When you want to do the right thing, in the right way for your people, rely on our people.
Our brain trust of experts is available to your organization when you become a member. You'll find our staff is never stuffy, always practical and completely reliable. We respond quickly and work proactively—so you can focus on your business and not worry about employment issues.
What did one member have to say after talking with one of our staff? "I feel better after talking to you ... naked ... but better." That's why we're here. That's why we do what we do—to work with inspiring people whose common goal is to invest in the most important part of their business—their people. Please meet our staff.
Cascade Staff
|
Patrice Altenhofen
President
503.585.4320
Patrice was appointed President of Cascade Employers Association in 2006 and leads the Association's team in providing collaborative, responsive, and solution-oriented services. Patrice joined Cascade in 1995 after completing Willamette University's Joint Degree program, earning her Law Degree and Master of Business Administration. Prior to becoming President, Patrice served as General Counsel and Director of Human Resource Development Services. She personifies Cascade's tradition of bringing a preventive, problem-solving approach to assisting employers in HR, labor, and employment law matters. As a creative and approachable human resource professional and attorney, Patrice is credited with developing innovative training programs on a variety of employment-related issues for executives, managers, and supervisors, including the Association's comprehensive HR Leadership Certificate Program. She routinely participates in the development of long-term executive, human resource, and compliance strategies with top-level management of organizations from diverse industries. Patrice is a member of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity, Mid-Willamette Valley; Enterprise for Employment & Education; and Blanchet Catholic School. Patrice is an Oregon native.
|
 |
|
Angela Bergerson
Technology & Media Manager
503.485.5936
Angela joined the staff in 2005. She leads Cascade's technology innovation efforts, including management and design of internal systems, Web site and on-line social networking tools. She comes to Cascade with a Bachelors of Science in Computer and Information Science and a Bachelors of Arts in Writing and Literature from George Fox University.
|
 |
|
Jocelyn Billings
Training Manager

503.485.5937
Jocelyn joined Cascade's team in 2007. With an extensive background in customer service, she works with employers to help determine and coordinate the support they need for learning and coaching. In addition to developing and managing training programs, she maintains the Association's DVD library of over 100 selections on leadership, communication, and safety. Jocelyn is a graduate of Chemeketa Community College's Business Technology Program and in 2008 earned a certificate in HR Leadership through Cascade's Human Resource Leadership Certificate Program.
|
 |
|
Shana Brody
Member Services Specialist
503.485.5931
Shana joined the Cascade team in February, 2008, bringing her exceptional customer service skills to the Association. She provides administrative support to the professional staff and maintains Cascade’s extensive membership database. Often Shana is the first voice you hear when calling the Association.
|
 |
|
Jerry Bumgarner, CCP
Director, Research & Compensation Services
503.485.5932
Jerry joined Cascade's staff in June of 1995. A graduate of Loyola University of Los Angeles, he majored in Human Resources and has devoted more than 40 years to this field, specializing in the compensation area. He provides specialized compensation support to employers (e.g. market pay ranges, competitive pay assessments, incentive plans, performance management), and helps Cascade members to align pay with business results. In addition, Jerry conducts compensation surveys for numerous industry groups and serves as a participant on national survey steering committees. A regular presenter for workshops on the above topics, Jerry also serves with various local, regional, and national professional HR groups. Jerry has also earned the Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation which is awarded by the American Compensation Association for extensive studies and practical experience in the compensation field.
|
 |
|
Erin Doehring
Research & Compensation Intern

503.485.5942
Erin joined Cascade in April of 2010. She assists the Research and Compensation Services team with job matching, newsletter development, and pay and benefit studies. She graduated from Willamette University with a BA in English, continuing on at Atkinson Graduate School of Management where she is currently working towards her MBA in general management. Erin is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management, studying to attain her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification in December. She looks forward to gaining valuable insight and experiential learning while interning at Cascade.
|
 |
|
Glen Fahs, Ph.D.
Training & Organization Development Consultant
503.485.5927
Glen is the primary Training and Organization Development Consultant for Cascade Employers Association and the Lead Facilitator for the international Resiliency Center. He has worked both internally and as a consultant to corporations, colleges, governments, and nonprofits in the areas of leadership, team building, and change management. Glen has been a member of four local boards, serving as Vice President for Habitat for Humanity, President for the American Society for Training and Development, and President of the Oregon Ethics Commons. He has taught communication, education, and management classes for ten colleges and universities. Certified in Achieve Global (aka Zenger Miller) systems, Glen serves Members by facilitating meetings, conducting employee opinion surveys, and providing customized training.
|
 |
|
Curtis Farmer
Retirement Program Manager
503.485.5939
Curtis joined Cascade in March of 2008. His principal responsibilities include management and administration of the retirement plans offered to Cascade Members through the Pacific Northwest Employers Pension Trust and the Pacific Northwest Employers Profit Sharing and 401(k) Savings Plan. These plans provide Association members an excellent defined benefit pension plan and an outstanding 401(k) plan. Prior to joining Cascade, Curtis spent nearly 12 years in the Financial Services industry specializing in Retirement Plans, and currently consults with our members on such issues as plan design, ERISA regulations, and effective employee enrollment and education. His expertise in these areas is available to Cascade Members whether or not they participate in the Association-sponsored programs.
|
 |
|
Sue Fischer, MS, SPHR
Human Resource & Compensation Consultant
503.485.5940
Sue joined Cascade's Research & Compensation Services team in 2006 as Compensation Services Manager. Prior to coming to Cascade she served as Vice President of Human Resources and Training for Pacific NW Federal Credit Union and as Human Resource Generalist for Cenveo Graphic Arts Center. She also brings her extensive experience and knowledge of manufacturing and financial environments. In addition to Sue's HR practitioner roles, she has taught Strategic Human Resource Management in the MBA program for Concordia University as well as various courses in the Business and Management programs for both Marylhurst University and Linfield College. Sue has a BA in Foreign Languages (French) from Portland State University and an MS in Management from Marylhurst University. She also holds a Senior Professional in Human Resource Management (SPHR) designation from the Human Resource Certification Institute.
|
 |
|
Tina Hamel
Survey Coordinator
503.485.9343
Tina came to Cascade in May, 2008. With 20 years of administrative support experience she provides assistance to the Research and Compensation Department, including processing and publishing of Association pay and benefit studies. Tina is an Oregon native and a graduate of Western Oregon University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. In 2009 she earned her certificate in HR leadership through Cascade's Human Resource Leadership Certificate Program.
|
 |
|
Gayle Klampe
Director, Member Relations
503.485.5929
Over 30 years at Cascade, Gayle has been involved in a variety of Association capacities. With her experience and knowledge of Association services, and her ability to communicate the value of membership, she serves as Director of Member Relations. In this role, Gayle oversees all membership activities. She instinctively assesses the needs of employers, linking them to the resources that help advance workplace success. Gayle also manages coordination and development of Association marketing and communication initiatives. She routinely participates in external professional organizations and business groups, including Strategic Economic Development Corporation, Small Business Development Center, local Chambers of Commerce, and numerous industry associations. Gayle holds a certificate in HR Leadership and has completed a variety of course studies in financial accounting, business writing, and marketing. She is past "Woman of the Year" of the Salem Chapter of American Business Women's Association.
|
 |
|
Carey Klosterman, PHR
Human Resources and Compensation Consultant
503.485.5938
Carey joined the Cascade Staff in December 2000. She is a graduate from Western Oregon University. She has a degree in Psychology where her studies focused on data assessment and analysis. As a Human Resource and Compensation Consultant, she works on many different projects. She has an extensive background in conducting wage and salary surveys for many different industry groups. She also works with Cascade members to provide specialized compensation support to help align employee compensation with overall organizational goals and strategies, and works on Affirmative Action plans for organizations utilizing her data analysis experience. Carey has received the Professional in Human Resource (PHR) certification from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and the Human Resource Certification Institute.
|
 |
|
Diane McBride
Controller
503.485.5926
Diane joined Cascade in February, 2008, bringing over 20 years experience in accounting, including payroll processing for a variety of clients and an advisor on QuickBooks Pro applications. As Controller, she is responsible for all internal Association accounting services, Member billings, Health Insurance Trust accounting, and Retirement Trust accounting. With her extensive payroll knowledge, Diane is also available to assist Members with payroll-related questions.
|
 |
|
Tiffany Menke
Training Resource Specialist
503.485.5930
Tiffany joined the Cascade team in November, 2008, as Administrative Assistant for our Training department. She helps ensure a smooth training registration process, and creates, maintains, and updates the Association’s archive of training documentation. Tiffany has spent several years working in support capacities for the State of Oregon, the insurance industry, and a private contracting firm. She’s currently working towards degrees in both Public Relations and Advertising at Chemeketa Community College.
|
 |
|
Lynn Morris, PHR
Human Resource and Compensation Consultant
503.485.5943
Lynn joined Cascade's Human Resource Development Team in 2003 as a Human Resource and Compensation Consultant. She is a graduate of the University of Oregon where she received her Master degree in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations. Lynn has also received the Professional in Human Resource (PHR) certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute. Before coming to Cascade, Lynn's background includes nearly 10 years of experience in many areas of human resources, especially the areas of policy research and development, recruitment and selection, compensation analysis, and affirmative action. As a consultant for Cascade, Lynn works in the areas of affirmative action, handbook review and development, and compensation, and provides on-site support for specific projects or when an interim HR manager is needed to fill a vacancy.
|
 |
|
Jenna Reed, JD, MBA
Director, Human Resource Development Services
503.485.5935
Jenna joined Cascade's Human Resource Development Team in 2004 as HR Compliance Specialist, becoming Director of HR Development Services in fall of 2006. She manages a staff of human resource professionals who work in a variety of areas with Cascade Members, including: employment law compliance; employee handbook development; training; affirmative action; human resource program assessments; and, on-site support. Jenna integrates compliance, best practices, and practical management solutions to help Member organizations achieve positive results in workforce management. Jenna is a member of the Oregon State Bar, and received her Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from Willamette University where she emphasized her studies in labor and employment law, human resources, and organizational development. She is also a Board member for the NW EEO/Affirmative Action Association and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management.
|
 |
|
Jerry Richardson
Director, Group Insurance Services
503.485.5924
Jerry joined Cascade in 2000 after more than ten years in the health insurance industry working directly for insurance companies. Jerry's principal duties include all aspects of the administrative services for participants in the Association-sponsored Pacific Northwest Employers Life, Health Insurance Trust. He provides: ongoing service to Member companies and their employees; assistance with claims, benefit, and coverage questions; enrollment of new groups; and, employee information meetings. He is also available to assist in designing benefit plans and to provide rate quotes and coverage proposals for employers wanting to move from existing plans. Jerry's background in customer service, claims administration, and marketing makes him especially qualified to ensure that our Members receive the caliber of service they deserve and have come to expect.
|
 |
|
Amber Rogers
Service Specialist, Group Insurance Services
503.485.5933
Amber joined Cascade's staff in 2005 after earning a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with an option in Marketing Management from Oregon State University. In 2008 Amber joined the Insurance Department as Service Specialist. She is responsible for a variety of support for the Association-sponsored Pacific Northwest Employers Life, Health Insurance Trust programs, including: maintenance of eligibility; enrollment billing and accounts receivable; coordinating the COBRA notifications; recordkeeping and maintaining Members files; and, serves as liaison with the insurance carrier's billing and enrollment departments.
|
 |
|
Michelle Toney
Human Resource Consultant
503.485.9341
Michelle joined Cascade as Human Resource Consultant in February 2009. As a consultant for Cascade, Michelle provides practical solutions to HR issues in areas including human resource program assessments, handbook development, job description development, and payroll inquiries. Michelle’s experience includes roles as a Bookkeeper, Controller, and Human Resource Manager. In 2005, Michelle earned her certificate in HR leadership through Cascade's Human Resource Leadership Certificate Program, and is currently working towards her transfer degree in Business at Linn-Benton Community College. She is an Oregon native, and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management.
|
 |
|
Nancy Van Dyke
Director, Administrative Services
503.485.5928
Nancy has been with the Association since June, 1991. Not only does she manage the administrative support staff and coordinate office resources and purchases, she also performs administrative duties for the Association's President and Board, and provides assistance to staff of the Human Resource Development Team. Nancy holds a certificate in HR Leadership. No area of Association service goes untouched by her attention to detail and outstanding customer service.
|
 |
|
Lane Witt
Information Services Consultant
503.485.5941
Lane joined the Cascade staff in early 1993. He has over 40 years of academic and business experience in data processing. This background has always been tempered with a strong desire to apply the developments in computing technology to the real world of smaller businesses and other organizations. Lane enjoys working with people and taught classes for Chemeketa Community College for five years. His first order of business at Cascade was to lead a project to update the Association's computer systems. He can assist in the selection and support of specific personnel, human resources, and safety management software packages. After graduating with an MS in Industrial Administration from Carnegie-Mellon University, Lane worked for Celanese Corporation in New York, New Jersey, and California. Assignments included information system design, corporate and divisional planning, product and sales management. He later was co-owner of an office products manufacturing company in Pasadena where he was Treasurer, Controller, Production Manager, and a variety of other things over seven years, until selling his interest to his partner and embarking on a year-long trip through most of the United States. After coming to Oregon 25 years ago, Lane was a value-added reseller of computer systems and services, providing complete solutions to the information needs of several area organizations.
|
 |
|
|