Meet the Western States Center team
Based in Portland, Oregon since 1987, Western States Center staff, board and fellows work from across the region and the country.
Amy Herzfeld-Copple,
Executive Director
“Amy’s leadership during the past few years of incredible political and societal turmoil has been a beacon. Amy has a clear vision for the next chapter of the organization, and we look forward to her advancing Western States Center’s mission.”
Mariotta Gary-Smith,
Western States Center, Board Chair
Personal story:
How we defend democracy
“At a moment when the crisis of extremism is clear, here are few organizations that have as
direct an impact. Western States Center not only provides a vital moral voice – it does the hard
work of movement building that is central to the fight for justice.”
Amy Spitalnick,
CEO, Jewish Council for Public Affairs
Senior Fellows
Jessica Acee
Educator, trainer and program developer
Wajahat Ali
Author, speaker, consultant, and columnist at The Daily Beast
Diana Lachiondo
Civic leader strengthening inclusive democracy in Idaho
Nora Flanagan
English Teacher, speaker, researcher, and organizer