Meet our staff

Alejandro Queral, Executive Director

Alejandro leads the Center, providing strategic direction and ensuring the Center’s sustainability and adherence to its mission. He brings more than 20 years of policy advocacy and nonprofit leadership experience in public health, human rights and environmental policy, as well as a seven-year stint in the philanthropic sector. Alejandro holds advanced degrees in ecology and law. He enjoys hiking, birding, cooking and most of all, spending time with his son. Pronouns: he/him/el

Janet Bauer, Director of Policy Research

Janet leads our work on a number of policies that address basic needs, such as health care, food insecurity, and child care. She also focuses on ways to increase the take-home pay of Oregonians, such as strengthening the state’s EITC and stopping wage theft. Janet holds a master's degree in Urban Studies from Portland State University. When she’s not crunching numbers, there is a good chance she is out in nature birdwatching. Pronouns: she/her

T Harper, Business Operations Manager

Harper keeps the Center’s office and operations running smoothly, including bookkeeping, financial tracking and reporting, budgeting, human resources, and network administration.

They hold a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Kent State University. Harper is a naturalist, avian trainer, community gardener, photographer and herbalist, making potions with roots and flowers from the garden. Pronouns: they/she

Daniel Hauser, Deputy Director

Daniel is responsible for the coordination and integration of the Center's research, publications, communications, advocacy, and outreach activities. He also leads the Center's tax work. He earned his master's degree in Public Policy at Oregon State University and has been a campaign manager, dishwasher, security guard, and policy analyst in the past.

Daniel has written book chapters and academic journal articles but would rather spend his time with his family. Pronouns: he/him

Tyler Mac Innis, Policy Analyst

Tyler supports OCPP's policy research agenda by analyzing tax, budget, and economic data. He earned his master's degree in Community Development Policy at the University of New Hampshire, and previously directed the Welcome Home Coalition, where he helped secure significant new investments in homelessness services in the Portland region. Pronouns: he/him

Audrey Mechling, Digital Communication & Outreach Strategist

Audrey manages the Center's digital communications, using social media to influence the narrative on economic justice in Oregon. She oversees outreach to community partners to ensure the Center's priorities are in line with community needs. She earned her master's degree in Public Administration at the University of Southern California. She has previously worked at the Center as a policy analyst and in Oregon politics as a policy aide and campaign manager.

Audrey grew up in rural southwestern Oregon, and still loves escaping the city and heading for the mountains whenever she can. Pronouns: she/her

Nhi Nguyễn, Policy Analyst

An immigrant and first-generation college student, Nhi understands the profound impact of public policies on under-resourced communities. Her experience motivated Nhi to pursue a degree from Reed College’s Policy Studies program. She comes to OCPP with a background in education policy research and social justice advocacy. In her free time, she hunts for the best Bún bò Huế in Portland, eats a slice or two of durian cake, or pretends to exercise. Pronouns: she/her


Juan Carlos Ordóñez, Communications Director

Juan Carlos manages the Center's communication strategies and media relations, collaborates with coalition partners, and is a key member of the Center's policy team.

He’s a graduate of Harvard Law School, a former litigator, and former freelance writer. An immigrant from Guatemala, he’s a father of two kids attending Portland Public Schools. Pronouns: he/him


Roger Williams-Thomas, Development Coordinator

Roger makes sure that the Center’s fundraising efforts stay on track, connecting supporters and volunteers to the Center’s work.

A father of three, Roger holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Planning, Public Policy and Management from the University of Oregon. Some mornings you may see Roger jogging over the Sellwood Bridge to get to work. Pronouns: he/him