Meet the Commission

Julia is the senior West Coast manager for offshore wind development at the National Wildlife Federation 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.

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.

Scott Harden participates on the Policy & Legislation Committee

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 commissioner 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.

Asad Butt has lived in Portland since 2018. He is a Portland-based entrepreneur, startup advocate, and media professional. Most recently, Asad has been leading the Metro Region Innovation Hub, a local organization that entrepreneurs access regional resources to grow their startups. For over a decade he has built, operated, and advised startup accelerator and incubator programs across multiple sectors. In Portland in 2020, Asad launched Rifelion Media, a new media company committed to elevating diverse voices through podcasts and films. For more than 20 years Asad has been fascinated by the changing media landscape and how consumers are affected by it. Asad is excited to serve as a member of the Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission to help advocate for fair practices and to help protect consumers.

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.

Soren grew up in the mid-Willamette Valley where he attended high school at South Albany and later earned his BA as a first-generation college graduate from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. His diverse professional background includes time as a public middle school English teacher, a corporate trainer in health care IT, and his current work as a Senior Analyst at one of the country’s largest health systems.
Outside of his professional career, Soren is committed to service and supporting the Portland community. He has been a tireless advocate for workers, youth, and the environment as a volunteer, organizer, and candidate for public office. He believes that is an essential responsibility of society to ensure access to stable and affordable internet for marginalized and underserved communities.
Soren and his wife, Natasha, are both huge Thorns and Timbers fans, and love exploring the outdoors by hiking, camping, and paddleboarding across the beautiful Pacific Northwest. While not in the woods, they spend time with their beautiful and rambunctious cats, Mia and Sebastian.

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.

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.

Julia DeGraw

Scott Harden

Norm Thomas

Asad Butt

Leslie Goodlow

Soren Underdahl

Cherri Wagner

Jeff Dennerline

For MHCRC Staff Contacts please visit the Contact page

Commission

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Advocacy