research program and Partners in Science program. He comes to this role after a decade at Whitworth University in Spokane, WA, most recently as Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Director of Brewing Science and Operations, and Professor of Biology. Prior to this, Aaron spent five years at Hope College in Holland, MI, and five years at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA. He also serves as the board president of the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research and holds degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara; DePaul University; and Pepperdine University.

As Program Officer for Scientific Research, Angela performs grantmaking and programming activities in the Scientific Research sector, supporting projects in the natural sciences, engineering, and medicine. Angela has been connected to the Trust as a coach in our Partners in Science program since 2017, giving her familiarity with the Trust’s work and its impact on Pacific Northwest communities. She worked as a high school science teacher at Westside Christian High School from 2009 to 2023, with a one-year gap to teach science in Seoul, South Korea, and has also led educator workshops and trainings on the effective use of technology in the classroom and on using drawing as a communication tool. She holds a Bachelor’s in Biology and a Master’s in Science Education from Oregon State University. Her interests include hiking, road biking, photography, science and art museums, and being a mom to a creative and fun 3-year-old boy.

Marybeth is responsible for managing the grants database and associated processes, overseeing and coordinating final stages of proposal review, and developing and coordinating awards materials. She also provides special assistance in developing materials and implementing focused grants programs; managing and coordinating science panels and adjunct staff in review processes and program development; and working on special projects and institutional research. She is a longstanding Murdock staff member—since 1989—and is a Grants Managers Network member. Before moving to the Northwest, Marybeth earned a bachelor of music education degree from the Ohio State University. She has taught both privately and in public schools, and has performed in community orchestras and small woodwind ensembles.

In her role, Lisa helps the Trust partner with grantees to understand the community impact of Trust investments and inform and improve our processes. Lisa joined the Trust following a career that included more than two decades supporting grantmaking work for multiple foundations in the Midwest. Lisa attended the University of Chicago and graduated from Northwestern University. She brings a robust understanding of grant management, assessment, and impact evaluation to the Trust.

As Executive Assistant to Grants & Programs, Trinita provides support to the Chief Program & Impact Officer, the Vice President for Grants Management & Training, and sector leads through managing calendars, preparing written materials, assisting with special projects, and other related tasks. Prior to joining the Trust, Trinita worked in various administrative and secretarial roles in Vancouver, WA, and San Francisco, CA where she provided support to executive leadership and helped facilitate business processes and events. Trinita enjoys family time with her husband and two dogs, as well as kayaking and playing the drums.

As Director of Technology & Information Management Systems, Michelle leads the strategic use of technology at the Trust and ensures the effectiveness and efficiency of the IT system to ensure maximum productivity and impact. Previously, she served in a national technology leadership role at Friends of the Children, as well as IT and systems leadership roles at Fisher Investments and Portland State University. Michelle holds a B.S. from Portland State University and is a current active alum of Reed College. A Portland/Vancouver local, Michelle is grateful to serve on a team that contributes to the common good of the Pacific Northwest.

Megan brings a collaborative background in financial data analysis, business processes, data management and professional services to the Trust. Megan’s role includes grants administration, human resources and project management. Her competence has been shaped through her work in large and small scale businesses. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys giving to her community through delivering meals, volunteering in a wide capacity at her children’s school and enjoying a variety of outdoor adventures with her family and friends.

As Accounting Manager, John manages all accounting systems and processes, including cash flow oversight for operations, grantmaking, and investments; tax compliance; outreach with vendors, consultants, and grantees; and more. John joined the Trust with an extensive career in senior leadership and fiscal roles on business teams in nonprofit, faith-based, and government sectors, including elected office. He brings nearly a decade of experience overseeing the financial records of the Blandin Foundation as well as more than seven years of grant compliance work for the Department of Community Services with Clark County. He has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1992 and holds an M.B.A. in finance and risk management.

As Special Projects Support for People & Culture and the organization as a whole, Danielle Neumann brings crucial leadership and professional HR background and training to projects that serve the Trust team. A graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in sociology, Danielle brings over 20 years of operations management and HR leadership. She enjoys baseball, cooking, spending time with her family outdoors, and reading.

As Cloud Applications Administrator, Ashley administers our web-based platforms and provides subject matter expertise to evolve our applications to meet business needs. She came to the Trust with eight years of professional IT experience, including at Brightworks Sustainability and KPFF Consulting Engineers, and a degree in Digital Technology and Culture from Washington State University Vancouver. 

As Front Office Assistant, Mikaela is the first face visitors see when they arrive at the Trust. In addition to creating a welcoming environment for guests, Mikaela provides essential administrative and day-to-day support to Trust staff. Before coming to the Trust, Mikaela spent more than three years at Medical Teams International on their Marketing and Development team doing Gift Processing, giving her an understanding of nonprofit work that informs her role at the Trust. She is a graduate of George Fox University where she got her B.A. in International Studies and was involved in a study abroad program.

As Executive Assistant, Sara supports external relations for the CEO, managing calendars, coordinating written responses, preparing agendas, and assisting with special projects. She joined the Trust after ten years of co-owning a small business where she led marketing, coordination, project management, finances, customer service, and more. Prior to that, she held administrative roles in the hospitality industry after attending the University of Oklahoma. In her free time, Sara enjoys spending time with her husband and two children exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Clare works directly alongside our chief investment officer to assist in managing the Trust portfolio. She is responsible for investment manager research, evaluation, analysis, and reporting. Prior to joining the Trust, Clare served as investment manager for a Forbes 400 family investment office. She holds a B.S. and M.B.A. from the University of Denver. Outside of the office, Clare enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, experimenting with new recipes, and tending to her ever-growing garden.

As Investment Associate, Jeremy is responsible for reporting, modeling, providing analytical support for existing investments, and offering input into the development of investment recommendations. Jeremy came to the Trust with seven years of experience in the investment world, most recently at Martel Wealth Advisors, and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Oregon and a master’s degree in finance from the University of Portland. Outside of the office, Jeremy likes listening to rock music, playing drums, staying active, and traveling to new places.

Jenni assists the Business, Investment, and Finance teams with a variety of administrative and day-to-day operations including key communications, scheduling, legal document preparation, and front desk management. Her professional background includes administrative and constituent-engagement roles with the Morgan Hill Unified School District, Visiting Angels, and Informix Software/IBM. A graduate of OSU, Jenni earned her Master’s at George Fox.

As Vice President of Programs & Partnerships, Kimberly oversees Trust initiatives to strengthen nonprofits and build partnerships across the Pacific Northwest. She leads a portfolio of capacity-building programs for nonprofit leaders, including work in board governance, executive leadership, and fundraising. Before joining the Trust in 2019, Kimberly served for over 20 years as Vice President at two private liberal arts colleges. Her executive experience spans organizational strategy, leadership development, and change management. She holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration, is an author and frequent speaker, and has served on both local and national boards. One of her greatest joys is mentoring emerging leaders across the nonprofit and business sectors.

Hannah brings a decade of experience supporting the administration of academic and educational programs at higher education institutions, including University of Portland, George Fox University, and Taylor University. In her role at the Trust, Hannah manages the production of Education & Leadership Development programs to help build the capacity of nonprofit leaders through training in fundraising, board leadership, and more. An active volunteer, writer, speaker, and teacher, Hannah earned her degree at George Fox University before completing her Master’s at Taylor University.

As Events Manager, Sara leads the strategic vision and execution of Murdock Trust events and convenings. Before coming to the Trust, Sara served as Director of Development for the Little League International Softball program for 13 years. In this role, she modernized and transformed the program, expanded national grassroots participation, grew global partnerships to more than 30 countries, and directed high-profile projects including three international tournaments. A graduate of Coastal Carolina University, Sara returns to the Pacific Northwest and is eager to apply her passion for strengthening communities through strategic vision to this new context.

As Communications Associate, Jenna collaborates with her team to manage digital content strategy, video projects, and quarterly and annual reporting, in addition to partnering with vendors to support the Trust’s external and internal communications needs. She holds a degree in English Literature from Wheaton College, where she served on research teams for nonprofit organizations and workplace equity through a fellowship program, which encouraged her to pursue work in nonprofit communications. In her free time, Jenna enjoys reading, traveling, running, and exploring the Portland/Vancouver area as a new resident of the Pacific Northwest.

As Digital Media Specialist, May helps tell the story of the Murdock Trust and its grantees through digital strategy and content. A graduate of the University of Oregon with a B.A. in Advertising, she brings four years of experience in marketing and media planning as well as a passion for using digital media to tell meaningful stories. 

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Dr. Jay Barber offers insight into the Trust’s work based on his experience in the nonprofit and educational sectors. Jay is president emeritus of Warner Pacific College, and prior to that served as vice president of development for Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). He has consulted with many nonprofit organizations throughout the Northwest and is a highly respected leader and educator.  

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Dr. Steven Garber offers insight into the Trust’s work based on his experience in the leadership and spiritual formation sectors. He has partnered with the Trust in the areas of vocation, youth development, and spiritual formation for many years. He is the author of The Seamless Life: A Tapestry of Love and Learning, Worship and Work; Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good, and most recently, Hints of Hope: Essays on Making Peace with the Proximate. Formerly the scholar-in-residence for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, he was the founder of the Washington Institute for Faith, Vocation and Culture, the professor of marketplace theology at Regent College and is one of the founders of the Wedgwood Circle, continuing to serve as a consultant to colleges and corporations, facilitating both individual and institutional vocation. A husband, father, and grandfather, he has long lived in Virginia. 

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Katherine Gottlieb offers insight into the Trust’s work based on her experience working with culturally responsive healthcare and leadership, particularly within Native Alaskan communities. Katherine served Southcentral Foundation as president and CEO for more than 30 years. She has been on faculty at the Harvard Medical School since 2015, has won awards such as the 2015 Harry S. Hertz Leadership Award, was a 2004 MacArthur Genius Fellow, and holds honorary doctorates from Alaska Pacific University and University of Alaska. She owns Katherine Gottlieb Strategies, LLC, working with global and local leaders in redesign, mentorship, and improvements of healthcare and cultural approaches. She is the founder and President/Chief Executive of Edgenuity, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to facilitate innovative cultural and spiritual experiences through programs and exchanges. 

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Lawrence Ho offers insight into the Trust’s work based on his experience in global strategic philanthropy and intergenerational wealth. After completing graduate work at the London School of Economics and teaching law in Beijing, China, Lawrence returned to the Pacific Northwest where his legal practice focuses on strategic philanthropy in family foundations and family offices. He sits on several family foundation boards in North America and Asia, as well as the Canadian National Christian Foundation and as a Board of Advisor to Trustbridge Global and Excellence in Giving. Lawrence has a keen interest in cross-cultural leadership development, and has an extensive background in the intersection of humanitarian, social justice, and faith and the arts. He and his wife, Dr. Angela Lee, started one of Western Canada’s largest medical clinics based in Vancouver, B.C. 

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Ron King offers insight into the Trust’s work based on his experience in both the business and nonprofit sectors. For twenty years, Ron led Western Family Foods as its CEO. He has also served on a number of nonprofit and business boards in leadership positions. He is a graduate of Washington State University and the Stanford Executive Program. 

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Norm Smith offers insight into the Trust’s work based on his experience in philanthropy. Norm is president emeritus of The Ford Family Foundation in Roseburg, Oregon, which he joined in 1997 as its first CEO. His career includes 13 years as an executive with AT&T (Law and Government Affairs) in Portland, Denver, and San Francisco; 11 years of law practice in Portland and Washington, D.C.; and three terms as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives. He is a retired member of the Oregon and Colorado Bar, a graduate of Northwestern University in Illinois and Willamette University College of Law in Salem, past chair of the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust, and current charter member of the board of the Oregon State Capitol Foundation (past chair) and the vice chair of the San Juan Island Community Foundation in Washington. 

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Dr. Kent Thornburg offers insight into the Trust’s work based on his experience in scientific research and community healthcare advocacy. He is an advocate for health among pregnant people and children nationally, chairing the External Scientific Board, “Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Program” at the National Institutes of Health. Kent also serves at the Murdock Trust as an advisory member on panels and roundtables, and as an advisory review expert. 

Among his many appointments at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) before his retirement, Kent served as Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, Director of Center for Developmental Health, Director of the OHSU Bob and Charlee Moore Institute for Nutrition & Wellness, and Interim Director of the OHSU Knight Cardiovascular Institute. He also served as the M. Lowell Edwards Chair in the Department of Medicine for 22 years. 

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Dr. John Van Zytveld offers insight into the Trust’s work based on his experience in the nonprofit and scientific research sectors. John came to the Trust in 1996 as senior program director, providing advice on the grants program to the Trust team and managing proposals involving scientific and medical research. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics, and prior to his tenure at the Trust spent 28 years as professor of physics at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. John was awarded the Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Endowment in partnership with Calvin College to honor his many years of service as senior program director at the Murdock Trust.

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Dan Cardinali offers insight into the Trust's work based on his experience in philanthropic social entrepreneurship. With over three decades of experience driving systemic social change through cross-sector collaboration, Dan has dedicated his career to tackling complex societal challenges in education reform, child welfare systems, and civil society development. He currently serves as the Board Chair of the Fetzer Institute, Senior Fellow at PolicyLink and Senior Advisor at the Stand Together Foundation. Previously, Dan served as President and CEO of Independent Sector from 2016 to 2022, and prior to that spent nearly two decades as President and CEO of Communities In Schools, the country's largest dropout prevention organization. He holds a Master's degree in Philosophy from Fordham University and a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, and chairs the Fetzer Institute Board of Directors while serving on the boards of The Bridgespan Group and Sojourners. 

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Curtis Chang offers insight into the Trust's work based on his experience bridging secular institutions and theology. Curtis is the founder and CEO of Consulting Within Reach (CWR), a firm serving nonprofits and government agencies, where his consulting work has won an award in social innovation from the Obama White House. He teaches strategic planning as a faculty member of American University's School of International Service and serves as a consulting professor at Duke Divinity School and Senior Fellow at Fuller Theological Seminary. A former senior pastor of an Evangelical Covenant Church in San Jose, California, Curtis brings unique expertise in connecting faith-based and secular approaches to social change. He is the author of The After Party: Towards Better Christian Politics (with Nancy French), The Anxiety Opportunity: How Worry Is the Doorway to Your Best Self, and Engaging Unbelief: A Captivating Strategy from Augustine and Aquinas. 

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Lindsay Currie offers insight into the Trust's work based on her extensive experience in nonprofit management and community engagement. She currently serves as the executive officer of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), where she leads strategy and operations supporting more than 13,000 individual and 525 institutional members dedicated to advancing undergraduate research. She previously held roles as director of stakeholder engagement at the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society and as CUR's director of communications and membership. A frequent speaker and writer on topics related to foresight, member engagement, and organizational culture, Lindsay serves on several national leadership boards and advisory groups, including ASAE’s Executive Management Advisory Council, the Governing Board of NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement, and the Board of Directors for the Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS). Currie holds a certified association executive credential from ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership and earned a BA in history, political science, and women's studies from Monmouth University, along with a master's certificate in public relations and a master's degree in women and gender studies from Rutgers University. Her honors include the 2019 MeetingsNet Changemaker Award, selection by Association Trends magazine as one of its 2019 Young & Aspiring Professionals, the 2022 DCA Live Association Leadership Award, and the 2023 Association Women Technology Champions (AWTC) Technology Leadership Award.

As a Senior Fellow at the Murdock Trust, Adam Edgerly contributes insights grounded in his expertise in intercultural communication and organizational transformation. He is a seasoned leader and executive coach with over 20 years of experience in senior leadership, board service, and consulting across the nonprofit, faith-based, and business sectors. 

Adam is the founder and CEO of Culture Consultants, where he helps senior executives and organizations enhance performance, cultural intelligence, and team dynamics. He holds an M.A. in Intercultural Studies and an MBA. 

Previously, Adam served as Director of Covenant World Relief & Development, overseeing global initiatives with more than 30 international partners in 20 countries. He played a key role in modernizing grant processes and building high-performing teams. He also spent nearly two decades as the founding and lead pastor of a multicultural congregation in Los Angeles. Adam is dedicated to equipping leaders and strengthening organizations that advance the common good and promote human flourishing. 

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Dr. Donald Hamelberg offers insight into the Trust's work based on his experience in scientific research and academic leadership. Currently serving as the vice president for research and economic development, Donald is also a distinguished university professor in chemistry. He previously served as the associate dean for research and graduate studies at the College of Arts & Sciences. Prior to that, he led the Department of Chemistry as chair. He also served as associate chair, director of graduate studies, and associate director of graduate studies.

Donald is an active researcher who has earned multiple grants to support his work in computational biophysical chemistry, and he has published extensively. The research focuses on developing and applying theoretical and computational methods to biomolecular systems. These tools enhance the understanding of biomolecular dynamics and support drug discovery and biomolecular design. Awards and recognitions include the NSF CAREER Award, prestigious recognitions from the American Chemical Society, Georgia Cancer Coalition, and multiple university awards. 

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Joanne Harrell offers insight into the Trust's work based on her experience in business strategy and nonprofit leadership. An accomplished executive with over two decades at Microsoft specializing in business strategy and market development from 2001 to 2021, Joanne has served as Seattle's First Lady since January 2022, where she has been a catalyst for initiatives focused on youth mental health (Reach Out, Seattle) and downtown revitalization (The Liberty Project). She currently serves on the boards of Equal Opportunity Schools (Immediate Past Board Chair 2021-2023), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Filium, and HomeStreet Bank, and served as a University of Washington Regent from 2009 to 2022, including as Board Chair from 2012 to 2013. Joanne holds a B.A. and M.B.A. from the University of Washington and has completed executive programs at Columbia, Stanford, and Harvard Business School, currently serving as an adjunct professor at UW Foster Business School where she was the 2022–2023 Fritzky Endowed Leadership Chair awardee. Her numerous recognitions include the UW Charles E. Odegaard Award for Outstanding Community Service and Diversity, the MLK "Vision of the Mountaintop" Award, and the 2024 Edwin T. Pratt Award from The Seattle Urban League.  

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Shirley V. Hoogstra offers insight into the Trust's work based on her experience in Christian higher education leadership and nonprofit governance. Shirley is president emerita of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), an educational association representing over 185 colleges and universities around the world, where she served as a regular speaker at conferences and campuses nationwide advocating for Christian higher education. She has been quoted in The Washington Post, The New York Times, World Magazine, Christianity Today, and various podcasts, radio, and news programs, and has contributed chapters on bridge building and covenantal pluralism while writing regularly for CCCU's Advance magazine. Shirley brings extensive board experience from her service with organizations including the American Council on Education, National Immigration Forum, The Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Calvin University, National Association of Evangelicals, and The Trinity Forum.  

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Cary offers insight into the Trust's work based on his experience in philanthropic leadership and nonprofit advancement. With over 40 years of experience supporting nonprofit leaders and philanthropists in achieving their goals, Cary has worked in advancement at a college and seminary, held several executive leadership positions at World Vision, and served on the board of a family foundation in the Midwest for more than a decade. For 23 years, he served as President of the Stewardship Foundation in Tacoma, Washington, where he helped distribute more than $100 million in grants worldwide and partnered with the board of directors to increase the impact of hundreds of nonprofits locally, nationally, and internationally. He currently serves as a philanthropic advisor with 10|10 Strategies and is a contributing member of Professionals in Christian Philanthropy. Cary earned his undergraduate degree from Dickinson College, a law degree from Suffolk University in Boston, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, and has made the Pacific Northwest his home for the past 30 years with his family. 

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Ray offers insight into the Trust's work based on his experience in nonprofit management and economic research. He is the former Executive Director and co-founder of Headwaters Economics, an independent, nonprofit research group that works to improve community development and land management decisions, bringing 40 years of experience in nonprofit management, economic research, and community development. He earned a Ph.D. from the College of Forestry (economics) at Oregon State University, a Masters of Agriculture from Colorado State University (agricultural marketing), and a Bachelors of Science (wildlife biology) from the University of Washington. Ray’s expertise has been recognized through the Wilburforce Foundation's Outstanding Conservation Leadership Award and the Outstanding Alumni award from the College of Forestry at Oregon State University, and he has testified before Congress as a subject matter expert while being frequently interviewed for TV, radio, and print news stories. His peer-reviewed academic work has appeared in prestigious journals including the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Energy Economics, International Journal of Wildland Fire, and Journal of Rural Studies, among others, and he lives in Bozeman, Montana. 

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Elizabeth offers insight into the Trust's work based on her experience in healthcare foundation leadership and population health improvement. She recently retired from her role as President & Chief Executive Officer of the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) in April 2025, where she helped form and shape a unique structure in which MSHF owns 35 percent and controls 50 percent of board seats at the for-profit Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, the region's sole community hospital. Under her leadership, the foundation strategically combined hospital governance with philanthropy and advocacy to improve the systems that shape residents' lives, investing the foundation's share of profits into grants and initiatives to improve population health while strengthening hospital infrastructure investments, including inpatient behavioral health services. She formed and led a team that developed a comprehensive, asset-based strategy to improve health outcomes, leveraging millions in investments from state and national funders, increasing capital investment from LLC partner Community Health Systems, and establishing MSHF as a credible source of Mat-Su health data and analysis. Elizabeth has served on the boards of The Foraker Group, Philanthropy Northwest, and Grantmakers in Health, and currently serves on the Recover Alaska board of directors. Elizabeth has been recognized with the Alaska Public Health Association's long-term service award, a YWCA Women of Achievement award, and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2021. 

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Dr. Andrea Scott offers insight into the Trust's work based on her experience in higher education administration and business leadership. A former Fulbright Scholar with more than 30 years of education and business experience, Andrea has revived A Write Touch, LLC, a business consultancy she began while completing her MBA at Emory University. Her work currently focuses on higher education at local, national, and global levels, with special emphasis on African partnerships. She most recently served at Oregon’s largest private university, George Fox, in several capacities, including Provost and Distinguished Professor of Marketing. She was previously Dean and Professor of Marketing at California Baptist University’s Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business and was a marketing faculty member at Pepperdine University's Graziadio School of Business and Management. Andrea holds a PhD in marketing from the University of South Florida, with research interests at the intersection of conscience, culture, and consumption. Her business background includes national advertising agency experience, working with NBC during the 1996 Olympics, and business analysis with Honeywell, Inc., including mergers and acquisitions. She is a long-serving trustee for her undergraduate alma mater, Wheaton College, and leverages her multifaceted leadership training to help others steward their God-given gifts and talents. 

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Tamez Méndez offers insight into the Trust’s work based on her experience as a multicultural and multidisciplinary scholar-practitioner and organizational strategist with over 35 years of leadership in global community capacity-building. Originally from Mexico City, she brings a cross-sector lens—including a corporate background in high-rise architecture and executive roles in higher education. 

As founder and Executive Director of NewGeneration3.org (NG3), she leads this international think tank producing culturally grounded resources, research, and consulting that foster intergenerational leadership, faith formation, and strategic planning. NG3’s initiatives amplify diasporic voices and strengthen long-term impact. 

Dr. Tamez also serves as Director of Programs and Grants for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity for the Lilly Endowment, where she designs initiatives and stewards philanthropic investments aimed at capacity-building in Christian institutions.

She has held leadership roles on national boards, denominational bodies, and research advisory groups, and currently serves as Vice President of the Board of AETH. She has addressed governmental entities advocating for the dignity and rights of immigrant and Indigenous communities. 

A sought-after speaker, public figure, and published author, she received the Nuestra Herencia Award from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. As a gallery-exhibited visual artist, Elizabeth integrates her love for color and unconventional perspectives. In all her work, she remains rooted in sacred listening and leadership that honors ancestral wisdom and emerging voices. 

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Rich offers insight into the Trust's work based on his experience in nonprofit leadership and humanitarian service. He served as president emeritus of World Vision since retiring in 2018 as the longest-serving president in the organization's history, bringing corporate best practices and inspiring a culture of outcome-focused management during his tenure beginning in 1998. Under his leadership, donations tripled with revenue exceeding $1 billion for the first time, and he led World Vision to become the #1 partner of The World Food Program and the #1 provider of clean water in the world, reaching more than 3 million people annually. Rich holds a bachelor's degree in Neurobiology from Cornell University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, with previous CEO roles at Parker Brothers Games and Lenox. During his 20 years at World Vision U.S., he traveled to more than 60 countries and became a broadly recognized Christian nonprofit thought leader, receiving five honorary doctoral degrees and the Julia Vadala Taft Outstanding Leadership Award from InterAction. He is the author of several books including the best-selling The Hole in Our Gospel, which was named Christian Book of the Year in 2010, and his latest work Lead Like It Matters to God, focusing on the importance of Biblical values in leadership.

As a senior fellow at the Murdock Trust, Pia Wilson-Body offers insight into the Trust's work based on her experience in corporate philanthropy and diversity leadership. She is the former President of the Intel Foundation and Director of Social Impact, where she oversaw the Foundation's efforts to create meaningful impact in alignment with Intel's mission and goals, directing over $45 million annually in grants to support philanthropic initiatives, disaster relief, workforce development, and STEM education in underserved communities. Pia held several key positions at Intel, including Executive Director of the Intel Foundation, Director of Greater Americas Corporate Affairs, and Interim Chief Inclusion Officer, establishing herself as a thought leader in social impact initiatives. She played a pivotal leadership role in Intel's $300 million Diversity in Technology initiative and led the design and execution of Intel's Veterans initiative as part of the White House "Joining Forces" program spearheaded by former First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden. Honored as Working Mother of the Year by Working Mother Magazine and Executive of the Year by Portland's Business Journal in 2023, Pia holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Spelman College and currently serves on several boards, including as past Chair of the YWCA USA Board of Directors and member of the Equal Opportunity Schools board, while serving as a trustee at the Oregon Historical Society. 

Bart Hadder is in the third-third season of life after retiring as a program director for the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust where he served for many years. He currently serves as a consultant, offering counsel and guidance to the Trust and grantees in the Idaho region with a specific emphasis on youth organizations such as camps and schools. Prior to joining the Trust, Bart had a 28-year career as a science educator, teaching at the middle school, junior high and high school levels eventually becoming the district science coordinator at a large urban school district in Oregon. Bart has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in biology education from Portland State University. He and his wife, Jackie, recently moved to Boise, ID to be near their two adult children (and mostly to be near their two young grandchildren).

Steve serves the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust as the CEO Emeritus following 16 years of exemplary service to the foundation. An alumnus of McMurry University, Asbury Theological Seminary, St. Andrews University in Scotland, and the University of Michigan, Steve did post-grad work at Hebrew University and Harvard University and served as a visiting scholar at Oxford University. He is a widely published author and speaker and has served in a number of leadership and board roles in community, educational, and professional organizations. Dr. Moore recently received an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service from the University of Portland. He now serves as a philanthropic advisor to foundations, families, and organizations and consults with boards and leadership teams on strategy and effective governance. Steve and his wife Thanne, a professional speech pathologist, have five children and four grandchildren. Their fun-loving yellow lab also helps keep the Moore’s home in Portland an active place to be.

Lyn was named to the Board on August 25, 1987, to succeed founding Trustee Paul Boley. He has a wide background in research and in academic teaching and administration. From 1968-1973 he was academic dean at Linfield College. From 1973-1987 he was associate professor, then professor, of applied physics at Oregon Graduate Institute of Science & Technology in Beaverton, Oregon. From 1987-2002 he was CEO and chairman of FEI Company in Hillsboro, OR, which he founded in 1971. Lyn is the recipient of many honors, including the Howard Vollum award; the Outstanding Scientific Contribution Award as Scientist of the Year; and the NASA New Technology Award. He holds 12 patents and has written extensively on technical subjects. Dr. Swanson received his Ph.D. in physical chemistry from University of California/Davis in 1959 and his B.Sc. in physics and chemistry from University of the Pacific in 1956.