After joining OTRADI and OBI in 2017, Ellis was promoted to assistant director in early 2019. She assumed the role of executive director for the organization in June 2020.

In her role, Heather manages and oversees all of OBI and OTRADI operations and spearheads OBI’s newest initiatives. She currently serves on the Portland Innovation Quadrant Board of Directors. 

Ms. Ellis graduated from Portland State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree with minors in Business and Communications.

Ms. Valdez joined OBI-OTRADI in January 2021. In her role, Hazel is responsible for recruiting new OBI client companies, attracting VC and Angel investors, conducting outreach to leverage strategic partnerships with corporate and other partners to diversify funding for OBI, and leading overarching partnership strategies while promoting OBI’s vision.

Ms. Valdez brings a unique professional background of project management, marketing, tech, government and non-profit experience to OBI. She received her bachelor’s degree from Le Cordon Bleu in Culinary Management, has a bachelor’s degree from UC Irvine in English, is currently a USA Boxing Official and part of the OR State Athletic Commission as an Inspector.

Ms. Thompson is an administrator with years of experience providing associations and businesses with managerial support. Before joining OTRADI, Ms. Thompson was an executive assistant at a number of large organizations, including Newsweek magazine and the City Club of San Francisco.

Ms. Miller joined the OBI in January 2020. As Program Director, Rene implements and markets community and client programs and events. Her background includes clinical laboratory experience and small business ownership. As a longtime Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce participant, she enjoys supporting and encouraging business growth and development.

Ms. Miller holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Business from Portland State University and Clinical Laboratory Science from Oregon Health & Science University/Oregon Institute of Technology, and a Master of Science in Nutrition from University of Western States. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Celiac Portland, a non-profit organization.

Sarah joined OTRADI in July of 2021. She is a seasoned office specialist with over a decade of administrative experience. In her role, Sarah helps facilitate the everyday administrativia of the office and is the point person for OBI client companies.

Having a background as a technical writer and a passion for nonprofit and social justice work, Sarah served as a committee head and then Board Director of Communications for Pride Northwest, the nonprofit organization that plans and implements the Portland LGBTQ+ Pride Festival and Parade, until 2017.

In her personal time, Sarah is an avid crafter, permaculture gardener, home cook, and true crime fanatic.

The OBI has two Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs), Bill Newman and Gordon Hoffman. Both have extensive entrepreneurial and venture capital backgrounds. They assist and coach OBI client companies and, through their BioMentor role, other emerging Oregon bioscience startups throughout the state of Oregon. Their areas of expertise include business formation, financing options, investor presentation reviews, business strategy, business model development, corporate development and governance, M&A, strategic partnerships, and both general and bioscience-specific business issues. The EIRs have an onsite office and work with OBI client companies regularly.

The OBI has two Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs), Bill Newman and Gordon Hoffman. Both have extensive entrepreneurial and venture capital backgrounds. They assist and coach OBI client companies and, through their BioMentor role, other emerging Oregon bioscience startups throughout the state of Oregon. Their areas of expertise include business formation, financing options, investor presentation reviews, business strategy, business model development, corporate development and governance, M&A, strategic partnerships, and both general and bioscience-specific business issues. The EIRs have an onsite office and work with OBI client companies regularly.