MEET THE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS TEAM

Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association's Government Affairs team consists of a group of professionals dedicated to promoting and protecting the food service and lodging industry. Whether it is in Washington, DC at the Nation's Capitol, in Salem at the State Capitol, in City Halls across the state or in never-ending state agency and regulatory meetings... the Government Affairs team is always working on behalf of the hospitality industry in Oregon!

Jason Brandt, ORLA
President & CEO
Jason Brandt’s expertise revolves around association management and government affairs work at the state and local levels. His vision for the hospitality industry is to continue to build upon the significant tourism growth Oregon has seen over the past decade by helping lead advocacy, communication, and education efforts for restaurants and lodging establishments. Prior to joining ORLA as President & CEO in 2015, Jason served as the CEO of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Communication from Pacific Lutheran University. He received a post-graduate certification in Nonprofit Organizational Management from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute Program.

Greg Astley, ORLA
Director of Government Affairs
Greg came to the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association with almost twenty years of experience in media, marketing, strategic communications, association management and political consulting. He has established a proven track record of results that will benefit ORLA for years to come. In partnership with our government affairs team and chief lobbyist, Greg works to strengthen the prominence of ORLA’s advocacy program and foster broader engagement of both restaurant and lodging members on local, regional, statewide, and federal hospitality issues.

Makenzie  Marineau, ORLA
Government Affairs and Regional Leadership Teams Coordinator
Makenzie comes with great experience in the non-profit world along with government relations, communication, and volunteer engagement skills. Along with her government affairs expertise she has years of experience working within the hospitality industry in Oregon. In her role, she will be helping the association and its members achieve success through the development and ongoing oversight of regional groups of restaurants and lodging operators as well as programs to benefit the hospitality industry. Makenzie will serve as the lead government affairs staff member in the Portland Metro region and will provide administrative support for regional leadership teams outside of the region.

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​Aidan Earls, ORLA
Executive Coordinator, Government Affairs
Aidan brings a fresh perspective and a strong dedication to his new role. With a background rooted in exceptional customer service and a passion for efficiency, Aidan’s expertise lies in delivering outstanding results with a focus on speed and quality. Recently graduating from OSU with a degree in Political Science, Aidan's academic foundation provides a strong basis for his future endeavors in the hospitality industry. In his position, Aidan will collaborate closely with the Government Affairs team to track industry-related matters and provide up-to-date information to ORLA members.

Bill Perry, Balance Point Strategies
Contract Lobbyist
Bill has been involved in the Oregon legislative and political system since 1989. From his earliest post as a legislative intern for then State Representative and now Former Congressman Greg Walden to his nearly 19 years with ORLA, Bill’s experience includes interaction with all levels of government. He negotiates deals like no one else in the Capitol and is successful because he builds genuine relationships with people, stands behind his word, and advocates for common sense solutions. Bill’s affiliation with ORLA provides him insider’s access to participate in campaign strategy development, agency advocacy, and the legislative process.

INDUSTRY LEADERS

Treva Gambs, Gamberetti's Italian Restaurant (Salem, Albany)
ORLA Government Affairs Committee Co-Chair
Treva is the owner/operator of three restaurants in the Willamette Valley, Gamberetti's in Salem and Albany, and G3 Pizzas & Burgers in Aumsville. Treva has been an active member of ORLA since 2010 engaging on many issues that have impacted her business and affected Oregon's hospitality industry. She has also stepped up to testify on bills in front of the Legislature, serving as a fearless advocate for restaurants across the state. Treva served on the ORLA Board of Directors from 2015-2021, finishing her term this past September. She brings a critical perspective to issues impacting the restaurant and hospitality industry and will play a vital role as Co-Chair of the Government Affairs Committee.

Komal (Tina) Patel, ALKO Hotels (Eugene)
ORLA Government Affairs Committee Co-Chair
Komal "Tina"  Patel is a highly respected and prominent figure in the community, known for her leadership and contributions to the hospitality industry. As the Managing Partner of ALKO Hotels in Eugene, Tina brings over 28 years of experience and expertise to her role. Her dedication to the community is evident in her involvement as the ORLA Government Affairs Committee Co-Chair, as well as serving on the ORLA Board of Directors. Tina has also held several leadership positions in the industry, including the role of Northwest Regional Director for AAHOA, and Woman Director at Large for the Western Division. She also serves on the Travel Lane County Board. Tina is actively involved socially, professionally, and politically with AAHOA and the Asian/Indian community.