President--Linda Wakefield

My career background has always had something to do with accounting. From being a general office manager with responsibilities of accounts payable and receivables, payroll and support positions. I originally got started with IAAP when it was still PSI back in 1990 and I was working for the City of Gresham for 12 years. I joined the Oregon Trail Chapter in Portland where I held positions as vice-president, treasurer and membership chairs for several years. I moved to Eastern Oregon for 7 years where I kept my membership active until returning to the valley in March 2003. I then transferred to the Willamette Valley chapter and held the position of treasurer, president-elect and membership chair. Some of my hobbies are my 3 dogs, 1 horse and 2 cats. In my spare time, I enjoy music, sewing and scrapbooking.

I have twelve years experience as an Administrative Medical Assistant, as well as two years experience as an Administrative Assistant in Transportation and Parking Services at the University of California Santa Cruz. My family and I moved to Albany, from the San Francisco Bay Area, two-and-a-half years ago. Currently, I'm pursuing an Associates Degree of Applied Science in Administrative Medical Assisting at Linn-Benton Community College. I joined the Willamette Chapter of the IAAP as a way to gain valuable skills, so as to be a more effective employee and student. As a way of giving back to the community, I volunteer in the Outpatient Surgical Lounge at Samaritan Albany General Hospital, as well as with Evergreen Hospice. I'm the mother of a fantastic 15-year-old boy, an English bulldog, and two cats. My hobbies include gardening, reading, and crafts.

I am currently an insurance analyst with 10 years previously in collections in the medical field. I joined IAAP by approaching a current IAAP member and asked if I could join. I enjoy IAAP for the different professional topics that have been provided such as "How to write your Resume" and "Table Manners" plus fun crafts such as learning how to tie a really big bow! Working with the chapter gives me a sense of involvement among people I can connect with. I enjoy hiking and camping in the great outdoors.

I began my career at the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa (now Hilton Waikoloa) on the Big Island of Hawaii as a PBX Operator and then transferred to the Engineering Department as an Engineering Dispatcher/Clerk. After a short period of time, I was promoted to Assistant to the Regional Director of Engineering, Hyatt Resorts Hawaii. After four years of working for Hyatt, I accepted a position with the W.M. Keck Observatory as an Administrative Assistant for ten years and became the interim Public Relations Director while a director search was in progress. My husband accepted a job offer in Albany, Oregon, and I was hired by the Greater Albany Public School District as the Community Relations Secretary for three years. I currently work for Samaritan Albany General Hospital Foundation as an Administrative Assistant. In my spare time, I enjoy rubber stamping, scrapbooking, music, photography, traveling, gardening and cooking. I have been a member of IAAP for 11 years and have held the offices of President, Treasurer and Membership Chair.