John Chang, Executive Director

At YEBW: John oversees YEBW operations and programs. He also focuses on growth strategies, community partnerships and staff development. As an advocate for youth education and equity, John believes all students should have the opportunity to experience YEBW.

After Hours: Like many native Oregonians, John bleeds rain and coffee… In his down time, John cherishes time with his family; married to CJ for 15 years, the two enjoy chasing their three kids Lillian, Levi and Miles around their home. Through Neighborhood House, HomePlate, Safe Families, Friends of Children and other organizations, he also mentors students and advocates for health clinics for vulnerable families in Oregon.

Background: Previously the Director of Operations and Finance for Social Venture Partners, John has extensive experience building thriving programs for Oregon-based businesses and nonprofits. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Labor Economics from University of Oregon and Accounting credentials from Portland State University. He is also a proud Wilson High School Alumni.

Troy Coady, Program Director

At YEBW: Troy manages planning, delivery, and evaluation of YEBW programs, while developing and executing marketing strategies and facilitating volunteer committees, such as the Program Advisory Board and Curriculum Committee. He also works with student registration and recruitment for summer programs.

After Hours: Troy spends the majority of his time away from YEBW coaching basketball at La Salle Prep in Clackamas, Oregon. He also enjoys traveling, reading, playing tennis, and spending time with his friends and family. His favorite TV shows include Law & Order, Modern Family, and Seinfeld.

Background: Troy graduated from La Salle Prep in Clackamas, Oregon, and acquired his B.S. from the University of Portland. During college, Troy started and maintained an event filming business for four years. Currently, he coaches basketball at La Salle Prep in Clackamas, Oregon.

Kyle Kavas, Volunteer and Communications Manager

At YEBW: Kyle’s focus is volunteer engagement, community outreach and communications. As a public relations entrepreneur, she has been involved with the program since 2011—volunteering as a Business Judge, Mock Interviewer and Company Advisor. She is passionate about the mission to build the next generation of business leaders and joined the YEBW team in January 2016.

After Hours: Outside of work, Kyle enjoys spending time with friends and family. Other interests include traveling, writing, watching movies and doing yoga. One of her favorite activities is walking her dog Cooper. She also appreciates good coffee and tea.

Background: Professionally, Kyle has served as the owner of Oregon Public Relations, the interim Public Relations Manager at Oregon Public Broadcasting and Oregon Public Relations Manager at Better Business Bureau. Kyle holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration, with a focus in Integrated Marketing, from Alliant International University in San Diego, Calif. Originally from Oregon, she graduated from West Linn High School.

Board of Directors

Jeff Gaus
Chairman of the Board
Prolifiq Software
Nick Fisher
Past Chairman of the Board
Pilot Wealth Management
Jason Lesh
Secretary
Pilot Wealth Management
Brett Greene
Treasurer
Portland General Electric
Denise Sunseri
Private Investor
Taylor Gentry
Endeavour Capital
John Gilleland
Campbell Global
Murali Nallakrishnan
Seven Continents Holdings, LLC.
Dan O’Leary
Geffen Mesher & Co.
Michael Seropian
SimHealth Group
Chad Summers
AKT CPAs, Advisors, and Consultants
Joseph Smith
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Betsy Earls
Associated Oregon Industries


Advisory Council

Robin Anderson
Dean, Pamplin School of Business
University of Portland
Jim Berchtold
Retired, Senior Vice President
US Bank
Rob Cornilles
Vice President, ESCO
President & Founder, Game Face, Inc.
Brad H. Houle
Senior Vice President
Ferguson Wellman Capital Management
Ward Hubbell
President, Hubbell Communications
John Hull
Executive Director - Business Innovation Institute, University of Oregon; Asst. Dean, Lundquist College of Business
Denise Jones
President
La Salle Catholic College Preparatory
Mike Kehoe
President
Kehoe Investments.
Ilene Kleinsorge
Dean, College of Business
Oregon State University
Kathy LeVee
Vice President Operations
Marquis Companies
Monica Nyman
Co-owner
foodguys & Nyman Worldwide Enterprises
Dave Preston
Chief Operating Officer
VEFXi
Peter Rachor
Franz Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
University of Portland
Greg Roderick
Chief Executive Officer
Frontier Management
Sam Tannahill
Founder
A to Z Wineworks & Rex Hill