Jill Arens

Jill Arens, Executive Director

Jill Arens began her work as Executive Director of the Columbia River Gorge Commission in September of 2006. She has broad and extensive professional experience in non-profit and for-profit organizations. Recognized as an accomplished leader, strategist, team-builder, and presenter, she has been consistently recognized for high quality performance and a strong commitment to customer service. Prior experience includes North American Business Analyst for a large international company, member of a 24-person invitation-only team for the U.S. Department of Education ("excellence in Education"), Assistant Dean of Finances at Oregon Medical School, program developer for a joint venture with Center for Disease Control (CDC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), gifted education curriculum development, and sub-project lead for creation of an integrated , web-based financial system for a 5-campus Big Ten university with an annual budget of $2.2 billion.

Jill grew up in Hood River, Oregon, and has lived on both coasts and in the Midwest. She graduated with honors from Stanford University and received a Masters in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island.