Leadership

Michelle Waddell, Chair

CONTROLLER, CENTRAL CITY CONCERN

Michelle is a seasoned financial leader with a diverse and accomplished career spanning various industries. With expertise as a CFO and VP of Finance, she has effectively managed finance and accounting departments in manufacturing, distribution, medical devices, construction, and non-profit organizations. Michelle’s professional journey has taken her across both domestic and international arenas, working with companies ranging in size from $20M to over $150M.  Currently serving as the Controller for Central City Concern, Michelle provides financial leadership across healthcare, housing, and employment sectors. Her passion lies in joining companies experiencing robust growth, where she not only contributes to financial strategies but also spearheads operational and process improvements.  Beyond her employment work, Michelle is dedicated to giving back to the community. She generously supports smaller community-based non-profits, offering her extensive finance and treasury expertise. Michelle’s volunteer work has included organizations such as the Oregon MS Society, Construction Financial Management Association, and Breast Friends of Oregon.  Michelle has been married for 32 years and enjoys travel and spending quality time with family and friends.

Jahed Sukhun, Vice Chair

PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY (INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY), RETIRED

Jahed was born in Palestine and grew up in Kuwait, moving to the United States in 1980 to pursue his education. He holds a degree in Computer Information Systems and a minor in Business Administration from Idaho State University. Jahed worked at Portland State University and Oregon Food Bank managing different IT departments. He also worked at the Muslim Educational Trust as its Chief Operating Officer. After working 35 years, he decided to retire in April 2022 and help where he could. Throughout the years, he has  volunteered and continues to volunteer on different boards and committees ranging between governmental, equity and inclusion in the schools, and social justice issues. He enjoys meeting new people and learning about other cultures. In addition, he is a fan of travel, wood working and spending time with his 5 children and 9 grandchildren.

Kascadare Causeya, Secretary

PROGRAM MANAGER, CENTRAL CITY CONCERN

Kascadare helps vulnerable populations navigate the confusing maze of disability benefits as program manager of the Benefits and Entitlements Specialist Team (BEST) at Central City Concern and co-coordinator of the Medicaid Outreach and Enrollment Team. His benefits expertise has led to speaking engagements at a number of conferences, including the National Healthcare for the Homeless (HCH) Conference. Kascadare holds an MBA from Aspen University and a BA from the University of Washington, where he won a PAC-8 and Rose Bowl Championship as a member of the 1977 Huskies football team.

Dillon Borton

VP, SENIOR BUSINESS BANKING RELATIONSHIP MANAGER, KEY BANK

Dillon Borton is a community-focused banking professional with more than 15 years of experience in financial services and nonprofit leadership. As Vice President and Senior Business Banking Relationship Manager at KeyBank, Dillon partners with businesses and nonprofit organizations to provide strategic financial guidance and support long-term growth and sustainability.

Dillon has a strong track record of board service and civic engagement. In addition to his current role on the board of New Narrative, he has served on several nonprofit boards and advisory committees throughout the Pacific Northwest, lending his financial expertise and leadership to organizations committed to social impact, education, and youth services. Most notably, Dillon served as Chair of the Capital Campaign for the Columbia Gorge Children’s Advocacy Center, where he successfully led efforts to secure critical funding for expanding trauma-informed services for children and families. His collaborative leadership style and results-driven approach helped ensure the long-term viability of this essential community resource. With deep roots in Oregon and Washington, Dillon is passionate about building stronger, healthier communities. He brings to New Narrative not only his financial and strategic planning acumen, but also a steadfast commitment to mental health equity, systems innovation, and inclusive leadership.

Tom Kramer

ATTORNEY – RETIRED

Tom, along with his wife and dog moved to Portland from Connecticut in May, 1980, after Tom graduated from law school and Mt. St. Helens erupted the first time. While studying for the Oregon bar exam, the mountain erupted several more times, leading them to wonder what they had got themselves into.

Tom served as a law clerk for two years to a wonderful, compassionate judge and then entered the private practice of law. He practiced law for 35 years in Portland, working for the most part in law firms that specialized in employment law.

Since retiring from practicing law, Tom has served on the boards of a social-service agency and his neighborhood association, taught courses at the Seattle University and Lewis & Clark Law School and volunteered at two local high schools. At one of the high schools, Tom got to know Board member Jahed Sukhun, who introduced him to New Narrative. He has been impressed by the New Narrative staff members he has met and what he has learned about the organization’s beliefs and objectives.

Kate Friedman

CHAIR, NORTHSTAR ADVISORY BOARD

Bio coming soon