Leadership
Sam Chase (he/him), Director
Sam is the Director for the Office of Government Relations. Previously, Sam served as an elected member on Metro Council, Chief of Staff to former Commissioner Nick Fish, and as an executive director for housing and health nonprofits. Sam has worked as an advocate to address poverty and create inclusive communities with living-wage jobs, affordable housing, homeless services, and environmental protections. He enjoys flyfishing, hiking, camping, and most of all spending time with his very busy, blended family of six.
Nils Tillstrom (he/him), Deputy Director & Regional Liaison
nils.tillstrom@portlandoregon.gov
Nils is the Deputy Director and Regional Liaison for the Office of Government Relations (OGR). Prior to joining the office, he spent six years working on Capitol Hill in Oregon’s congressional delegation. Nils is most excited to be working with smart, energetic colleagues in OGR and across the City on issues related to Portland’s most vital priorities. When he is not working, Nils enjoys being outdoors with his wife and daughter.
International Relations
Chido Dhliwayo (she/her), International Relations Director
chido.dhliwayo@portlandoregon.gov
Chido joined the Office of Government Relations as a Hatfield Fellow and now, as International Relations Director, she serves as the City’s conduit to Portland’s local-international community. As International Relations Director, she helps to ensure the City of Portland is poised to capitalize on opportunities for existing and new international partnerships around culture, business, education, policy objectives, as well as Portland’s sister city relationships. Chido was born and raised in Zimbabwe and couldn’t be happier to contribute in helping to make Portland a more welcoming international city for all.
Tribal Relations
Inquiries regarding Tribal Relations, please contact Director Sam Chase at Sam.Chase@portlandoregon.gov.
Federal Relations
Jack Arriaga (he/him), Federal Government Relations Manager
jack.arriaga@portlandoregon.gov
Jack is the Federal Government Relations Manager for the Office of Government Relations (OGR). Prior to joining the OGR, Jack worked in Washington, D.C. as a senior aide within Oregon's congressional delegation. As the City's primary liaison to our federal representatives, he enjoys finding creative ways to make the important work happening in our nation's capital feel a little closer to home. Jack has a broad range of political, campaign, and policy experience that includes health care, housing, immigration, and technology issues. Having grown up in Oregon, Jack attended Gonzaga University where he majored in Political Science.
State Relations
Evyn Mitchell (she/her), State Government Relations Manager
evyn.mitchell@portlandoregon.gov
Evyn is the State Government Relations Manager for the Office of Government Relations. She brings a background in collaborative process, advocacy and campaign and nonprofit fundraising and management. Her experience includes leading public affairs for a suite of special districts, collaborative problem-solving and advocacy on behalf of Oregon’s counties, and running congressional, statewide, municipal, and ballot measure campaigns in Oregon. At home, Evyn can be found playing with her toddler, working in the garden, enjoying live music, and snuggling with her ancient cat and matching ten-pound dog
Derek Bradley (he/him), State Lobbyist
derek.m.bradley@portlandoregon…
Derek is the State Lobbyist for the Office of Government Relations (OGR). Prior to joining OGR, he served for four years working with former Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty first as her Policy Director and then as her Chief of Staff. He has previous government experience working as a clerk for a Multnomah County Judge as well as a Legislative Assistant for a State Representative. He has a BA in Political Science from Reed College and a JD from Lewis and Clark Law School with a focus in environmental law. In his free time Derek enjoys going to the gym, adventures with friends, and exploring Portland’s food scene.
Emily Pfeiffer (she/her), State Associate
Emily is the State Associate for the Office of Government Relations (OGR) and is passionate about making Portland a better city for all. She brings a background in campaign management and legislative work. Prior to joining OGR, Emily worked as the Finance Director and Operations Director for Future PAC and has worked for multiple State Representatives, including Representative Rob Nosse. Outside of the office, Emily loves reading, enjoying live music, and cuddling with her cat, Blanche.
Administrative Team
Susan Dietz (she/her), Business Operations Manager
susan.dietz@portlandoregon.gov
Susan is the Business Operations Manager for the Office of Government Relations. As part of the administrative team, she supports budgeting, financial management, human resource matters and other operational functions. Susan is driven by upholding the City’s Core Values, and focusing on fiscal responsibility. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing. Her interests include spending time in the kitchen and being with family and friends.
Mila Greisen (she/her), Executive Assistant
mila.greisen@portlandoregon.gov
Mila serves as the Executive Assistant for the Office of Government Relations (OGR). She manages the Director’s calendar, Public Records Requests, the office’s Continuity of Operations Plan and provides administrative support to the OGR team. Mila focuses on making systems work efficiently. She is a graduate of Portland State University and has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. In her free time she likes to travel the world and explore trails around the Portland Metro region.