The Association's staff is comprised of individuals dedicated solely to providing employers expert guidance and quality solutions for managing and developing an outstanding workforce. In fact, during a recent staff survey, this question was asked: "Why Do You Choose to Work at Cascade?" The following response is representative of not only our own employees, but our vision to be the employer we encourage our Members to be:
"I do this because I have the opportunity to work with inspiring people (both internal and external) whose common goal is to invest in the most important part of their business - people."
Please meet our staff.
Cascade Staff
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Patrice Altenhofen
President
503.585.4320
Patrice was appointed President of Cascade Employers Association in fall of 2006 and leads the Association's team in providing collaborative, responsive, and solution-oriented services. Prior to becoming President, Patrice served as General Counsel and Director of Human Resource Development Services. Patrice joined Cascade in 1995 after completing Willamette University's Joint Degree program, earning her Law Degree and Master of Business Administration. 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 also serves as a Director on the following Boards: Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Mid-Willamette Valley; Habitat for Humanity, Mid-Willamette Valley; Enterprise for Employment & Education; and Salem Art Association. Patrice is an Oregon native.
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Becky Beggs
Pay and Survey Services Manager
503.485.5942
Becky joined Cascade in July of 2008 to manage the growing market survey and payroll services functions. Prior to becoming part of the Cascade team, Becky worked for eight years in the Financial Aid department at Chemeketa Community College in Salem. Becky has earned an Associate of Applied Science in Business and is currently working towards a Bachelors of Business Administration at Eastern Oregon University.
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Angela Bergerson
Training & Media Specialist
503.485.5930
Angela joined the staff in 2005, performing administrative duties for the Association's professional staff. 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. Her knowledge of various computer applications is an asset when it comes to preparing the Association's vast array of training program materials and marketing collateral.
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Jocelyn Billings
Training Coordinator
503.485.5937
Jocelyn joined Cascade as Training Coordinator in 2007. While supporting public workshops and in-house training, she helps employers determine what support they need for learning and coaching, and how to arrange it. She also maintains the Association's video library of over 100 selections on management, customer service, team-building, and safety topics. Jocelyn's experience includes roles as an insurance representative, a crew supervisor, an HR supervisor, and a customer service representative. In 2008, Jocelyn earned her certificate in HR leadership through Cascade's Human Resource Leadership Certificate Program.
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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.
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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 30 years to this field while specializing in the compensation area. He has conducted wage and salary surveys for numerous industry groups and served as a participant and chairperson on user steering committees for national, regional, and local surveys. In addition to market surveys, Jerry provides specialized compensation support to Members (e.g., job descriptions, job evaluation, pay ranges, competitive assessments, pay policies, performance management, etc.), and helps to align pay practices with business results. Jerry's experience in pay plan design and performance management, coupled with exposure to diverse businesses, enables him to tailor pay strategies and programs to specific Member needs (e.g., traditional pay structures, skill based pay, broad banding, team/individual incentives, etc.). He began his career conducting surveys for an employers association similar to Cascade and progressed to roles in compensation management, human resource management, and consulting. These positions have provided him diversified industry experience (e.g., insurance, banking, automotive, warehousing, manufacturing, environmental, volunteer, etc.), and included companies of all sizes with operations throughout the nation. 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.
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Lindsay Childers, SPHR
Human Resource and Compensation Consultant
503.485.9342
Lindsay joined Cascade in May of 2007 as a Human Resource and Compensation Consultant. Having started her career in the IT consulting industry, she brings ten years of HR experience, including roles as Compensation Manager for Comcast Cable and Employee Relations Manager for FedEx Ground. Lindsay holds a Master of Science Degree in Management from Oregon Graduate Institute, along with Bachelors Degrees in Economics and Math. She is also certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) by the Human Resource Certification Institute. As a consultant for Cascade, Lindsay works in the areas of human resource program assessment, handbook review and development, job description development, training, and compensation. She also provides on-site support for specific projects or when an interim HR manager is needed to fill a vacancy.
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Glen Fahs, Ph.D.
Director, Training & Organization Development
503.485.5927
Glen is a trainer, coach, and change agent, using training and involvement processes as ways to build skills and commitment. He also mediates disputes and coaches executives. Glen joined the Association's professional staff in 1995. He earned an M.A. in Organizational Communication and Education from San Francisco State University and a Ph.D. in Adult Education and Organization Development from the University of Michigan. As the statewide training coordinator for the State of Oregon for seven years, Glen developed the award-winning Management Core Curriculum while also managing statewide charitable giving, EAP, and awards programs. He has taught management classes for a dozen colleges and universities. He was the President of the Oregon Ethics Commons and served the American Society for Training and Development as Chapter President and Regional Officer and was Vice President for Willamette West Habitat for Humanity. Glen is certified in Cascade's highly successful Learning to Lead program from AchieveGlobal, as well as DDI's Getting Business Results and Interactive Management, Leadership Tactics and Strategies. He is a regular presenter for workshops on the topics of performance management, communication skills, and having fun at work and is particularly skilled at customizing programs for employers.
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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.
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Sue Fischer, MSM, SPHR
Compensation Services Manager
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 currently teaches Strategic Human Resource Management in the MBA program for Concordia University and has taught 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.
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Tina Hamel
Pay and Benefits Service 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 a graduate of Western Oregon University where she received a Bachelors degree in Sociology.
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Jason Jarred, PHR
Human Resource Consultant
503.485.9341
Jason joined Cascade’s Human Resource Development Team in 2008 as a Human Resource Consultant. Before joining Cascade, Jason worked in both Employment and Employee Relations at Spirit Mountain Casino where he developed a strong customer service focus and strengthened his human resource knowledge and expertise in order to best serve the needs of a diverse organization. Jason earned an MBA from the Atkinson Graduate School of Management at Willamette University as well as a Bachelor’s degree in the Social Sciences from Western Oregon University. Jason has also received the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute. As a consultant for Cascade, Jason works to help Members address HR issues in areas including recruitment, selection and retention, human resource program assessments, handbook development, job description development, and training.
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Paul Johnson
Labor Relations Manager
503.485.9340
Paul joined Cascade's staff in January, 2007, as Labor Relations Manager. He brings over 30 years experience in labor contract negotiations, arbitration, grievance processing, wage and hour, and supervisor training. He has negotiated in a variety of industries, including: retail, wholesale, transportation, warehousing, manufacturing, and processing. Workplace mediations and labor negotiations are his areas of specialty. Paul served as State Mediator for three years and has previously worked for NW Food Employers Association and Arizona Employers Council, representing both large and small employers in labor relations throughout Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and other states.
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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.
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Carey Klosterman, PHR
Compensation Analyst
503.485.5938
Carey joined the Cascade staff in December 2000 as a Compensation Analyst. She comes to us with a degree in Psychology from Western Oregon University, where her studies focused on assessment and analysis. Prior to coming to Cascade, she worked in the mortgage industry utilizing her customer service and mathematical skills. As a compensation analyst, she conducts various surveys, analyzes survey results, and assists members with questions regarding compensation practices and other human resource related issues. Carey has received the Professional in Human Resource (PHR) certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sue Rich
Human Resource Consultant
503.485.5934
Sue joined Cascade's Human Resource Development Team in 2004 as Human Resource Consultant. She brings over 15 years of employee relations experience in the manufacturing and construction industries as an HR Generalist. She has a broad range of knowledge in the areas of human resource management, including policy development, compliance, and supervisory coaching. As a consultant for Cascade, Sue provides practical solutions to HR issues in areas including human resource program assessments, handbook development, job description development, and recruitment and selection. Sue also works with employers to provide on-site support for specific projects or when an interim HR manager is needed to fill a vacancy. She is an Oregon native, a graduate of Salem Business College, and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Lane Witt
Director, Information Services
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.
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