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Oregon Historical Society Hosts History Makers Gala

OHS Board President Mort Bishop, Sarah Mensah, Brian B. Obie, Tillamook County Creamery Association CEO Patrick Criteser, and Liz Shuler.

Portland, OR. The Oregon Historical Society’s (OHS) annual Oregon History Makers Awards & Dinner recognizes contemporary individuals and organizations who are positively shaping the history, culture, and landscape of Oregon. Pictured above are OHS Board President Mort Bishop, and 2023 Oregon History Makers Sarah Mensah, Brian B. Obie, Tillamook County Creamery Association CEO Patrick Criteser, and Liz Shuler. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

About the recipients:

Brian Obie’s revolutionizing leadership has left an indelible mark on Eugene, Oregon, creating upscale environments that celebrate local art, food, and businesses.

Sarah Mensah has forged a pathbreaking career in both the professional sports and athletic apparel industries.

Liz Shuler made history in 2021 when she was elected as the first woman president of the AFL-CIO, a federation of 56 unions with 12.5 million members.

Tillamook County Creamery Association operates production facilities in both Tillamook and Boardman, employing more than 900 people throughout Oregon. It recently exceeded $1B in retail sales.

Pat Reser and William Westphal

The gala on October 1st also raises funds for the Oregon Historical Society’s important work to collect, preserve, and interpret Oregon’s past.

Anne Naito-Campbell and Mary Lang Bishop

From The Oregon Historical Society:

Each year, the Oregon Historical Society honors living leaders and organizations that are making history through scientific discovery and exploration; innovations in business, communications, and the arts; or service in their communities. Whether they were born here, lived here, or work here, these Oregon History Makers represent the best of what the state has to offer.

Here’s more about the 2023 Oregon History Makers:

Sarah Mensah – TRANSFORMATIVE SPORTS INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE

A graduate of Aloha High School and the University of Oregon, Sarah Mensah has forged a pathbreaking career in both the professional sports and athletic apparel industries. She spent almost two decades with the Portland Trail Blazers, eventually becoming one of the highest-ranking woman executives in professional sports. In 2013, Mensah joined Jordan Brand, and in 2021 made history as the first Black woman to lead Nike, North America. This year, Mensah returned to Jordan Brand as President, the first woman to hold that position. Throughout her career, Mensah has excelled at developing, empowering, and guiding culturally diverse cross-functional teams through periods of change and growth.

Brian B. Obie – VISIONARY BUSINESS AND CIVIC LEADER

Brian Obie’s revolutionizing leadership has left an indelible mark on Eugene, Oregon, creating upscale environments that celebrate local art, food, and businesses. As president and principal owner of Obie Companies, Inc., his catalog of commercial and development accomplishments includes two nationally-acclaimed hotels in Eugene — the luxurious Inn at the 5th and the art-centric Hotel Gordon, named after his father — and a third, The Inn at 500 Capitol, located in Boise, Idaho. Obie is also responsible for the development of the 5th Street Public Market, and the new, beautifully designed Market Alley in Eugene. As a community volunteer, Obie has served on the Eugene City Council, as Mayor of Eugene, and as president of the University of Oregon Foundation.

Liz Shuler – PATHBREAKING UNION PRESIDENT

A native of Milwaukie, Oregon, Liz Shuler made history in 2021 when she was elected as the first woman president of the AFL-CIO, a federation of 56 unions with 12.5 million members. The daughter of parents who both worked for Portland General Electric, Shuler began her career working for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Oregon (IBEW) before becoming chief of staff for the IBEW president. A visionary leader and longtime trade unionist, Shuler believes the labor movement is the single most powerful vehicle for progress and that unions are a central force in leading lasting societal transformations.

Tillamook County Creamery Association – BELOVED OREGON BRAND

Founded in 1909 as a farmer-owned cooperative, Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) prides itself on its commitment to bringing to market the best-tasting, highest-quality dairy products made in the most natural way possible. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves real food that makes them feel good every day, Tillamook® produces internationally recognized, award-winning cheese as well as exceptional dairy products including ice cream, butter, and yogurt. Today, Tillamook® is in one in four households in the United States and recently exceeded $1 billion in retail sales. TCCA operates production facilities in both Tillamook and Boardman, Oregon, and employs more than 900 people throughout the state. As a Certified B Corporation®, TCCA upholds a commitment to being good stewards of cows, farms, communities, and the environment.

The Oregon Historical Society is dedicated to making Oregon’s long, rich history visible and accessible to all. For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platform, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

Oregon Historical Society
1200 SW Park Ave
Portland, OR 97205

Support OHS: The Oregon Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Federal Tax ID 93-0391599.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.