Meeting/Event Information

Pre-Conference Leadership Opportunity – September 22, 2026

Athenian Leadership Dialogue (ALD): Learn more here.

September 22, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Limited to 35 Participants

Attendees are eligible for three (3) CMC/MMC points on completion of an assessment. 

In order to receive educational credits for the Athenian Leadership Dialogue, please respond to the ALD assessment questions. Responses are due by October 30, 2026, and must be submitted electronically to [email protected]. Click on the following link for the 2026 ALD Assessment.

OAMR Annual Academy – September 23, 2026, from 9 am to 5 pm

Practical HR for the Accidental HR Hero: A Municipal Clerk Bootcamp presented by Laurie Grenya, HR Answers

HR lands on a municipal clerk’s desk fast—sometimes with a form, sometimes with a “quick question,” and sometimes with a situation that carries real risk. This hands-on Academy turns HR into a clear, usable playbook built for municipal reality. Using the employee lifecycle as the roadmap, participants will learn the HR essentials that show up most often in clerk work: how to support consistent hiring and onboarding practices, how to help supervisors set expectations and document effectively, and how to recognize the “pause points” that require early escalation. The day includes real-world scenarios, practical language, and tools participants can use immediately—so they leave with greater confidence, cleaner processes, and fewer “we should have handled this sooner” moments.

What you’ll walk away with: a simple “what do I do next?” decision guide, intake and documentation templates, a follow-up/checkpoint timeline, and a file-separation map to support confidentiality and compliance.

Seasoned learners will focus on building repeatable systems that reduce rework and risk: standardizing structured interviews, documenting coaching conversations early, and creating clear escalation triggers so you stay frontline, not fixer. We will refine documentation quality (facts, dates, expectation or policy tie-in, and next steps) and practice mapping real scenarios into a simple workflow: document, connect to the right decision-maker, and follow up. Participants will also add a file map for what belongs where (personnel vs. medical/leave vs. investigation vs. I-9) and a retention-awareness snapshot to support clean, consistent records practices over time.

About Laurie Grenya

Laurie Grenya is President and Owner of HR Answers, Inc., an Oregon-based HR consulting firm supporting public and private organizations statewide. She brings 20+ years of public-sector HR experience and extensive work with cities and special districts. Her expertise includes employee relations, recruitment and selection, performance management, compliance, HR systems, classification, and compensation. Laurie is known for translating complex HR requirements into practical tools, templates, and plain-language guidance that help organizations stay compliant while staying human.

Attendees are eligible for three (3) CMC/MMC points on completion of an assessment. 

Lodging information

Use the online booking instructions to complete your lodging reservation(s). 

Go to https://www.chinookwindscasino.com/lodging/ and click the book now link.

2026 Conference Merchandise 

Order your OAMR merchandise with the official 2026 Conference logo here: https://www.bonfire.com/store/oamr-merchandise/

IIMC Certification Points!

September 24–25 – Annual Conference
Earn up to 2.6 CMC education or 2.6 MMC advanced education points

Because some conference sessions on September 24 and 25 are offered concurrently, attendees may receive credit for only one session during each concurrent time block. Attendees seeking conference certification credit must complete a learning assessment (KTAP) for each session attended.

Conference Day 1 - September 24, 2025 

10 am to 12:00 pm - Keynote Speaker: Your ‘Worst’ Resident:  Navigating People in a Politicized World,

Presented by Chris Astrella, MPA, B.S., WCPC.

If it feels like your “most difficult resident” has started showing up everywhere, or is multiplying, you are not imagining it. Public servants are working in a climate where routine questions turn political, conversations escalate quickly, and patience is in short supply.

This keynote looks at the different types of residents and their priorities; how media noise and heightened emotions have transformed public interactions, and why even simple exchanges can quickly escalate. Using relatable stories, real-world examples, and a dose of well-earned humor, the session breaks down what is truly happening in these moments and how to respond without losing your professionalism, credibility, or sanity.

Attendees will gain tools for de-escalation, setting boundaries, and communicating clearly under pressure, and they’ll find comfort in knowing they are not alone in these experiences. Expect honest conversation, useful strategies, golf carts (yes, you read that right), and yes, some fun too. After all, if we can’t find a little humor in our work, the ‘worst’ resident will always win.

About Chris Astrella

Chris Astrella, MPA, is a former municipal Clerk/Treasurer/Administrator with nearly two decades of experience serving Wisconsin communities. He’s a Past President of the Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Association and a recognized subject matter expert in digital government, cybersecurity, and modernizing municipal operations by incorporating AI.  Chris brings deep insight into the challenges and opportunities Clerks, Treasurers and Administrators face daily in an evolving public service landscape.

Chris shares his expertise as President and founder of Government Guru Speaking and Consulting and as a public administration professor for his Alma Mater the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. He lives in Las Vegas with his wife Dr. Julie and their dog Thumper;enjoying mild winters and continuing his mission to support governments across the world.

3:15 pm to 5:15 pm - Mastering Professional Boundaries for Municipal Leaders

Presented by Patty Mulvihill, League of Oregon Cities.

High-functioning local governments are built on a foundation of clarity and professional boundaries. When every official and staff member understands and respects their specific roles and responsibilities, communicates effectively, and operates strictly within their legal authority, the entire organization runs more smoothly. This session will explore why clearly defined roles are essential for municipal success. Additionally, the session will provide information on how the League of Oregon Cities and other similarly situated organizations can help reinforce and support the various municipal roles present within Oregon cities.

This session will outline the responsibilities and powers, including the limitations of power, for the various roles of key leaders within city government. Additionally, the session will explore both the legal and political risks in ignoring a particular role’s responsibilities and powers, or in exceeding a particular responsibility or power. And the session concludes by providing strategies to use when engaged in high-stakes communications.

About Patty Mulvihill

Patty Mulvihill is the Executive Director of the League of Oregon Cities (LOC). The LOC represents Oregon’s 241 cities in the legislature and courts, while simultaneously helping local government officials obtain needed training and secure access to municipal best practices. Prior to becoming the Executive Director in December of 2022, Ms. Mulvihill was the LOC’s General Counsel, a position which saw her provide legal advice to city officials across Oregon and provide numerous trainings to both elected officials and city staff. Before joining the LOC, Ms. Mulvihill was an in-house attorney for the city of Bloomington, Indiana.

3:15 pm to 5:15 pm - Breaking Down Big Requests: Practical Strategies for Managing Large or Complex Public Records Requests

Presented by Sara McKinney, Deputy City Recorder, City of Eugene

Processing large, technically complex, or multi-departmental public records requests can strain staff resources, impact timelines, and create uncertainty for both requesters and agencies. This session offers practical strategies for breaking down complex public records requests into manageable steps while maintaining compliance with Oregon Public Records Law.

Using real-world municipal examples, the session will guide participants through methods for clarifying request scope, identifying all relevant record custodians, and developing phased or tiered response plans. Attendees will learn how to document search efforts consistently, estimate time and costs when the scope is not fully known, and communicate proactively with requesters to ensure transparency and understanding.

The presentation will also cover common challenges such as overly broad requests, requests involving technical or engineering documents, multi-system searches, and situations where requests expand or change during processing. Participants will leave with adaptable workflows, templates, and tools they can implement immediately to improve efficiency and reduce organizational stress when managing complex requests.

About Sara McKinney

Sara McKinney is the Deputy City Recorder for the City of Eugene, where she oversees the City’s public records program and ensures compliance with state and municipal records requirements. She has extensive experience managing complex, cross-departmental public records requests and developing internal processes that support transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery. Sara’s work focuses on practical solutions, clear communication, and building systems that allow staff to handle complicated requests with confidence.

Concurrent Session 3:15 PM to 5:00 PM - The Budget as a Leadership Tool

Presented by Vincent Ferraris, MPA, City Manager, City of King City

Budgeting is often viewed as a financial exercise, but effective leaders understand that budgets are among the most powerful tools available to shape organizational priorities, allocate resources, and drive meaningful results. This session will explore how local government professionals can use the budget process as a leadership tool to support strategic goals, improve operations, advocate for organizational needs, and strengthen relationships with elected officials, department leaders, and the community.

Designed for municipal recorders, deputy recorders, and administrative professionals, this course will provide practical insights into the connection between leadership and budgeting, regardless of an individual's role in developing the organization's budget. Participants will gain a better understanding of how financial decisions influence service delivery, organizational culture, staffing, technology investments, and long-term planning.

Through discussion and real-world local government examples, attendees will learn how to communicate needs effectively, align budget requests with organizational priorities, and become more influential contributors to the decision-making process.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand budgeting as a strategic leadership tool rather than solely a financial process.
• Identify opportunities to influence organizational priorities through the budget process.
• Learn techniques for effectively communicating operational and resource needs.
• Develop strategies to align departmental requests with broader organizational goals.
• Explore how budget decisions impact service delivery, staff development, and organizational success. 

About Vincent Ferraris

Vincent Ferraris serves as the City Manager for the City of King City, Oregon. He is a strategic public-sector leader with more than two decades of experience driving results across city, county, and regional government.

As City Manager, Ferraris is responsible for overseeing municipal operations and implementing policies established by the City Council. He provides leadership and direction to city departments, including finance, community development, administration, and public services, to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of services to residents.
Ferraris also oversees the development and administration of the city’s annual budget, long-term financial planning, and strategic initiatives that support responsible growth and infrastructure investment. He works closely with the Mayor, City Council, regional partners, and community stakeholders to advance city priorities and maintain strong fiscal stewardship.

Before joining King City, Ferraris served as Capital Finance Manager in the Budget Division at TriMet, where he supported regional transportation finance and capital planning. His career also includes public safety service as an investigator and deputy sheriff with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and as a Program/Project Manager for the City of Portland.

Ferraris earned an Executive MBA from the University of Oregon and a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Organizational Leadership from George Fox University.

Conference Day 2 - September  25, 2025

9 am to 12:00 pm - Municipal Solutions Lab, Capped at 30 participants.

Presented by Chris Astrella, MPA, B.S., WCPC.

First, what exactly is The Public Service Lab? Simply, it's a timed event where groups of people quickly develop solutions to a given problem (or case study). For it to work, we’ll require 4-6 vendors (we already have 2 signed up) and a 3-hour block of time. 

The room is divided into equal groups, a case study is presented, and groups interview each vendor for 15 minutes. After the interviews are over, the groups have 30-45 minutes to come up with a solution to the presented problem, if they can! Then, the groups present their solutions to a panel of experts to determine the winner. This is a proven method (in the academic world) to get attendees involved, engaged, and to think critically and work as a team. Hosting a hackathon will create coveted opportunities for vendors to meet attendees and share their solutions in a more personal way than a normal exhibiting table at a conference.

About Chris Astrella, MPA,

Chris Astrella, MPA, is a former municipal Clerk/Treasurer/Administrator with nearly two decades of experience serving Wisconsin communities. He’s a Past President of the Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Association and a recognized subject matter expert in digital government, cybersecurity, and modernizing municipal operations by incorporating AI.  Chris brings deep insight into the challenges and opportunities Clerks, Treasurers and Administrators face daily in an evolving public service landscape.

Chris shares his expertise as President and founder of Government Guru Speaking and Consulting and as a public administration professor for his Alma Mater the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. He lives in Las Vegas with his wife Dr. Julie and their dog Thumper;enjoying mild winters and continuing his mission to support governments across the world.

9 am to 12:00 pm From Candidate to Council: Inspiring Service and Running Successful Municipal Elections

Presented by Alissa Kolodzinski, City Recorder, City of Ashland, and Sabrina Cotta, City Manager, City of Ashland

Recruiting good candidates for local office isn’t always easy. Many community members don’t see themselves as “elected official material,” and others simply don’t understand what the role really involves. At the same time, city managers and city recorders are working behind the scenes to make sure every election runs smoothly, legally, and transparently. This interactive session focuses on both sides of that equation: building community excitement about serving in office and delivering a successful, well-run municipal election.

Explore practical, real-world strategies for identifying potential leaders and encouraging and supporting their decision to run. We will share straightforward outreach tactics that demystify the process, so it feels accessible rather than intimidating.

Examine how the city manager and city recorder roles can complement each other during an election cycle: aligning timelines, communicating clearly with the public, and delivering error-free administration while remaining nonpartisan.

Finally, we’ll dig into the technical side of serving as an election officer, key timelines, candidate filings, public notices, ballot preparation, compliance responsibilities, and risk management. Attendees will walk away with tools, examples, and ideas they can put into practice immediately.

About the Speakers

Alissa Kolodzinski brings a diverse background in administration, finance, project management, supervision, and public service. She has served as the City Recorder for the City of Ashland for nearly three years, supporting City Council operations, records management, and elections while promoting efficient local government processes. Outside of work, Alissa is a devoted cat mom to three special-needs animals and enjoys crocheting and hiking in her free time.

Sabrina Cotta serves as the City Manager of Ashland. Formerly, she served as the Deputy City Manager, Finance Director, and HR Director. She has worked for several cities, counties, and special districts. A government nerd through and through, she is a graduate of the University of Alaska with a master's in public administration and the University of Arizona with a master's in political science.  She enjoys watercolor painting, crocheting, and hanging with her husband of 20 years and their seven-year-old daughter.

9 am to 12:00 pm - Thriving Together: Strategies for Small Municipalities

Presented by Mentoring Committee

Small cities routinely manage complex responsibilities with limited staffing and constrained resources. This panel discussion is designed for city recorders, municipal leaders, and the many positions within a municipality or special district serving small government organizations who are seeking practical, innovative approaches to strengthen operations and enhance service delivery. Drawing from everyday experience and peer success stories, panelists will share strategies on various topics including building professional support networks, mentoring within organizations, collaborating with neighboring cities, and creating opportunities for job shadowing and knowledge-sharing. The session will also provide practical examples of adaptable templates, policies, and resources related to records requests, records management, Council Rules, City Charter amendments, and emerging artificial intelligence tools, including ChatGPT and other AI-based resources.

Panelists will further discuss approaches to cross-training, regional collaboration, and cost-effective tools that improve efficiency, transparency, and public engagement. Whether serving a community of 100 residents or 5,000, attendees will leave with practical ideas and actionable solutions to confidently address the day-to-day challenges facing small municipalities.

Designed for experienced municipal professionals as well as emerging leaders, this session moves beyond foundational concepts to explore advanced, real-world solutions tailored to the operational realities of small cities. Topics will include best practices for a multitude of operational topics, evaluating affordable technologies to support digital transitions, and managing agendas and records processes while maintaining transparency and legal compliance. Participants will also gain insight into workforce efficiency strategies, including cross-training in multi-role environments and sharing resources across jurisdictions.

In addition, through open and practical discussions, this session will touch on seasoned perspectives, and innovative problem-solving. This session is designed to equip attendees with tools to lead effectively with adaptability, resilience, and strategic foresight.

1 pm to 2:30 pm - Records and Regulations Listserve Café

Presented by Records and Regulations Committee

This session brought to you by the Records and Regulations Committee will give you an opportunity to mine the collective knowledge base of your fellow recorders on the following topics:

·         Artificial Intelligence Best Practices - This session explores how recorders and departments across municipal government are leveraging AI to manage workload, featuring commonly used prompts, real-world examples, and a candid look at the pros and cons. Attendees will also learn best practices for maintaining confidentiality and using AI responsibly in a public sector environment.

·         OR State Retention Schedule – Learn about the lessons gained from the past year in implementing the new retention schedule. Get your questions answered about workflow; email, text, and digital records; training and culture; legal risk and compliance.

·         Public Meeting Law – Elected officials across the state are claiming that OGEC’s new rules impede their ability to do their jobs. Explore current challenges, share strategies and learn tips to strengthen compliance across areas such as communication, transparency, and documentation.

   · Participants will rotate through a facilitated discussion of two of the three table topics and come away with concrete and practical new ideas to implement in their jobs.

1 pm to 2:30 pm - Information management and user experience design

Presented by Rachel Thomas, MA, CMC, DASC, City Recorder, City of Newberg & Rachael Bateman, MLS, CMC, City Recorder, City of Cornelius

I just can't find anything on the website! There are just too many records; I just don't know where to start! This hands-on activity will share theories and methods for organizing information, evaluating how users navigate information, and practical applications of organizational theories stemming from archival and library practice. This session will conclude with practical advice for leveraging these skills for website redesigns, records projects, and everyday information sharing.

About Rachel Thomas

Rachel Thomas has an MA in Early American and United States History from the College of William and Mary and is currently enrolled in an MPA program with Columbia Southern University. She holds her CMC and Digital Archives Specialist Certification. Rachel spent over a decade as an archivist in the university setting before making the jump to municipal government. During her time working as an archivist, she also served as an adjunct professor of history and liberal arts.

About Rachael Bateman

Rachael Bateman holds a BA in English Literature and a Master of Library Science and is a Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC). With a professional background rooted in education and librarianship, Rachael brought her love of information, research, and organization to municipal government. During her time with the City of Cornelius, she has worked for the Library, Public Works, and Community Development departments before finding her place as the City Recorder. She has a particular passion for information and records management and enjoys the challenge of turning complicated, sometimes messy information, into systems that make sense.

3 pm to 5:00 pm - Closing Session: The Energized Employee: Beating Burnout, Staying Positive, and Uplifting Others Even on Tough Days

Presented by Desi Payne

You walk into your workplace and feel it immediately, the tone is lighter, people communicate with respect, and everyone gets along. The work is still demanding, but the atmosphere gives you energy instead of draining it. Now that feels like a dream job! But let’s face the reality is that many employees today are disengaged, disconnected, burned out, and overwhelmed. If that sounds familiar, it might be time for a REBOOT! This high-energy keynote will help your team recharge their mindset, boost morale, increase engagement, and reignite the drive to perform at their best. In this keynote, participants will learn a simple daily framework called a REBOOT to shift the atmosphere and make their current job their dream job. They will leave with practical tools to protect their energy, uplift the people around them, and create a healthier, more positive workplace, even on tough days. Desi delivers practical tools with humor and heart. Get ready for a keynote that’s not just motivating—it’s energizing, interactive, and downright fun!

About Desi Payne

Desi Payne is a leading authority on workplace culture, stress management, and team engagement. As an award-winning international keynote speaker, she equips professionals with actionable strategies to “Make Your Current Job Your Dream Job,” even when stress and pressure are high. Desi’s expertise is rooted in her 25-year career in the hospital industry, her successful journey as a business owner and entrepreneur, and her personal triumph as a cancer survivor. This real-world experience gives her a deep understanding of the challenges facing today’s leaders and teams.

Desi has delivered keynote presentations, workshops, and trainings in 27 states and internationally, impacting hundreds of organizations, including industry leaders like Utah &North Dakota School Nutrition Association, Farm Bureau Insurance, Century 21, Kinseth Hospitality, and McLeod Health. Her reputation for combining actionable content with humor and memorable storytelling has made her a sought-after speaker for conferences, corporate events, and leadership retreats.

As a certified John Maxwell Leadership Trainer, Desi brings world-class leadership principles to every stage and has had the privilege of sharing the spotlight with legendary leaders such as John C. Maxwell. She is also a regular TV personality on the lifestyle program, Hello Iowa!

She is the host of The Energized Leader podcast, where she interviews exceptional leaders across America, providing listeners with practical, real-life strategies for inspiring teams and transforming workplace culture. Desi is also the author of three books—Manage Stress Without Losing Your Mind, Give Me Some Chocolate…I’m Stressed!, and Do You Work with the Living Dead?—which are celebrated for their humor, insight, and immediate applicability to real-world challenges.

Desi's approach blends research-backed frameworks with authentic storytelling and interactive engagement, ensuring every audience walks away empowered and equipped for change. Whether she’s speaking to frontline staff, corporate managers, or C-suite executives, Desi Payne is the speaker who turns every keynote into an unforgettable, energizing experience that sparks growth and lasting impact. To learn more, visit DesiPayne.com.

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