ad∙vo∙cate (ăd′və-kĭt) noun.
1. One who argues for a cause; a supporter or defender.
2. One who pleads in another's behalf.
1. One who argues for a cause; a supporter or defender.
2. One who pleads in another's behalf.
An active participant in Oregon's legislative process during the last 25 years, Kelly Ross began his professional career in 1980 by becoming Oregon's youngest elected county commissioner at the age of 24. Subsequent positions included public affairs director for a Los Angeles-based public policy think tank, an association manager and lobbyist, and a government affairs consultant to business organizations, property owners and developers. His articles on various public policy issues have appeared in numerous local and national publications, and he is a frequent speaker to groups around the country. Prior to becoming president of Western Advocates in 2005, Ross served for eight years as Chief Lobbyist with the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland. While in that capacity, the association's lobbying accomplishments were recognized four times by the National Association of Home Builders to receive its "Local Government Affairs Program of the Year" award. A graduate of Willamette University, Ross has also served on numerous state and local advisory committees and commissions.
Tracy Rutten, Association Manager and Controller
A graduate of the University of Oregon, Tracy joined the staff of Western Advocates in 2003 after working for the Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
With experience in both state lobbying and association management, Rutten has worked with a wide-array of clientele including the Special Districts’ Association of Oregon, the Oregon Fire District Directors’ Association, the Clackamas County Business Alliance, the Oregon Physical Therapy Association, and the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce.
Tracy has extensive experience in providing support services to a variety of associations including website maintenance, membership relations and communication, meeting planning and support, newsletter formatting and distribution and event planning.
Tomilynn Ross, Association Manager
Tomilynn Ross has over ten years experience managing trade associations and joined Western Advocates in 2006. Beginning as Executive Officer for the Umpqua Valley Home Builders Association in Roseburg, and later as Deputy Director for the Portland Building Owners & Managers Association, Tomilynn has a long history of successful event planning, membership database management, and organizational communications.
Misty Slagle, Association Manager
Misty Slagle worked part time for Western Advocates prior to joining the staff full time in March of 2010. She is a graduate of Western Oregon State College and spent three sessions in the Oregon Senate as Legislative staff before working for a Salem-based association management company that focused on agricultural based trade associations.
Misty spent nine years working for the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland, where she served as the organization's Political Affairs Director. Over the years her responsibilities included the organizations educational programs, nonprofit foundation, and several committees.
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12725 SW 66th Ave
Suite 107
Tigard, OR 97223
Ph: (503) 924-1181
Fax: (503) 597-3668
All Content © 2010
Western Advocates Incorporated
Suite 107
Tigard, OR 97223
Ph: (503) 924-1181
Fax: (503) 597-3668
All Content © 2010
Western Advocates Incorporated
