Director of Operations
Katie Christensen joined OBI in 2006 and manages the database for all areas of the organization as well as the day-to-day operations of the building. She enjoys the dynamic nature of her job. Katie has a bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. An avid outdoorswoman, Katie enjoys white water rafting, running and camping.
Finance Support Specialist
Kelly Comm joined OBI in 2017 and supports all accounts payable and receivable functions and processes. She assists the chief financial officer with special projects and is a notary public. Kelly previously worked as an executive administrative assistant and client service manager for Blue Water Wealth, a financial planning and coordinated asset management team. Kelly appreciates the variety of landscapes and weather in Oregon. She has a passion for horses and enjoys hiking and wine tasting.
Project Manager
Kelsie joined OBI in 2026 as a project manager. Before joining OBI, Kelsie worked for several years at the University of Oregon, supporting executive level teams in communications, academic affairs, government affairs and the Portland campus.
Communications Director
Erik Lukens has been communications director since 2022. Before joining OBI, Erik worked for more than two decades as a journalist in New Jersey and Oregon, serving as editorial page editor and editor in chief for The Bulletin in Bend and editorial and commentary editor for The Oregonian. Erik also served as vice president for business solutions for GL Solutions, which develops database software for occupational licensing agencies. Erik has a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Cornell University and a doctorate in English literature from Princeton University.
Vice President of External Affairs
As vice president of external affairs for Oregon Business & Industry, Preston leads strategic and coalition-building efforts that support OBI’s mission to foster a healthy and competitive economy. He brings deep expertise in political and policy advocacy, communications, and strategic partnerships—tools he has used to advance pro-business initiatives and amplify the voice of Oregon’s private sector. Over the course of his career, Preston has developed and implemented strategic initiatives for businesses, trade associations, political candidates and causes, and elected officials. His collaborative approach and strategic mindset have made him a trusted partner to organizations seeking to navigate the intersection of government and business. Preston is a graduate of George Fox University.
Senior Policy Director
Sharla Moffett leads OBI’s work on energy, environment, natural resources and, with Duke Shepard, infrastructure policy. She has extensive experience in managing natural resource policy issues at the local, state and federal levels, having worked for industry trade associations, the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture. Sharla is a proud fourth generation Oregonian and an Oregon State University alumna.
Operations and Member Relations Assistant
Megan Rodriguez supports OBI’s operations and member relations teams. She comes to OBI with several years of experience providing administrative and operational support to cross-functional teams.
Megan is an Oregon State University alumna, a sports enthusiast and enjoys spending time with her family.
Policy Director and Counsel
Derek Sangston oversees tax/fiscal, retail and recycling policy. Derek comes to OBI after several years of experience in the Oregon Legislature, where he served as legislative director to Senate President Peter Courtney and, prior to that, as a legislative aide for Sen. Mark Hass. Derek has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southern Methodist University and a law degree from the University of Oregon.
Administrative Assistant and Board Liaison
Alexis Shaffer joined OBI in 2026 and serves as administrative assistant and board liaison. She brings several years of administrative experience across various departments in multiple offices. In her free time, she enjoys caring for animals, making art and watching a good movie.
Senior Policy Director
Duke Shepard brings a unique range of experience to OBI, where he manages manufacturing policy and, with Sharla Moffett, infrastructure policy. Most recently serving as deputy commissioner of the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, he also has served as deputy director of the Center for Evidenced-Based Policy at OHSU, policy advisor to former Gov. John Kitzhaber and legislative and political director for the Oregon AFL-CIO. His economic development experience includes managing and negotiating tax abatement agreements with the semiconductor industry and developing a regional economic development plan for the Portland Business Alliance. He is a graduate of the University of Oregon.
Policy and Program Manager
Ryan joined OBI in 2025 and manages health care, education and workforce policy. Ryan most recently served as legislative director to Oregon House Republican Leader Christine Drazan. Previously, he worked for Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer and for former Oregon House Republican Leaders Jeff Helfrich and Vikki Breese-Iverson. Ryan has a bachelor’s degree in economics and history from Oregon State University. In his spare time, he enjoys hanging out with his dog and playing music. He serves as a reservist in the U.S. Coast Guard.
President and CEO
Angela Wilhelms has been president and CEO since September 2021. Before joining OBI, Angela held several roles focused on public policy, organizational governance, communications and strategic planning. Her work spans manufacturing, higher education, Capitol Hill and the Oregon Legislature. In the Oregon House of Representatives, she served as chief of staff in the House Minority Office and the House Co-Speakers’ Office helping advise lawmakers on a diverse portfolio of policy, budget and legislative management issues. Angela has a degree in finance from Santa Clara University and both a JD and MBA from Willamette University. She serves on the boards for Sport Oregon, the Oregon State Capitol Foundation and Common Sense Institute Oregon and is an emeritus member of the SMART Reading board. In her spare time, Angela loves to explore Oregon, and she is a certified official with USA Track & Field.
Policy Director
Scott Winkels joined OBI in 2026 as a policy director focusing on employment, labor and benefits-related issues. Scott has served communities across Oregon for nearly 20 years as an intergovernmental affairs associate for the League of Oregon Cities. He also served on the staff of Sen. Ron Wyden and is a graduate of Western Oregon State College.
Member Relations Manager
Patti Winter has served in many ways since joining OBI more than a decade ago, from greeting visitors at the front desk of the Portland office to helping with human resources. She currently plays a major role in event planning while working to retain members. Previously, Patti worked in alumni relations at Central Catholic High School.