The Oregon TRIO Association is a 501c3 organization that advocates on behalf of low-income and first-generation college students in the state of Oregon.
OTA’s mission is to increase the number of low-income and underrepresented students in higher education.
President – Chris Solario
Western Oregon University
Past-President – Naomi McCreary
Southern Oregon University
Treasurer – Mikala Kirdik
Rogue Community College
District 1 – Joe Soto
Portland State University
District 2 – Christian Smith
Rogue Community College
District 3 – VACANT
District 4 – Juan Navarro
Oregon State University
District 5 – Jodie Lawrence
Central Oregon Community College
District 6 – Adrian Trujillo
Western Oregon University
Communications Rep – Shari Shoohs
University of Oregon
Alumni Rep – David Hernandez
Student – Oregon State University Cascade
Matt Bisek
Matt Bisek began working for TRIO programs in the Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search programs at Clatsop Community College in 2015 as an advisor. Matt served as the treasurer of the Oregon TRIO Association (501(c)(3) non-profit) from 2018 to 2021 before taking on the position of Executive Director in September of 2021.
Matt is passionate about creating opportunities and removing barriers for first-generation and low-income students to pursue post-secondary education. He strives to grow the state TRIO association model to be a conduit between the practitioners who work directly with students and those organizations & foundations that have resources and opportunities available to positively impact students’ lives.
executivedirector@oregontrio.org
(971) 988-9506
Lily Smith
Lily is a proud TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) alum from the University of Oregon, where she discovered a supportive community that shaped her educational journey. With a background in education, she began her career teaching 3rd grade during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, an experience that strengthened her resilience and dedication to student success. She later transitioned into a TRIO Advising role with the University of Washington Talent Search grant, where she supported a cohort of over 300 students for three years. This work fueled her passion for helping first-generation and low-income students overcome barriers, find their potential, and achieve their dreams. During this time, Lily also served as the Government Relations Chair for two years with the Washington State TRIO Association, organizing the association’s attendance at Policy Seminar and advocating for educational equity.
Recently married, Lily has returned to Oregon to be closer to family and is thrilled to rejoin the
TRIO community in her new role. She is excited to continue empowering students and sees this work as her life’s calling. Outside of work, Lily loves baking, reading, practicing yoga and pilates, and spending time with her husband, Brad, and their adorable mini labradoodle, Finnley.
