Jessica Struyk
Professional Specialist, City of Gresham
Favorite book of all-time:
It is hard for me to pick just one. I love non-fiction– especially inspiring true stories.
Some of my favorites are:
- Strength in What Remains and Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder
- The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner,
- Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristoff
- Anything by Jon Krakauer
Book that is on your nightstand right now:
Fire at Eden’s Gate: Tom McCall and the Oregon Story by Brent Walth. It’s great so far!
(Fill in the blank) When you wake up in the morning, you are motivated by………
Opportunities to learn new things and challenge myself.
If you ran for elected office, what position would you run for?
I’m not interested in running for any office- that aspiration faded after being Senior Class President in high school (and having the ongoing responsibility of planning reunions). I much prefer to be on the staff side!
Your best piece of career advice:
“Follow your bliss” – if you’re unhappy in your job, you’re probably not in the right one. Other than that I would say work hard, be genuine and actively listen.
Your favorite social media outlet:
It’s a tie between Facebook and Pinterest!
Which actor/actress would play you in a movie?
Maybe Kristin Wiig from SNL- I loved her in Bridesmaids!
What is the home page on your web browser?
Good old Google.
Biggest issue facing local government:
Lack of public understanding of local government services and their value.
Two things that people will say about you at your retirement party:
Hopefully something about working well with and encouraging others and probably something like “now where will we get all of our unsolicited sports news?”
First concert that you ever attended:
Aerosmith-it was epic!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEa1K7-VWfA&w=560&h=315]
Name three of your mentors:
- Joe Gall, City Manager of Sherwood – he taught me how important connections are and encouraged me to get involved with professional organizations like OCCMA, ICMA and ELGL.
Erik Kvarsten, City Manager of Gresham – I have learned so much in the short time I have worked with Erik. He has an incredible knack for positively interacting with and showing appreciation for staff – I am convinced he knows all 500+ employee names!
- Dr. Phillip Cooper, Professor of Public Administration at PSU – Dr. Cooper was an great mentor during grad school and helped me find my way into local government.
Who is at the dinner table if you could invite any three people (dead or alive)?
- Hillary Clinton,
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- and to keep it interesting Chris Farley. Maybe we can meet in a van down by the river?
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nhgfjrKi0o&w=420&h=315]
(Fill in the blank) Government is ……..
where to be if you want to positively impact a community.
(Fill in the blank) ELGL is ……..
My go-to resource for the local government scoop and a wonderful way to get to know staff from other jurisdictions!
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