A big welcome to OGEC's new trainers! 

We are excited to be growing and have recently added three new trainers to our team; Lex, Chris, and Ruth. Read on to learn more about them and what brought them to the OGEC team: 

Lex Tingey, Trainer

Tell us a little about your background, such as education and job experience. 

I grew up in northern Utah and lived there for most of my life. It’s where I went to school, met my husband, and started an 8-year career in marketing after graduating with a bachelor’s in psychology. I worked across several industries with travel being my favorite and automotive business being my most recent. I continued my education with a second bachelor’s in information technology, as well as a master's in management with a specialization in digital marketing. Two years ago, my husband and I packed up our dogs and moved to Keizer, Oregon. We’ve loved it ever since and have no plans of leaving!

What inspired you to apply for OGEC? 

I wanted to use the skills I had gained to do something that would focus more on my community. Finding the job listing with OGEC felt like a sign from the universe; it was a way for me to get more involved with the state and utilize my love of learning and training. Meeting the team during the interview process only solidified the want to join – the people working here are great!

What is your favorite part of your job here? 

So far, I’ve absolutely loved diving into the different laws and getting to know more about how the Commission and our team works. I’m excited to sit in on upcoming trainings, though, because I think that will quickly overtake the spot for my favorite part.

Dogs or cats? 

Dogs (we have a silver lab and hound mix that are giant loves), although my husband made the mistake of feeding the stray cat in our garden, so I think we’ve adopted them now.

Favorite color? 

I’m going to have to go with a dark teal; it’s the perfect mix of blue and green and reminds me of the ocean.

Favorite movie? 

Ooh, this one changes a lot, but the Everything Everywhere All At Once movie has been at the top for a while. I even have a rock with googly eyes for my desk!

Any hobbies or passions that you would care to share or talk about? 

I am definitely a hobbies person, which means I have a lot of crafts and projects open at any given time. Currently, I’ve been focusing on cross stitch, writing, aerial silks, and lyra. Gardening is another passion, but I’m still figuring out the fall to winter transition in Oregon.

Chris Brubaker, Trainer

Tell us a little about your background, such as education and job experience. 

I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I have spent the last 15 years in social work, working with two different non-profit organizations. I ended my time with them as a Quality Manager where I developed a quality department and led the project to get our organization nationally accredited, which we completed on my last week there.

What inspired you to apply for OGEC? 

Through the various events of my life, integrity has become a major value to me. Perhaps even my number one value. So, when I saw a job that was helping people who are trying to do the right thing it really hit home for me. I realize that not everyone’s motivation is always just, but even still, if I can help people understand confusing rules and do things the right way, I can consider my work a true value to our government and our communities around the state.

What is your favorite part of your job here? 

I love the collaboration that happens. Many jobs talk about how you are part of a team, but how the team parts actually play out isn’t always the most equitable or collaborative. Here, when there is a problem or confusing rule or confusing situation you literally have everyone around a table discussing it. Those discussions can take on varying degrees of volume and passion, but we are all working together towards the same goal which brings about an innate form of respect we all have for each other.

Dogs or cats? 

Both as long as they are living in someone else’s house.

Favorite color? 

Blue.

Favorite movie? 

This one is really hard. I love anything to do with space. I am a huge sci-fi nerd so any of those nerdy space movies is for me.

Any hobbies or passions that you would care to share or talk about? 

I love music and have played drums for 25 years. I love sports and enjoy both playing and watching them. I really enjoy building things like desks and tables and things like that. I also love technology always and forever.

Ruth Sylvester, Trainer

Tell us a little about your background, such as education and job experience. 

Most recently, I worked at Collins Aerospace in Wilsonville as an Engineering Project Assistant. I have a master's degree in rhetoric, writing, and culture from Oregon State University, and while I was there, I worked with the Writing Intensive Curriculum program doing faculty trainings and curriculum review.

What inspired you to apply for OGEC? 

OGEC is my dream job! I was drawn to the position because it offers robust opportunities to use my writing and communication skills to help people navigate nuance when it matters most.

What is your favorite part of your job here? 

Every day I learn something new, and I get to learn it alongside other people who care about details. That’s very exciting.

Dogs or cats? 

Dogs.

Favorite color? 

Purple.

Favorite movie? 

Fargo.

Any hobbies or passions that you would care to share or talk about? 

Every winter I knit a new hat. 'Tis the season!

We hope you enjoyed getting to know Lex, Chris, and Ruth more - we've loved getting to work with them and think they make a great addition to our team of Trainers! 

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