Portland 2.0 is a joint project of Portland State University and Oregon Public Broadcasting, originated and managed by David Yaden in cooperation with the PSU College of Urban and Public Affairs.
David V. Yaden, now retired, has more than 50 years experience in public affairs in Oregon and nationally. In his career he has been an independent public policy consultant and international environmental advisor; served as director of the Oregon Department of Energy; worked in corporate planning in the private sector; served as special assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and as chief-of-staff to a U.S. Congressman; worked as Executive Director of Policy and Planning for TriMet; owned his own public opinion research firm; and worked in various local government positions.
He served 9 years on the Board of Directors of OHSU and led the search for the new President. He also served on the Oregon State Board of Higher Education, including chairing the Board 2014-15.
Co-host for the January 26 kickoff event is Multnomah County Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson
Jessica Vega Pederson serves on the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners representing District 3. Before being elected to the board, Jessica served as a state representative in the Oregon legislature where she was the first Latina elected to the House. In the legislature, Jessica fought for issues such as paid sick time and pay equity to improve the lives of working Oregonians. As chair of the House Energy and Environment committee she championed the renewal of the Clean Fuels Program and passage of a bill to remove coal from Oregon’s energy mix. Since being elected, she has championed the County’s efforts to combat climate change and build a just renewable energy economy. She represents the County at various regional transportation tables and has focused on expanding access to early childhood education through initiatives such as the SUN program and the newly-established Multnomah County Early Education Task Force, which she chairs.
A former technology professional, she graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a degree in information systems management and philosophy. She serves on the board of Portland State University’s Center for Women’s Leadership and NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon, and lives in east Portland with her husband and two children.