The Oregon Investment Board is a seven member volunteer board appointed by the Governor of Oregon. The board is charged with policy direction, funding criteria and funding decisions. There are two members each appointed from Multnomah, Hood River and Wasco counties and one at-large member. The Board also works with their partners in Washington—Washington Investment Board—through the Bi-State Advisory Council.
Hood River County
1st Term ends: June 30, 2024
Gil, a fourth-generation Oregonian, has been involved in community and economic development as a professional for over 40 years and enjoys giving back to the greater Gorge community where he lives. He has led planning and development functions for several west coast cities, from California to British Columbia, and now resides in Hood River County where he continues an active consulting practice. He and his wife enjoy hiking, gardening and tending to their 40 acres near Mt. Hood-Parkdale.
Kirk Wright, Vice Chair
Multnomah County
1st Term ends March 2024
Kirk Wright is an accomplished manager, organizational leader and entrepreneur experienced in private, public, non-profit, and cooperatively-owned businesses. Kirk has advised entrepreneurs, investors and managers facing challenges of growth, change of control and other significant business events for two decades. Prior to his consulting work, Kirk worked with software and technology companies and before that he worked in consumer banking. When not busy with board and non-profit volunteer work, Kirk enjoys travel and growing, preparing and eating good food. Kirk lives with his wife Allison in an old house in northeast Portland.
Wasco County
2nd Term ends: December 31, 2024
Jorge Barragan is the owner of Casa El Mirador, located in The Dalles. In the past, Jorge has served as President of The Dalles Chamber of Commerce and as a board member for Mid-Columbia Medical Center. Jorge currently is a member of his church’s finance committee.
Rod Cole
Wasco County
1st Term ends: November 15 , 2025
Rod Cole has 28 years in the financial services industry, holding many roles including Personal Banker, Sales manager, business and consumer lending officer, VP Senior Financial advisor, and Branch Manager. Rod currently holds the position of Branch Manager at Columbia Bank in The Dalles, Oregon. Raised in a small farming community in Eastern Oregon, Mr. Cole learned the value of hard work and the importance of personal relationships within a community. Having been married for 28 years with 4 daughters, Mr. Cole loves spending free time with his family and has a passion for scuba diving, archery hunting, fishing and mountain biking. Over the years, Rod has volunteered time to his community as a School board member for the Gladstone School District for 12 years, board member with the Gladstone Education Foundation 18 years and held previous leadership positions with community service organizations including, Chambers of Commerce, Lions, Kiwanis and Rotary.
Sam Bauer
Hood River County
1st Term ends: November 15, 2025
Sam has lived in Hood River for the past 25 years. His 23 years of local banking experience inclide 20 years at US Bank in both Hood River and The Dalles, and 3 years at First Interstate Bank. Sam began as Branch Manager at US Bank in 1999 and was later promoted to District Manager/Market President. In 2008, he established the Commercial Banking office for US Bank in Hood River and was the area Commercial Relationship Manager for the next 12 years. In 2020, Sam moved to First Interstate Bank in the role of Bank President until 2023. He recently made a career change to become the General Manager for the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn. Sam is passionate about family and the prosperity of the Columbia Gorge region, the area he calls home.
At Large Member
2nd Term ends: September 6, 2025
Marlee Boxler
Multnomah County
1st term ends: April 30, 2026
Marlee came to the Columbia River Gorge 5 years ago, captivated by its beauty. She comes from a background in urban planning and development, and now works as the Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Troutdale, the Gateway to the Gorge. In her role, she focuses on small business development and retention, business recruitment, destination development and marketing, and regional economic development and tourism collaboration. She is passionate about creating spaces where small businesses can grow, thrive, and inspire others to do the same.