Our Team
Erik Andersson
President
Office: 503-837-1800
eandersson@sedcor.com
With 30+ years of experience in economic development, Erik’s background includes work in the utility industry, serving as Economic Development Manager for Tacoma Public Utilities and Pacific Power. He was also the regional coordinator for Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s Economic Revitalization Team and a Business Development Officer with Business Oregon. He also has served as a SEDCOR board member; as a president for Oregon Economic Development Association; chair for the Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority and a board member of Restore Oregon and Rural Development Initiatives. He was awarded the Oregon Economic Developer of the Year in 2014.
Born and raised in New York, Andersson received his bachelor of science degree in agricultural economics from Cornell University in New York and his masters of business administration from McGill University in Canada. Known for his enthusiasm for the region, Erik works on economic development projects to support the communities and traded-sector businesses throughout the region.
Jenni Kistler
Director of Operations
Office: 503-837-1801
Cell: 541-918-1588
jkistler@sedcor.com
Jenni is likely to be a familiar presence to many, having spent the past eight years working with Oregon cities through her role at the League of Oregon Cities. There she managed many of the member facing programs and projects, including the Annual Conference, affiliate conferences, training program, and the Small Cities program. She is excited to focus her passion for serving her community and the SEDCOR members who make the area such a fantastic place to live.
Jenni grew up in the Willamette Valley, residing in Brownsville and attending Central Linn schools and Linn Benton Community College. She received her Bachelor of Science from New York University in 2010 before returning home to Oregon. Jenni lives in Independence with her husband Jason, son Jackson, and their cat Oscar. She enjoys being involved in her community and spending time with her family.
Naureen Khan
Marketing & Communications Manager
Office: 503-837-1802
naureen@sedcor.com
As a native Oregonian, Naureen has a strong passion to tell local stories and promote the growth of Oregon businesses. Previously, she worked as Communications & Public Relations Account Manager at Gard Communications where she has worked with a range of clients including those in the nonprofit, environmental and philanthropy fields. She has specialized in social media strategy and marketing outreach. In addition to managing SEDCOR’s communications and events, Naureen also works part-time for Friends of Frog Ferry, an initiative to bring a ferry service to Portland.
Naureen holds a degree in Marketing and International Business with an Economics Minor from Portland State. During her time at university, she studied abroad in Hong Kong and Japan. Her time in Hong Kong taught her about global business and economics operations. While in Japan, Naureen learned about earthquake and crisis resiliency and how it relates to Oregon’s preparedness for “The Big One”.
Outside of work, Naureen is a board member of GlobalPDX, an organization that connects globally-minded Oregonians, and also serves on the Dundee Community Committee, a volunteer group that plans family events for residents of Dundee. She also is professionally trained Bollywood dancer and spends her time looking for more ways to be sustainable.
Alex Paraskevas
Polk County Business Retention & Expansion Manager
Cell: 503-931-3148
alexp@sedcor.com
As the Polk County Business Retention and Expansion Manager at SEDCOR, Alex serves businesses and communities as a strategist, connector, and partner. Alex serves on a variety of boards and advisory committees including Oregon State University’s Extension Citizens Advisory Network; the city of Independence Planning Commission; Indy Idea Hub and the Oregon Beef Council.
Prior to SEDCOR, Alex worked 10 years at Willamette University where he served as assistant director of alumni communication and then as associate director of research and prospect management. He also previously worked in Publication Services at the Oregon Legislature Counsel. Alex is a graduate of the University of Oregon/Clark Honors College where he studied Political Science and International Studies. Alex grew up in Salem and graduated from South Salem High School.
Abisha Stone
Yamhill County Business Retention & Expansion Manager
Office: 503-837-2131
astone@sedcor.com
Yamhill County Business Retention and Expansion Manager Abisha Stone’s strategy is to ask questions, listen and take into consideration what is best for each individual traded-sector business. Her position was created after SEDCOR was awarded a contract by Yamhill County to provide economic development to the county and its 10 cities.
Before starting at SEDCOR, Abisha was the production manager for Oregon Cherry Growers; the vice president of operations for Marion-Polk Food Share and the contract packing/relations manager for Truitt Bros. Inc. She is a board member and is the secretary on the executive committee for Oregon Aglink, a private, nonprofit volunteer membership organization dedicated to growing agriculture in Oregon through education and promotion and bridging the gap between urban and rural Oregonians.
Eager to assist traded-sector companies in Yamhill County, Abisha shared she takes a holistic approach to problem solving.
“With every person I work with, I first try to gain a deep understanding of what the business culture is and the strategic opportunities that could be implemented to meet the individual business’ needs,” Abisha said.
Kip Morris
Marion County Business Retention & Expansion Manager
Office: 503-837-1804
kmorris@sedcor.com
We are excited to welcome Kip Morris to the SEDCOR team as the new Economic Development Manager focusing on work in Marion County. Kip has a robust educational and practical background that will make him an exceptional resource for both our team and our region!
Kip has extensive experience in the utility sector, specializing in wind turbine energy. He has worked as a technician, providing hands-on support to various industries including food manufacturing, agricultural processing, data centers, and direct turbine work at heights. Kip’s role prior to joining SEDCOR was as the Apprenticeship Program Coordinator at Central Oregon Community College where he was solely responsible for developing programs, securing grant funding, and working with government agencies and local employers to ensure the successful delivery of skilled trades programs.
As a proud father of four daughters, family holds a special place in his heart. Weekends are often filled with outdoor adventures enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty, whether it’s camping, fishing, hiking, or cruising around on his motorcycle.