Honoring a Legacy. Inspiring the Next Generation.
The Hatfield Speaker Series celebrates the enduring legacy of Senator Mark O. Hatfield and explores why his leadership matters now more than ever.
This event brings together voices from those who helped turn Senator Hatfield’s vision into action—leaders, practitioners, and public servants who work to carry his values forward. Through conversation and reflection, panelists examine how Hatfield’s commitment to principled leadership, integrity, and public service continues to shape policy, institutions, and communities today.
Together, we explore what Senator Hatfield’s legacy means for students and emerging leaders, how those values are embedded in the mission of the Hatfield School of Government, and how HSOG can help prepare the next generation to lead with courage, compassion, and conviction.
Whether you are a student, alum, or community member, this event engages its living legacy and reflects on what meaningful leadership looks like in our current moment—and in the future.
2024 Speakers
| Speaker | Bio |
| Dave Robertson | Dave was a member of
Sen. Hatfield’s legislative policy staff in
Oregon and Washington DC. He currently
serves as Chief of Public Affairs Officer
for Port of Portland. |
| Tom Imeson | Former VP of Public Affairs
with NW Natural, Tom served as chief of
staff for Governor Goldschmidt and spent
over 15 years working with Senator
Hatfield. |
| Marth Bennett | As the current City
Manager of Lake Oswego, Martha has
over 25 years of local government
experience. She worked for Sen. Hatfield
from X to X.
Phil Kiesling- |
| Phil Kiesling | Phil served as Oregon
Secretary of State from 1991-99. Before
his retirement, he supported the Hatfield
School’s Center for Public Service as
Executive Director. |
| Laurel Singer | Laurel joined the National
Policy Consensus Center in 2006, and
served as Executive Director from 2015
until her recent retirement. She also
supported the Hatfield School as Interim
Director until Dr. Nishishiba joined. |
2025 Speakers
| Speaker | Bio |
| Mike Jordan | As Portland’s City
Administrator, Mike leads the city’s
transition to a new form of government.
With decades of public service
experience including the Chief Operating
Officer at the State of Oregon and
Metro, he works to ensure transparent
and accountable city operations. |