Council President Jamie Dunphy (he/him)
Jamie Dunphy is a seasoned public policy professional with 14 years of experience navigating complex governmental systems to deliver real results. He has served in key roles, including five years with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and another five years as Senior Policy Director for former Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish. His deep understanding of Portland’s governance has enabled him to drive meaningful change at both the policy and community levels.
Jamie’s commitment to public service began while studying at Portland Community College and Portland State University, where he majored in Political Science. During that time, he worked in the David Douglas School District on gang prevention and crime reduction at the newly opened Ron Russell Middle School. His passion for policy led him to an internship with Senator Jeff Merkley’s office, where he was later hired to advocate for Social Security benefits, foreclosure prevention, veterans’ food assistance, and expanded access to Pell Grants for students with Modified Diplomas.
Though he initially thought his time in public service had come to a close, Jamie saw a unique opportunity to help revitalize Portland under its new form of government. He believes that in times of crisis, bold leadership is essential to enact transformative change—and he is ready to help restore and strengthen the city he loves.
Jacque Dixon (she/her) Interim Chief of Staff
Madeline West (she/her) Chief of Staff
Madeline West is a dedicated community organizer, advocate and campaign strategist with a long history of community organizing and activism. Madeline brings extensive experience in electoral politics, policy advocacy, and grassroots mobilization to City Hall. She joins this role from her position as Development Director at Next Up, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people in Oregon's democracy.
Madeline's journey into activism began in her youth and was re-ignited in 2016 by the Black Lives Matter and Standing Rock Movements. After these life-changing experiences, she became a core organizer for divestment and public banking initiatives in Los Angeles and Oregon, employing direct action, lobbying, and the legislative processes to promote financial systems that serve the public interest.
Madeline's work in political campaigns spans multiple levels of government, from local city council races to presidential campaigns. With a background in communication, political science, and theatre from Northwestern University, Madeline excels at crafting compelling narratives, mobilizing communities, and implementing strategic initiatives that center people-first policies. In her role at City Hall, she is committed to ensuring Portlanders' voices are heard in government and strengthening collaboration between community members, policy experts, elected officials, and grassroots movements.
Eva Stanganelli (she/her) District 1 Administrative Specialist
Eva Stanganelli is a Licensed Master Social Worker who utilizes relationship building to work towards systemic change. She has spent the last five years working in direct service with low-income families. Most recently, Eva served as the Advocacy Director at Rose Haven Day Shelter and Community Center where she led program development and crisis intervention for unhoused women and children. On the District 1 Team, Eva provides schedule coordination, constituent support, and resource navigation.
Outside of work, Eva is a big crafter and loves to work with embroidery and felt. She also enjoys going on bike rides and playing with her cat.
Eben Hoffer (he/him) Policy Advisor
Eben Joondeph Hoffer is a Portland native and PPS graduate. Eben is a founding member of the Music Policy Council, former board chair of Music Oregon, and former policy lead for the Mental Health Association of Portland. A working artist since 2010, Eben's path has included roles as Production Manager for esperanza spalding, Technical Director of Live Wire Radio, Technical Director of The Old Church, Teaching Artist for Friends of Noise, and Audio/Exhibitions Supervisor for The Kitchen in NYC. He is proud to have co-recorded esperanza spalding's GRAMMY-winning record Songwrights Apothecary Lab, and to have won two BESSIE NY Dance and Performance awards for his designs with Advanced Beginner Group and Royal Osiris Karaoke Ensemble.
Emma Jenson (she/they) Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
Emma is a musician, organizer, and civic engagement professional with nearly a decade of experience in voter education, field organizing, and legislative advocacy. She has worked on electoral campaigns and policy initiatives, including serving as Parliamentarian for the California Democratic Party's Progressive Caucus and as Field Director for the Portland Association of Teachers' Schoolboard Slate.
Her background combines community-based volunteer activism, direct field outreach, and legislative work, all aimed at increasing accessibility to civic participation and empowering voters. Emma is passionate about building stronger connections between residents and government and leveraging her skills to ensure more voices are heard in the civic process.
We are grateful for the dedication of our team and believe these refinements will help us deliver excellent service to the community while ensuring clear and responsive communication and a unified team.
Luci Moody (she/they) Communications & Outreach Aide
Luci Moody (she/they) brings five years of administrative healthcare experience to her growing work in public service and advocacy. Before changing careers, she served as a Utilization Review Lead and led a 12-person team through a corporate restructure while managing insurance authorizations for up to 100 patients. Her work focused on resolving complex mental health and substance use disorder authorizations, where she applied strategic knowledge of healthcare law to overturn unwarranted denials.
In 2025, they transitioned into legislative work through interning with State Senator Kathleen Taylor. Grounded in lived experience and driven by a deep commitment to equity, Luci is passionate about building more inclusive, transparent, and responsive systems within the city.
Ava Atwood (she/her) Policy Research Aide
