Meet the Team

Lisa Freeman, Chief of Staff

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Lisa (she/her) is Councilor Kanal’s Chief of Staff and comes to the role with 20 years of public service. Prior to joining the Councilor’s Office, she worked with him at the City’s Community Safety Division, where she led efforts to support and expand unarmed community response and violence prevention programs in the wake of Portland’s gun violence emergency from 2022-2023. 

Her previous experience was focused internationally and included over 10 years with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where she worked in over a dozen countries, including Afghanistan, Syria, and Nigeria, to support democratic government transitions, fight authoritarianism and fascism, and counter violent extremism. She also served in the Peace Corps in the Kyrgyz Republic, where she taught English to middle and high school students. Lisa has an MA in International Peace & Conflict Resolution and a BA in Political Science & Intercultural Studies. She lives in Multnomah Village with her partner and two stepchildren, and they all love Portland and never want to leave.

Jacq Tjaden, Senior Policy & Outreach Advisor

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Jacq is a dedicated public servant and policy advocate. A proud descendant of immigrants and refugee grandparents, Jacq brings a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. For over 15 years, Jacq has worked to elevate the voices of historically excluded and underrepresented communities through community-led advocacy.

Believing that good governance starts with authentic representation, Jacq’s career has been dedicated to ensuring diverse perspectives help shape planning and policy. Jacq’s experience spans essential public services—from garbage and recycling to sustainability, drinking water, stormwater, and emergency services with 9-1-1.

Over time, Jacq moved from frontline worker to a strategic leader focused on political organizing and policy reform, shifting from outreach to create lasting, community-driven change. A graduate of Portland State University, Jacq recharges by spending time in Oregon’s natural landscapes.

Shaniqua Henry-Davis, Senior Communications & Policy Advisor

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Shaniqua leads communications and Climate & Land Use policy for Councilor Kanal and served as the Communications Director on his campaign. She previously worked for a New York-based public affairs firm leading content and earned and paid media campaigns for labor unions, health coverage enrollment, criminal justice reform, cannabis legalization, disability services funding and more. She also worked in communications for an education-focused nonprofit. Prior to her work in communications, she worked in film and television production.

Shaniqua attended the University of Oregon and New York University. She lives in Kerns and loves supporting Portland's outstanding food and beverage establishments.