Insights by AARP Oregon

Insights by AARP Oregon is a free podcast that connects Oregonians of all ages with the issues that matter most to our state. Through engaging conversations with community leaders, experts, and AARP staff and volunteers, we offer valuable insights into the topics affecting you and your community.

Each episode covers practical, actionable information on subjects like healthcare, retirement planning, caregiving, new research, and key legislation. We also highlight resources and opportunities for you to get involved in shaping the future of Oregon.

Stay informed about AARP’s work locally and nationally, and learn how you can make a meaningful difference in your community.

Questions or suggestions? We’d love to hear from you at oraarp@aarp.org.

Episodes:

• Episode 1: Volunteerism
  

Meet the Team

Elaine Friesen-Strang, Host

Elaine’s career was in social services, the last 20 years of which she directed a state guardianship program. A strong believer in community volunteerism, she has been involved with many organizations including serving as AARP Oregon Volunteer State President, co-developing NeighborWalks, and co-facilitating the Statewide Age Friendly Listening Tour. She served on the Metro Transportation Funding Task Force, Broadway Corridor Development Task Force, Governor’s Commission on Senior Services, Portland Age and Disability Inclusive Neighborhood Committee, among other commissions and work groups. She and her husband live in NE Portland where she enjoys spending time with their grandchildren, playing piano, and advocating for Livable Communities.

J. Michael Schultz, Co-Host

Michael Schultz’s 35+ year nonprofit career focused on philanthropy, administration, and executive leadership. He retired in 2021 as Executive Director and Philanthropy Officer for Legacy Health in Portland, where he collaborated with donors, foundation trustees and leadership to secure philanthropic resources for health care initiatives and programs. Formerly, he served as Vice President of Community Impact and Director of Strategic Marketing for the United Way of the Columbia Willamette. In his early career as Executive Director for the Southeast Asian Refugee Center in Vancouver, WA and Head Start Director for Utah Navajo Development Council, he served immigrants, refugees, and marginalized communities. He has held many professional leadership roles, including Chair of the 211info Board of Directors, Co-chair of Oregon Volunteer Commission, Chair of Multnomah County Citizen Involvement Committee, and President of the American Marketing Association’s Oregon Chapter. Michael has a B.S. in Sociology and a M.S. in Urban Studies and Policy Analysis. He lives in NE Portland with his wife Shirley and son Luke. Michael is a kayaker, hiker, and amateur painter.

Bill Hamilton, Team Member

Bill Hamilton is a lead volunteer and speaker for the AARP Fraud Watch Network. He has worked with AARP Oregon for more than seven years. Bill Hamilton joined the fight against fraud after seeing a family member become a victim of fraud. Bill is a member of the Speaker Bureau for AARP Oregon and a frequent speaker at “Scam Jams” around the state in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Justice, Division of Financial Regulation and the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.

Howard Ellberger, Team Member 

Rachel Marty, Producer

Rachel is currently pursuing a Master’s in Strategic Communication at the University of Oregon. She also serves as the Events and Recruitment Co-Chair on the Portland Student Council at UO Portland.

Rachel is passionate about using her digital skills to better her community. Her love for helping others has led her to a variety of exciting roles in the media industry, including content creator, project manager, reporter, and editor.

Rachel is dedicated to using her communication skills in the public interest sector to inspire positive change in communities. She is currently interning at the Oregon state office of AARP, gaining hands-on experience in advocacy and social impact. Looking ahead, she hopes to expand her experience with social change-focused agencies to make a lasting difference.