Meet the Commission

Julia DeGraw

MHCRC CHAIR - PORTLAND REPRESENTATIVE

Julia is the Coalition Director for the Oregon League of Conservation Voters and has spent her entire career in the environmental nonprofit sector. She was born and raised in the Portland Metro region and has lived here her entire life except for four years of college in Ashland, Wisconsin where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and Sociology from Northland College. In addition to her work on environmental issues, Julia is passionate about equitable access to fast, reliable, affordable, and secure internet––as it has become an essential utility much like electricity. Her experience interacting with thousands of residents, and community organizations, from her campaigns for public office, alongside her professional experiences make her uniquely suited to serve the diverse interests of people of Portland on the MHCRC. In her spare time, Julia loves snuggling her housemate’s cat, reading science fiction, eating good food with friends and family, and being outside in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest.

Julia DeGraw participates on the Policy & Legislation Committee.

Scott Harden

MHCRC Vice chair - Wood Village Representative

Thomas Wolfe wrote that you can’t go home again.  As it turns out, you can return to the Mount Hood Cable Regulatory Commission.  After 10 years of service, followed by a one year hiatus, Scott Harden in once again representing his home city of Wood Village on the commission.  He brings with him a history of service to Wood Village and East Multnomah County including three years as Mayor and 11 years on the Wood Village City Council.  Customer service, consumer protection and most of all CONNECTIVITY for the underserved and economically disadvantaged is Scott’s mission.  The MHCRCs community competitive grant program is another reason Scott is proud and privileged to serve.  In his spare time, Scott likes cooking for his lovely wife Charlotte.  He encourages his dog Sprout to bark at kitties, UPS truck drivers and the ever present Amazon delivery people.  Sprout is also on the lookout for the wolverines that have recently been spotted in the Portland area.  Like Scott, Sprout is a vigilant public servant.

Norm Thomas

Troutdale Representative

Norm Thomas grew up mostly in Coeur d’ Alene Idaho before moving to Portland when he was beginning his sophomore year in High School. He graduated from Centennial High School in Gresham Oregon. While in the US Army, he earned the rank of Staff Sargent. Alongside his wife, he returned to Portland upon leaving the Army. He graduated from Portland Community College with Computer programming degree. Since moving to Troutdale, he has served on the City Council and several other city committees. He has been a commission on the MHCRC a representative from Troutdale for over 25 years. He enjoys camping, watching baseball, traveling and attending community-theater plays.

Norm Thomas participates on the Finance Committee.

Richard Roche

Portland Representative

Richard Roche brings over 40 years’ experience working in telecommunications with PacBell and AT&T, including everything from climbing telephone poles, “fixing” customer issues, working with non-profits, managing philanthropic budgets, coordinating build efforts and local programing capabilities with local governments and communities, statewide franchise obligations and other career experiences to his role on the Commission. His past community service includes Board members for Self Enhancement, Inc and Worksystems and previous volunteer positions in Pasadena, Glendale, and Burbank. 

Richard Roche participates on the Equity & Inclusion Committee.

Leslie Goodlow

PORTLAND REPRESENTATIVE

Leslie Goodlow has lived in Portland since March 1971, most of that time in NE Portland. She is a Licensed Social Worker with degrees from Grambling State University and Portland State University. She has been a public employee since 1992, having worked for Multnomah County for more than 19 years and has been with the Housing Bureau since 2012. Leslie has two daughters and a new grandson. She also helped raise her two nieces. Leslie served as the Centennial President of the Portland Rose Festival, treasurer of the Pink Ivy Foundation, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Leslie Goodlow participates on the Equity & Inclusion Committee.

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Carol Studenmund

Multnomah County representative

Carol Studenmund grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the D.C suburbs. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago.  Upon graduation she moved to Portland, and has been here ever since. Carol and her husband enjoy exploring the Pacific Northwest with their kayaks and their hiking boots. Her son and daughter live here in Portland, and her step-daughter lives in Bar Harbor, Maine. A perfect day would consist of a great cup of coffee, time to read, a hike, and a Blazers game in the evening.

Carol Studenmund participates on the Policy & Legislation Committee.

Cherri Wagner

Gresham Representative

I am a native Oregonian and have lived in Gresham since 1992. My introduction to cable TV started when my father worked for Santiam Cablevision and he also owned his own cable system known as Marion Cable in East Marion County, hence my interest in this commission. I am sure no expert to any of current cable regulations but as a customer of services I hope I can add that expertise to the group. On a personal note I have been licensed as a RN since 1976 and have been a home owner in Oregon since 1973.

Cherri Wagner participates on the Finance, and Equity & Inclusion Committees.

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Jeff Dennerline

Fairview Representative

An Oregon native, Jeff Dennerline has spent most of his life entertaining, informing and educating people. The owner of a broadcast consulting company, he has a background in music, theater, film, radio and television. From humble ‘geek’ beginnings in high school band and theater, his journey has included working on mega-sized sporting and entertainment events like the Super Bowl and The Oscars. Most recently he sailed on a research vessel looking for Amelia Earhart’s downed airplane in the South Pacific. A pilot, woodworker, amateur chef and coffee snob, he’s never at a loss for a good after-dinner story.

Jeff Dennerline participates on the Finance Committee, and is the MHCRC appointee to the MetroEast Community Media Board.

For MHCRC Staff Contacts please visit the Contact page